Carlsbad CA— There’s never a bad time to learn something new. That’s the attitude of dozens of residents at La Costa Glen, an area senior living community, who caught the wave of ukulele fever about a year and a half ago. Those residents had the musical itch and suggested a ukulele class be offered at the community.
Now, La Costa Glen employs Gerry Rahill, a local musician and ukulele enthusiast, to teach the Hawaiian instrument to the residents. He says the “uke” is a relatively easy instrument to learn but requires practice, patience and a curiosity to learn. For 15 years, he’s taught ukulele classes in the area, including at the Encinitas Community Center; University of California, San Diego; and area high schools.
Some of the residents at the community enjoy playing the uke so much that they started playing outside the class. They call themselves the Sometime Strummers. Resident Karen Kelly says they like to get together to jam and have fun with strumming and singing along. The group also performs concerts periodically at the community.
You’re never too old to learn something new. In fact, learning a musical instrument at an older age can improve brain function, relieve stress, and allow for much-needed socialization.
Rahill teaches two classes every Tuesday at La Costa Glen. From rock ‘n’ roll and country to folk and classics, he teaches it all.