Melanie Lawson Kareem, a ukulele instructor from **Topanga Canyon**, has transformed her teaching approach during the pandemic, bringing her classes online to reach students worldwide. When the **Topanga Canyon Library** closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, Kareem quickly adapted by organizing Zoom sessions. What began as a temporary solution has evolved into a thriving online community of musicians.
Initially, her plan was to gather students at the library. With the sudden closure, she contacted her students and advised them to join her on Zoom. About **30 students** successfully connected for the first session. Kareem recalls, “At the end of the Zoom session, we all looked at each other and said, ‘Well, what are we doing tomorrow?’” This marked the beginning of a daily routine that has persisted for nearly six years.
Kareem’s online ukulele school, titled **“Get Started Playing Ukulele,”** has now conducted a remarkable **1,917 Zoom sessions**. The progress reached by the group is a testament to the commitment and passion of both Kareem and her students. She emphasizes the importance of making music accessible, saying, “There are lots of us mature adults who’ve dreamed our whole life of being able to play an instrument.”
The community formed during these sessions is not only about learning music; it is about building connections. Kareem’s innovative teaching method, known as the **“Melanie Method,”** focuses on helping adults learn their favorite songs quickly and effectively. She aims to create an enjoyable learning environment, stating, “My dream is to spread as much ukulele joy as possible through teaching and creating community through music.”
On **January 23, 2026**, Kareem facilitated a lesson at the **Topanga Farmers’ Market**, showcasing her unique approach. She arrived with a wagon filled with ukuleles and music sheets, ready to engage her students in playing classic songs like “This Land Is Your Land” by **Woody Guthrie**. This hands-on experience further illustrates how she blends traditional and modern teaching methods, ensuring her students remain inspired and motivated.
The journey of adapting to online teaching during the pandemic has proven successful for Kareem. She reflects on the milestone of reaching **Day 100** of their continuous Zoom sessions, which they celebrated by choosing songs featuring the number 100 in the lyrics. This playful approach has kept the group motivated through challenging times.
As the world navigates the post-pandemic landscape, Kareem’s dedication to music education remains steadfast. She champions the idea that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams, especially when it comes to learning an instrument. Her story is a powerful reminder of resilience and the joy that music can bring, even in the most unexpected circumstances.
