Harmony in Motion: The Austin Ukulele Society

It started 16 years ago with a documentary and a dream. After watching Mighty Uke, Bob Guz, his wife, and fellow ukulele enthusiast Jen Richardson and her husband felt a spark. They didn't just want to play the ukulele; they wanted to build a community around it.

What began with a simple Craigslist ad and a few dozen people has blossomed into the

Austin Ukulele Society (AUS)—a nonprofit powerhouse of music, education, and connection.

The Monthly Workshop: More Than Just a Lesson

Every second Thursday of the month, the fellowship hall at St. John’s United Methodist Church is filled with the cheerful strumming of ukuleles. 

Bob leads a unique workshop that welcomes everyone, regardless of skill level. Whether you’re holding a uke for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, the magic lies in the collective effort.

• The Attendance: Typically around 175 people pack the room.

• The Method: Bob provides a detailed breakdown of a single song, tailored so that beginners and advanced players can all contribute.

• The Grand Finale: Once the group finds their groove, they perform the song together for a recording shared with their global audience on YouTube.

In a world that often feels fractured, the Austin Ukulele Society serves as a reminder that harmony isn't just a musical term—it’s a social one. Bob has observed a beautiful phenomenon over the years: the ukulele is a natural peacemaker.

“I know from Facebook that some people in our group have opposing political views. But when they get in the room together with their ukuleles, they put those differences aside and just enjoy playing music together.” — Bob Guz, Co-founder, Austin Ukulele Society