Cruz Ferreira

1.How long have you been playing?

I have been playing the ukulele for around 3 years now.

2. Why did you start playing ukulele?

I love the sound of the ukulele and have always been interested in the instrument since I was in preschool.

3. What’s your favorite song to play?

My favorite song to play is “Europa” by Carlos Santana. I love to preform this song because you can put a lot of expression and show your personality

4. How many hours a week do you practice?

I practice around 2-3 hours a week.

5. Do you have a favorite artist or band?

My favorite artist is Jake shimabukuro

6. What is the best thing about the ukulele?

The best thing about the ukulele is the sound and it’s part of Hawaii’s culture.

7. What is your favorite color?

My favorite color is purple.

8. What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is fish and chicken

9. Do you have any hobbies?

My hobbies are bodyboarding, canoe paddling, and deep sea fishing.

10. If you could describe the ukulele in one word, what would it be?

Perfection

11. What was the first song you learned to play on the ukulele?

Wipeout

12. Do you play any other instruments besides the ukulele?

No

13. What type of ukulele do you have (soprano, concert, tenor, baritone)?

Kamaka, concert size with a tenor neck

14. Have you ever performed in front of an audience? If so, what is it like?

I performed at Duke’s restaurant and won the competition. I was in a mix of emotions: nervous, excited, happy, and proud.

15. Who or what inspires you to keep playing?

Listening to professional ukulele players like Jake, Kalei, and Aldrine. The way they play really inspires me to keep pushing myself.

16. What’s the most challenging song you’ve learned?

The most challenging or difficult song I’ve learned is probably Tokada by Jake Shimabukuro. This song has very fast picking and also a mix of strums.

17. Do you prefer playing solo or with others?

I prefer playing solo because I find it kind of hard to focus on only myself when I play with others especially when I’m picking and their strumming.

18. Do you have any achievements or proud moments (both musically) you’d like to share?

My proudest moment is when I won the Duke’s ukes ukulele competition.

19. Do you have a dream ukulele you’d like to own someday?

My dream ukulele to have in the future is a glossy Kamaka ukulele with my name carved on the fretboard.

20. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in learning or playing the

ukulele?.”

One advice I would give to someone who is interested in learning the ukulele is to never give up. Even if your fingers hurt, don’t give up because it will all be worth it in the end. 

— Cruz Ferreira