Ukulele workshop highly acclaimed

Making the most of the opportunity to receive ukulele instruction from virtuoso A.J Leonard are (left) Margaret Kelly and Richard Mills. Photo / Ben Fraser

Ukulele fans had a double treat when acclaimed Australian ukulele player A.J Leonard performed at the Rotorua Museum.

The international performer also held a workshop at the weekend and Rotorua Museum public programmes manager Naiomi Murgatroyd said 15 people made the most of the opportunity to get ukulele tuition from one of the world's most acclaimed players.

Since 2009 Mr Leonard has been busy touring and recording.

He has produced eight albums and has another four albums in the planning stages.

Miss Murgatroyd said those who attended the workshop ranged in age and ability.

"There were absolute beginners right up to those of a high level [of ability]."

The ukulele workshop is the first music workshop the museum has undertaken and Miss Murgatroyd hopes it will be the first of many.

"We would love to hold more music workshops.

The Rotorua Museum has had a long association with musical performances, as it was formerly the Tudor Tower's nightclub.

Miss Murgatroyd said it is the perfect place to stage workshops and concerts.

"The foyer's acoustics are amazing and the museum is often approached by groups and choirs wishing to perform there."

The workshop ran for 90 minutes, then Mr Leonard performed on the museum mezzanine level accompanied by Jenny Rowland on cello.

Rotorua ukulele group The Thermalele's were the opening act for Mr Leonard.