Topanga Teacher Connects Global Ukulele Students Through Zoom

As the COVID-19 pandemic forced closures worldwide, many educators sought innovative ways to continue their lessons. In Topanga Canyon, Melanie Lawson Kareem quickly adapted her ukulele teaching approach by transitioning to online classes. When the local library where she taught closed, she contacted her students and instructed them on how to join her via Zoom. This marked the beginning of a virtual community that has since thrived.

Initially, approximately 30 students joined Kareem for their first online session. Afterward, she noted, “We all looked at each other and said, ‘Well, what are we doing tomorrow?’” The group decided to meet daily, which has now evolved into a dedicated online ukulele school named “Get Started Playing Ukulele.”

Building a Global Community

Kareem’s online classes have grown exponentially since those early days. Now, nearly six years later, the group has completed its 1,917th Zoom session. Reflecting on their journey, Kareem remarked, “When we got to Day 100, we thought it was a huge accomplishment that we had joined each other on Zoom continuously.” On that milestone day, the group selected songs containing the number 100 in their lyrics to celebrate their achievement.

Kareem’s teaching method, known as the “Melanie Method,” is designed for adults who wish to learn songs quickly. This approach caters to individuals who have long harbored dreams of playing an instrument but never had the opportunity. “There are lots of us mature adults who’ve dreamed our whole life of being able to play an instrument,” she explained.

A Passion for Music

Kareem’s passion for music and community drives her teaching. She emphasizes the joy of learning together, stating, “My dream is to spread as much ukulele joy as possible through teaching and creating community through music.” Her classes have attracted participants from various locations, illustrating the power of technology in bridging distances and fostering connections.

At the Topanga Farmers’ Market, Kareem regularly teaches in-person classes, bringing along ukuleles and music sheets, including popular songs like “This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie. Her engaging teaching style and commitment to her students have made her a beloved figure in both the local community and the broader online ukulele network.

As she continues to inspire others through music, Melanie Lawson Kareem embodies the resilience and adaptability that many educators have demonstrated during these challenging times. By leveraging technology, she has transformed her teaching practice and created a vibrant community united by a shared love for the ukulele.