5 Things I learnt from running online Masterclasses for 2 Years.
17 October 2022 | Posted By Erin Harrington
It's bittersweet.
The last Masterclass of my wonderful Ukulele Rockers Masterclub is happening next week (and it's a songwriting class...more info on that down the page) and I must admit it's been a hard pill to swallow making the conscious decision to end a program that I've created and poured my heart into since the dawn of COVID.
But, sometimes we have to step back to really appreciate something.
When I took some time out in South Korea I realised I was no longer practising what I was preaching within the Masterclub. I wasn't even practising my ukulele skills...
I'd barely touched my ukulele, or finished any new songs in months.
I'd released a song in June... but hadn't the heart to continue my own musical growth after being so burnt out from running two businesses (as well as taking on running the instrumental program at a beautiful Montessori school) to check in and ask my soul what it needed.
The answer was to go inward. To rest. To stop pushing so hard and to listen to the quiet whispers of where to next.
Even though I am ending Masterclub for the foreseeable future, I learnt what it truly was by asking the members in our last 'live jam' session last week what value it brought to them. I learnt 5 things from that discussion. We all left the 60min zoom sessions with full hearts, big smiles and greater appreciation for making music on the ukulele.
Read on to learn what 5 years of running an intimate niche music club taught me;
1. Making a space for people to feel safe in to create and express themselves is the biggest gift.
I witnessed many transformations within the group. By making my members feel safe, heard and seen at our monthly group check-in meetings, the members had permission to shine in their own authentic ways.
I saw people perform in front of others for the first time after 20 years of hiding in the closet. I saw a retiree write a wrap song and then go on to write his own repertoire of original songs after having the courage to perform solo. I saw women transform their lives, overcome the grief of loved ones, leave toxic relationships and step into their power by writing songs and singing their truth.
2. Community is everything.
When we have a place to belong where we feel accepted, we can climb mountains.
It gave our members wonderful experiences witnessing the transformation and realisation of others within the group from our live performances, jams and online classes. It wasn't just me running the show, it was the patience and kindess of the collective contributing to every class. Everyone deserves to feel accepted and safe.
3. Accountability is everything.
Most of the members who joined had started their own journeys on the ukulele, singing or some form of songwriting.. but they stopped when life got in the way. Most of the time... we will show up for other people rather than ourselves. Being consistent in any creative practise can be difficult and having a cheerleader to hold us accountable pushes us from slowing progress to accelerated goal-kicking tasks. The saying that I've learnt from partaking in personal development courses stays true... sure you can get there yourself.. it might take 6months or 6 years... but if you have an accountability buddy... you're likely to get there faster. We are the only ones who hold ourselves back.
4. The Ukulele world is the most humble, accessible and welcoming music community I've ever seen.
Because of zoom, I was able to host masterclasses with international stars of the ukulele world who were more than happy to feature in my classes. The Ukulele world is all about community and learning. I loved how people like Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Cameron Murray and Ten Thumbs Ukulele (youtube sensation) were approachable and happy to run specialist classes for my small group even when they could have said no. If you ever go to a Ukulele festival... you'll know what I mean.
5. Hosting classes, nurturing and interviewing people is something I'm really good at... and I intend to continue.
The thing I enjoyed most was discovering why people do what they do. I interviewed and hosted over 24 seminars on varying topics from strumming, picking, acting, music therapy, songwriting, production and even meditation. With every Masterclass I asked the question "how did you get here and why". I also ask every private client this when we work together. Finding out what inspires people inspires me. Asking deep questions in relation to the creative process makes me happy and most of all... seeing people have those realisations and 'aha' moments is the biggest gift I've ever received.
This is why I've started creating a range of Ebooks to help others have those 'aha' moments and start the process themselves... starting with my Songwriting Ebook.
Next week in our FINAL masterclass, we will be going through this book and exploring all the fun curiosities of writing songs and the creative process. If you'd like to be part of that, simply email hello@theukulelerockers.com to register your spot.
The final Masterclass will run Tuesday 25th October, 7-8pm (Brisbane Time) on Zoom.
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About the Author
Erin Harrington
Erin Harrington is the creator of The Ukulele Rockers and is a seasoned musician and songwriter known under her stage name, Miss Elm.