Ukulele Residency Program

Classics 4 Kids brings music to life with our hands-on Ukulele Residency Program. Designed for students of all levels, this 8- to 12-week program offers weekly on-campus lessons in music theory and ukulele fundamentals, led by a skilled and passionate educator. By the end of the program, students will showcase their skills with a performance.

Program Highlights:

  • 8-12 weekly sessions held during or after school, customized for your site.
  • All instruments provided.
  • Taught by expert music educators.
  • Hands-on learning that builds confidence and creativity.
  • Designed for students ranging from grades 2 – 8.

Ready to bring music to your school or after-school program? Contact Corrine at chuber@classics4kids.org to learn more and book your Ukulele Residency Program.

Meet The Instructors

Christopher Behrens
Christopher BehrensUkulele Instructor
A South Bay San Diego native, Chris grew up immersed in both Mexican and American cultures, developing a passion for music at an early age. He honed his skills in mariachi music through school programs and formal training before performing professionally in Denver and San Diego with groups like Jarabe Mexicano and Mariachi 3.0. Chris has also dedicated himself to music education, directing mariachi programs at City Heights Music School and Nestor Language Academy.
Kristie Eleison Macogay
Kristie Eleison MacogayUkulele Instructor
With a background in Bluegrass, jazz, indie-pop, and classical music, and an Associate’s Degree in Music Education from Grossmont-Cuyamaca College, Kristie brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to every lesson. They perform and teach regularly across San Diego and love inspiring students to discover the power of music.
Rafael Pondé
Rafael PondéUkulele Instructor
Originally from Brazil, Rafa has been bringing joyful music-making to elementary and middle school students as a Classics 4 Kids instructor since 2023. A passionate performer specializing in Afrodiasporic music, he has recorded eight albums and collaborated with artists like producer Hans Martin Buff (Prince, Joss Stone), Grammy-winning pianist Bill Anschell, and the Brazilian band Natiruts.

Change a Life Through Music!

Help bring the joy of music to underserved students by supporting our Ukulele Residency program! Your donation gives students the tools and instruction they need to begin their musical journey—building confidence, creativity, and community along the way. Every dollar helps place a ukulele in the hands of a child who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

We currently have a wait-list of several under-resourced schools that lack the funds to bring this hands-on educational program to their students. Help us build our Ukulele Scholarship Program to make this program a reality for these San Diego students, with an exclusive opportunity available at the $1,000 level!

 Donation Levels to support 8-week in-school programming:

  • Support 1 student: $50
  • Support 2 students: $100
  • Support 5 students: $250
  • Support 10 students: $500
  • Legacy Gift – Support a full class of 20 students: $1,000 + “Adopt a Ukulele”

For each ukulele you “adopt”, we’ll place a permanent sticker on the back of a Classics 4 Kids classroom ukulele, personalized with your name and a brief message. These ukuleles will be used in classrooms as part of our music education program—shared and played by a variety of students throughout the year. It’s like sponsoring a brick in a museum walkway or a seat in a theater—your legacy gift becomes part of these students’ musical journey!

Leave a permanent legacy gift… adopt a ukulele today!

Founding Supporters of the Ukulele Scholarship Program:

Laura Bashore

Nancy Gatschet

Mimi Lee

Aveline Von Ehrenberg