It is time to welcome Bernadette Plazola to this space! Bernadette, better known as “Plazi” is a California-Based Ukulele player, teacher, and influencer. She has a master’s degree in education, a bachelor’s degree in music, and a teaching credential in music. Her Youtube Channel has more than 400k subscribers and her Instagram account has already more than 50K followers.
She’s one of our artists invited to the UKECON Festival 2022, so we wanted to give her a shoutout. So… without any further ado, let’s welcome Plazi to this online writing stage!
Hey Bernadette! Tell me about your Ukulele story?
I started playing the ukulele when I was hired to teach English in China. I wanted a small instrument to take with me and help me teach English songs. A few years later I was hired to teach music at a local middle school and I started an elective ukulele class that so many students enjoyed.
A year later I was hired to teach music at a private school in Okinawa, Japan. While there, I started my YouTube channel and the rest is history.
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How did you get started with music and what led you to the ukulele?
I started playing saxophone at 10 years old under the instruction of Mark Rasmussen. I continued playing saxophone throughout college and made the switch to ukulele about 6 years ago.
Who are your role models in the Ukulele world?
My students. Most of my students had no musical instruction before starting to play the ukulele and I find them so inspiring because they are self-motivated to learn how to play an instrument, perform, and share their music with others.
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
Nature. Every time I spend time outside with nature, I get fresh new ideas.
What 3 tips can you give to people that are starting to learn and improve on the ukulele?
Try the 30-Day Uke Challenge on YouTube! It’s a course I created to help people of all ages and levels to get started. You can also join our Facebook community, Ukelandia, to see ukulele players of all levels share their progress and ukulele journey.
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What lessons have you learned from being a performer/influencer/musician?
Practice makes progress. Even if you think you’re not improving, you are. You are your own toughest critic.
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ABOUT THE UKE-CON FESTIVAL 2022:
What are you excited about for the UKE-CON Summer Ukulele Festival?
I’m so excited to meet subscribers and artists that I have only seen online. I’m also excited to see my friends and get to share some time with them. Terry and the ULTP family are all very organized and welcoming, so I’m excited to see what they have planned for us all.
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What are you most looking forward to at UKE-CON?
I’m really looking forward to seeing the performances!
Tickets are almost sold out! Do you have any words for the attendees (both in person and virtual)?
Thank you so much for sharing your day and time with us. Artists like me are able to do what we do because of you.
UKE-CON is a great opportunity for people to connect with their ukulele teachers/artists/mentors. What do you like the most about being part of this one-of-a-kind ukulele community?
The ukulele community is so warm and welcoming. It doesn’t matter how long you have been playing or how good you sound… Just bring the right attitude and you’re in.
ABOUT BERNADETTE:
What are you currently working on (professionally and personally) that you are excited about?
I’m currently working on Ukelandia Magazine, a magazine made up of members of my community. We share tips, tricks, ukulele art, and inspirational stories about the ukulele.
What is your favorite quote or words of wisdom can you share with us?
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t –you’re right”. -Henry Ford.
Share one funny story about yourself that most people don’t know.
I can’t feel anything in several parts of my left hand. I tried stopping a candy jar from falling on the ground but it broke on me and caused nerve damage in several parts of my hand and legs. I thought the damage would keep me from playing the ukulele. I couldn’t move my hand for weeks. Thankfully my hand recovered 90% and I can play the ukulele (and guitar).
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How can people learn more about you and reach out to you? Do you have a website/store/channel where people can find your content?
Search for Bernadette Teaches Music on YouTube and Ukelandia Magazine.
Awesome!!! We’re really excited to see you at the UKE-CON Festival 2022 in San Diego, California, on August 27th.
Preparing the engines in 3……… 2……… 1……!
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