Now with less jet lag!
Put away your long-haul compression socks—this time, we’re bringing the magic of the islands to you.
Program dates
This retreat is designed for adult ukulele players of all levels who want to deepen their skills in a fun, relaxed environment. Whether you're a returning alum or a first-time attendee, you’ll feel right at home. All sessions are recorded, so you don't have to worry about it if two workshops you want are at the same time - or if you have an unscheduled nap!
Our events are announced to the Map & Key mailing list before they go out to Craig & Sarah's broader list. Make sure you sign up for our mailing list, so you can be first in line to register for future events!
Due to our contractual agreement with the hotel, commuter rates will only be offered after our room block is fully booked. If classroom space is still available at that time, we will send an email to our mailing list with commuter registration details.
Craig Chee and Sarah Maisel are an internationally acclaimed ukulele duo known for their intricate harmonies, playful arrangements, and warm teaching style. Craig, born and raised in Hawaiʻi, brings a lifetime of traditional and contemporary island ukulele influences, while Sarah, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, discovered the ukulele after years of classical violin and fell in love with its versatility.
Together, they have created a signature sound that blends jazz, pop, and Hawaiian music, captivating audiences at festivals and concerts worldwide. Beyond performing, Craig and Sarah are beloved educators, teaching workshops that focus on connection, technique, and musical joy. Their partnership, both on stage and off, radiates warmth and authenticity, making them inspiring leaders in the global ukulele community.
Craig and Sarah lead the instructional design for the retreat, creating engaging workshops that support musical growth across all levels. In addition to teaching, Craig films and edits all workshop recordings, providing participants with high-quality videos to continue learning after the retreat.
Cory Mau is a talented ukulele educator and performer based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. With a lifelong passion for music, Cory blends his background in classical guitar and jazz with the playful spirit of the ukulele, creating arrangements that are both technically rich and accessible to learners.
Known for his clear, thoughtful teaching style, Cory has become a respected instructor at festivals and workshops, where he guides students through everything from foundational techniques to advanced chord melodies. His performances highlight the ukulele’s versatility, seamlessly weaving traditional Hawaiian influences with modern styles. Whether on stage or in the classroom, Cory shares his deep love of music with humility and aloha, inspiring players of all levels to grow their skills and confidence.
Cory brings his background as a licensed educator to the team, supporting curriculum development and classroom management. He also draws on his deep, first-hand knowledge of Hawaiian culture to infuse the program with meaningful cultural context, enriching the retreat experience for all participants.
Neal Chin is a celebrated ukulele educator and performer originally from Maui, Hawaiʻi. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, Neal is known for his warm, approachable style and his deep roots in jazz, Hawaiian, and contemporary ukulele playing. After years performing and teaching across Hawaiʻi, he moved to Seattle, where he continues to inspire students and audiences with his artistry.
In 2014, Neal earned a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award as part of The Akira Project and has been nominated twice for Ukulele Album of the Year for his solo albums Ukulele Paintings (2017) and The Spotless Mind (2018). His music blends jazz influences with playful improvisation, and he regularly tours the West Coast and beyond, sharing his passion for the ukulele as both a concert instrument and a tool for connection.
Lendl San Jose, widely known as Ukulenny, is a dynamic ukulele performer and educator based in Oakland, California. After earning his degree in Music and Theatre at UC Berkeley, Lenny taught in public schools before becoming a full-time musician. He built his early following through YouTube tutorials and performances, where his infectious enthusiasm and accessible teaching style resonated with thousands of learners.
Ukulenny is now a Kala Brand-sponsored artist and a familiar face at ukulele festivals and workshops nationwide. He co-founded the SF Uke Jam, which regularly brings together hundreds of ukulele players in joyful community music-making. Whether he’s leading group strums, performing solo with his signature mix of ukulele, bass, beatbox, and saxophone, or teaching online, Ukulenny’s mission remains simple: to make music fun and accessible for everyone.
Marion handles all billing and contracts and serves as the on-site liaison with the venue. She also manages participant communications and guest services, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience from registration to departure.
5 days / 4 nights at beautiful Mission Bay Resort
Concert on the first evening, with preferred seating for retreat attendees
Lunch on each full program day
Daily ukulele workshops with warm, skilled guest instructors
Recordings of all classes so you never miss a moment
Optional evening activities
No need to dust off the printer. Our event itinerary and classroom materials are available on our app
Sample schedule
Note: commuter packages will not be available until our contracted room block is full