What You’ll Experience in This Sober Ukulele Course
Registration Opens Monday, December 1st, 2025
Schedule & Format: – Join us at noon EST for 5 consecutive Saturdays starting January 10th, 2025. Each alcohol-free ukulele lesson is 75 minutes via Zoom. All sober music sessions are recorded and emailed with coursework if you miss a class. Weekly office hours provide additional support for your alcohol-free journey.
Requirements: – No prior ukulele or music experience needed for this beginner-friendly sober course. All you need is a computer, internet connection, and a ukulele. Check our FAQ for ukulele recommendations. Kala Ukuleles is sponsoring this course – use code ELEVATOR24 for 15% off your alcohol-free music instrument.
Three-Part Sober Learning Journey: – Part 1: Master ukulele basics for beginners – Part 2: Discover sound healing and vibration therapy for sobriety
– Part 3: Build accountability through alcohol-free community connections
Perfect for New Sober Musicians: – Recently quit drinking and seeking a new alcohol-free hobby? This beginner ukulele course is designed for you. The ukulele’s 4-string simplicity makes it ideal for those in early sobriety recovery.
Sound Healing for Sobriety: – Discover how music therapy and specific ukulele chords support your alcohol-free lifestyle. Learn evidence-based sound healing techniques that help balance your nervous system during sobriety.
Fun-First Approach: – This alcohol-free music course prioritizes enjoyment over perfection. Leave perfectionism behind – we’re here to have fun while supporting your sober journey.
Comprehensive Ukulele Training: – Master essential skills: proper holding technique, tuning methods, major and minor chords, strumming patterns, chord progressions, and popular songs perfect for sober gatherings.
Sobriety Support Integration: – Beyond music, this course addresses alcohol addiction recovery through community building, craving management techniques, mindfulness meditation practices, and exploration of various sobriety approaches including moderation vs. abstinence.
Intimate Sober Community: – Connect with like-minded individuals in small breakout rooms where you can safely discuss challenges of quitting drinking and celebrate alcohol-free victories together.
This course is brought to you by Kala Brand. Use the promo code ELEVATOR24 for 15% off. We ❤️ Kala Brand Ukuleles
Kala Learn To Play Soprano Ukulele Starter Kit $75
Kala Learn To Play Ukulele Tenor Starter Kit $119
Mandy Harvey Learn To Play Signature Series Tenor Ukulele $139
Don't forget a tuner and strap
Course Schedule
Session 1: Saturday, January 10th 12:00 PM EST
- Tuning – At 11:30 AM EST – If you need help tuning, log in 30 min early
- Course orientation – Meet your cohort and instructors
- Cravings: what they are and how to beat them
- Music as Therapy: Learn how the ukulele can help you quit drinking
- Let’s start making music: Uke basics
- How to Hold the instrument
- Learn the 4 strings.
- How to strum the instrument
- Learn the C, F and G chord.
Session 2: Saturday, January 17th 12:00 PM EST
- How to meditate with the Ukulele
- Learn a basic strumming pattern
- Understand the difference between a major and minor chord
- More chords
- Learn the Am chord
- Learn a chord progression
- The basics of music theory: 4/4 and 3/4 Timing
- Learn how to read ukulele tablature
- “Riptide” – by Vance Joy
Session 3: Saturday, January 24th 12:00 PM EST
- All tones contain geometric information. Let the music heal you
- So you want to sing do you This is how you’ll start
- Learn the first part of “I’m Yours” – by Jason Mraz
- Somewhere over the Rainbow Part I
- Start working on your song
- Week 3 recital
- Play something you’ve leared or something you’re working on
Session 4: Saturday, January 31st 12:00 PM EST
- A bit about alcoholism. Is it a disease? Is it genetic? Can my brain and body heal? What does a recovery path look like? Why can this be so hard?
- Share your favorite artists and musical influences with the group
- Learn what a seventh chord is
- Somewhere over the Rainbow Part II
Session 5: Saturday, February 7th
- The ukulele and your solar plexus
- Finding flow states wut your ukulele
- Understand the importance of sharing and owning your story. Begin to literally write a new story.
- RE Uke Recital Prep
- Course closeout: What’s next?
Recovery Elevator
AF Beginner Ukulele Course– Five 75-minute course sessions
– Small group breakout discussions with others who want to ditch the booze
– Coursework emailed directly after sessions
– Attend weekly office hours
– Zoom link for the course recording if you missed the session
– PDF and Audio versions of Alcohol is SH!T included
– Practical tools and tips to help you quit drinking
– Learn how to play the ukulele with other beginners
– As many laughs and smiles as you can handle
Registration opens Monday, December 1st, 2025
Use the promo code ELEVATOR24 for 15% off your Ukulele. Visit Kala Brand Ukuleles
Meet your course instructors
Paul Churchill is one of the Recovery Elevator podcast hosts and author of the best-selling book on Amazon Alcohol is SH!T. He’s learned that connection, accountability and a fun hobby such as playing the ukulele are to key to a successful alcohol-free life. An addiction to alcohol removed music from his life but music has been slowly returning in the nine years since Paul’s last drink, and he recently released an album on Spotify called Unite. Paul played lead guitar in rock bands during his early twenties and played at iconic venues such as The Roxy, and The Whiskey a Go Go in Hollywood. Paul was a few credits short of minoring in classical guitar in college and took flamenco guitar lessons while living in Spain during his 20’s. He also creates the music for the podcast, Recovery Elevator meditations and retreats. In Paul’s free time he likes to get outside with his standard poodle Ben, and has recently picked up mountain biking and surfing! He recognizes it was his “drinking problem” that gifted him the opportunity to teach sober ukulele courses to those who wish to quit drinking. How cool is that!
Ron Hagadone is a member of the Recovery Elevator community Café RE and an avid long-time listener of the Recovery Elevator Podcast. One original ukulele song is featured in the outro of episode 397. Ron said adios to the booze on August 21st, 2021, and has uncovered some wonderful nuances to performing while sober!! Born in Detroit MI and moved to Hollywood at age 25 to pursue music. Ron is a multi-instrumentalist/guitarist, has played in bands since 1975, toured the US and Canada, home studio owner, with multiple albums and production credits. He has a degree in Music Therapy and has held the title Board Certified Music Therapist for 20 years. Ron offers private and group instruction in guitar, ukulele and music production on line and in-person. Having an understanding of the healing attributes of music and associated health benefits, he brings a special skill set to the RE Ukulele course. In addition to music, Ron enjoys biking, RV travel, woodworking, and plant-based cooking. Motto: Meet the Strings and Make It Happen!
Justin Mosley – Blessing the world with the healing vibrations of music from a young age, he provides energetic performances with a plethora of instruments: Harp, Flutes, Bass, Piano, Ukulele, Percussion, and more. His life’s purpose is cultivating connection and healing for those suffering from trauma, addiction, and who are recovering from drug/alcohol abuse. He offers the healing power of breathwork, movement, and music as medicine, in the form of sound healing as well as soulful live shows with The Lovebyrds. Justin shared his story on the Recovery Elevator podcast on episode 254 and continues to remain alcohol-free. Paul (Recovery Elevator Podcast Host) and Justin met while attending a meditation retreat cruise with Dr. Joe Dispenza and they’ve been sober pals ever since!
Lola Lovebyrd (Laura English):A lifelong singer and musician, she offers her presence, voice and instruments including ukulele, crystal harp, percussion, bass and crystal bowls for deep healing. Her life’s purpose is to share her gift of divinely channeled melodies and lyrics that originally served as her own modality for wellness, before she began offering her music with The Lovebyrds. From angelic soul-stirring lullabies, to healing mantra songs she guides the audience to sing together, to upbeat life-affirming anthems, her music can be found blessing yoga studios as well as live music events.
What type of Ukulele do I need? What else do I need?
There are 4 different ukulele sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. All of them will work EXCEPT the baritone.
However, we recommend the Tenor size, which is the largest.
The sizes are as follows: Soprano 21” | Concert 23”| Tenor 26”
Any size Soprano, Concert, or Tenor ukulele will work, but if you’re purchasing a ukulele for this course, we recommend the Tenor size. The Tenor, which is the largest of the three, has more space on the fretboard for navigating and produces the most sound.
There’s no need to purchase an expensive instrument, however, a souvenir ukulele or instrument under $50 will be much harder to learn on. See above on this web page for affordable kids. If you’re wanting to pick up an intermediate Uke, here are some instruments we recommend. Use the code ELEVATOR24 for 15% off at checkout.
Satin Mahogany Tenor Ukulele $129
Gloss Mahogany Tenor Ukulele $159
Ziricote Gloss Tenor Ukulele $259
What else do I need? You need a tuner, extra stings, and a strap.
** We want to be transparent with affiliate links: if you do purchase a strap or tuner through one of the above links, Recovery Elevator will earn a small commission at no cost to you.***
What is your refund policy?
Refunds are issued for 14 days after the course start date. No questions asked.
Who is this course for?
This course is for the new comer to both the ukulele and sobriety. It’s geared towards anyone who is seriously questioning their relationship with alcohol or for someone who has previously tried to quit on their own and didn’t have the success they wanted. In addition, if you’ve recently quit drinking and are looking for a fun new hobby or healthy ways to fill your time, this course is for you. This course will also address the basics of sound healing and how an instrument can help add balance and happiness to your life.
What if I missed a session? Can I attend this course if I live on the other side of the world?
All sessions are recorded and a link is sent out within 3 hours of the course. We do recommend attending “live” as much as possible so you can participate in the small group breakout discussions and practice with your group. This course is on a Saturday midday so those in the EU can join. We do not recommend this course unless you can attend at least 4 of the 6 sessions live.
I see there’s a recital… tell me more.
That is correct! Weeks 3 & 6 there will be a recital where you’ll showcase what you’ve learned. You can play something you’ve learned during the course, a song that you have written, or the song that you have been playing to during the course. The point of this course is to have FUN, regardless of how proficient of a ukulele player you become. No need to sweat the recital – we are all learning ?
Oops, I drank during the course... now what?
You wouldn’t be the first or the last. Our advice is to keep showing up. Over and over. You betcha we value continuous alcohol-free time, but we feel there are other more important parameters of success, such as loving yourself and if you’re having fun learning the ukulele.
Can I sign up after the course start date?
Yes, but registration closes after the second Saturday
Is this course 12-Step based?
No, it isn’t. However, in one of the sessions, we’ll cover different healing modalities and A.A will be included. If you decide that A.A is right for you, then great! All course instructors have experience or currently attend A.A and we feel this course, in conjunction with your 12-Step program should add some major sobriety fuel to the tank.
Is this a religious or spiritual based course?
Religious no, but spiritual yes. We feel music is an expression of the divine and when we play music together as a group we are channeling creativity from source.
Check out Jill F. (Ohio) from our 2022 Ukulele Course
Playing ukulele on the beach is a magical thing. The only way to make it more magical is to play with someone else!
