Build a Ukulele
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Thank you for your interest in the Introduction to Lutherie Workshop at the Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts located in Marion, Virginia.
Many people are a bit intimidated to begin their Lutherie experience with our immensely popular guitar building workshops. Because of this, we have decided to begin offering two Ukulele Builds per year, introducing the participant to the materials and techniques used in guitar building only on a smaller scale.
Our Ukulele Build consists of one intensive week-long program. The class begins on Monday morning and continues through the week, finishing the initial build on Friday (late) afternoon. You will have the opportunity to build one Tenor Ukulele with the mentoring of our experienced Luthiers in our world-class Gerald Anderson Lutherie: Lee Talbot, Howard Sathre, and Randal Eller.
The cost of the class is $1200. This includes ALL materials and lunch daily. We will limit the class to 4 students. We ask for a $500 deposit to secure your bench and cover cost of initial materials.
We will hold two workshops per year; at this time, we know we will offer one the last week in October which would be Monday, October 28- Friday, November 1, 2024, and quite possibly (TBD) the third week in May.
Lodging is extra, with several affordable options available, a list with contact information will be made available once we receive your deposit to reserve your bench.
Tuition includes:
- Custom ukulele parts assembled by our instructors: Mahogany back and sides, choice of mahogany or spruce top and mahogany neck; fingerboards can be ebony or rosewood.
- Ukulele case
- Full lunch each day (M-F) and snacks/drinks throughout the day.
$500 deposit is required upon acceptance to reserve your bench. The balance is due first day workshop. We will accept payments up to the actual workshop, if you request to pay by PayPal or Credit card, you will assume the fees, because of this, many pay with a check.
Deposits are non-refundable. If you need to cancel your reservation and give more than 30 days notice, you may apply your deposit to a future workshop. If you cancel your reservation less than 30 days before the workshop start date, you will lose your deposit and you cannot apply this deposit to a future workshop.
Please understand your deposit and tuition will be refunded in full in the case of any course cancellation by The Henderson.
Partner Component
In the past we have had spouses that have accompanied their partners and were interested in exploring some of our other offerings. We now offer a variety of craft choices which may include pottery, Letterpress/Book Arts, quilting, stained glass/mosaic and more. If there is a particular interest, or perhaps a variety of general craft projects: mosaic, barn quilt painting, etc, let us know. The cost of the partner component is $1000 which will cover supplies, instructor fee, and meals with workshop participants.