How it all started

String Along Ukulele, started in 2006 by retired school music teachers Elayne and Norm Ruplen, offers a unique experience for adults who want to learn to play a versatile and portable instrument, and sing favourite songs in a group setting.

Using teaching techniques they learned from top Canadian music educators Chalmers Doane in the 1980s and James Hill in the 1990s, Elayne and Norm had long careers teaching elementary school students to play and love the ukulele. Their student groups performed at a host of venues, including Ontario Place and the Hamilton Convention Centre, and on local cable television, and with Doane’s Halifax “A” group. 

In 2006, Elayne and Norm began spreading their knowledge and love of the ukulele with classes for adults in the Dundas/Hamilton/Burlington area.

The couple travelled to countless festivals and workshops in North America—including in Toronto, Nova Scotia, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon and Hawaii—to learn from the world’s top ukulele players and educators, and then used these techniques to perfect their String Along classes and help their students progress at their own pace. They brought several of these same educators to Dundas (James Hill, Stu Fuchs, Lil Rev, Jim D’Ville and Ralph Shaw) so their students could experience a wide variety of professional talent.

Sadly, Norm passed away in 2022. Everyone who knew him remembers him fondly for his tireless work with Elayne to perfect their String Along classes, and for his dedication to their students. Norm, who was an accomplished musician, loved the ukulele and the joy it brings to everyone who plays it.

Elayne is carrying on the couple’s legacy, with the invaluable assistance of Elizabeth and Leonard Barreca. Elizabeth and Leonard have studied the ukulele extensively, and String Along's classes wouldn't be the same without Leonard's bass playing.

With String Along’s course offerings at multiple levels, adults can learn this wonderful instrument with others in a fun, social setting.

Norm & Elayne with Chalmers Doane (left) and James Hill (right)

From the pros

★★★★★

“I loved visiting Dundas! With you I experienced people who play with so much joy, learn with great curiosity, and try new things fearlessly. Kudos to you both for all you’ve done to bring music to so many people!”

~ Stuart Fuchs, U.S.-based ukulele educator, brought to Dundas by String Along for a workshop in 2016
★★★★★

“Thank you for your years of meaningful work in sharing ukulele. I so look forward to that time when we can gather again and continue to share and grow in ukulele even more.”

~ Kimo Hussey, Hawaiian ukulele player and instructor
★★★★★

“Through their hard work and dedication to the ukulele, Norm and Elayne turned out nearly 150 people for my event in Dundas!  It's people like Norm and Elayne, and their love of ukulele and music education, who inspire people to become better musicians."

~ Jim D'Ville, renowned ukulele instructor, brought to Dundas for workshops
★★★★★

“Not many people have the knowledge, heart and smarts to do what you guys do. Here's a wish from your friend Ralph Shaw that you will continue to do this wonderful work that benefits so many!”

~ Ralph Shaw, UK-based professional ukulele educator who did workshops in Dundas
★★★★★

“I send my love and congratulations to Norm and Elayne. Here’s to 10 more years of uke!”

~ James Hill, Canadian ukulele professional, on the occasion of String Along’s 10th anniversary in 2016