Does playing the ukulele on a patch of grass overlooking a waterfall taller than Niagra Falls sounds like a dream to you? Never thought of it? Well, that’s pretty understandable, but now that you’ve seen THIS insane video of Shoshone Falls, (you’re welcome) don’t you want to? The Shoshone Falls are in Twin Falls, Idaho, and so is Mark Tatro, an epic music, and incidentally Ukulele teacher. This is his facebook page, and here is his official website! He’s been teaching for 10 years and is passionate about his students playing what they like to listen to and what they like to play.

Another place to learn the ukulele in Twin Falls is Wakefield Music, who offer group and private lessons run by Ralph and Alyssa Wakefield, with Dave Kirkland as their Ukulele teacher. With over 30 years of guitar playing experience, and 14 years of teaching music theory, Dave sounds like the perfect teacher for those with any musical background and more serious learning goals. Here is the website which has all the contact details you need.

These two teachers aren’t the only folks playing the ukulele in the Twin Falls area. Korby Lenker is a professional musician and from Twin Falls. This is his twitter.  

He’s been described as as an Ingrid Michaelson-meets-Lyle Lovett pop folk artist. His sound is bluegrassy, reminiscent of Nickel Creek, whom he has shared the stage with, along with Ray LaMontage, Willie Nelson, and many more. He’s won lots of awards and played at lots of festivals, but the thing that really won us over is the story behind his most recent album Thousand Springs.  

He took minimal equipment and recorded the record all over Idaho in places that made him who he is. He then finished it up with friends all over the states, recording with them, and polishing it up in Nashville where is career is largely centered. You can read his personal blog about the journey here, but just to warn you, it can be quite the tear jerker.  

“I grew up in Idaho. My first band, Clockwork Orange, practiced in a basement in Twin Falls. I learned how to play guitar by listening to records and learning the licks, one note at a time. The way I play and think about music now has a lot to do with growing up there, feeling isolated from the outside world. There weren’t a lot of people around me making music. I had to go out and find it.” (From his website).  

You can check Korby Lenker’s tour dates and news on his website. His music is available to stream wherever you listen to music.  

Even if it was a great coming of age story for Lenker, we don’t want any of our readers to feel isolated! Hit up Wakefield Music or Mark Tatro and get strummin! You’re sure to meet fellow uke lovers. Another option is to go see some of the live and local shows at The Anchor Bistro on Blue Lakes Boulevard North or The Brickhouse on Hansen Street South. Contact them via email or social media to inquire about playing yourself!