$325.00 USD

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Smokey Mountain Ukulele Retreat with Stu Fuchs, North Carolina September 17-20, 2026

Are you interested in a FUN weekend getaway where you can kick back, PLAY YOUR UKULELE, experience the joy of music, and make some new friends?  

Join award-winning teaching artist Stu Fuchs for the "Smokey Mountain Ukulele Retreat" and play your Ukulele like you never have before!  

This four day weekend retreat will be a magical, inspiring and soulful music experience for ukulele lovers in a beautiful mountain lake setting -- just 30 min from Asheville NC.

Stu's Ukulele Zen retreats offer ukulele players an empowering and playful experience of mindfulness practice -- while experiencing the JOY of music making in a supportive community.

You'll leave inspired about your music, learn how to apply neuroscience based & yogic techniques for managing stress and cultivating wellness -- AND make new friends ("Ukulele People" are some of the sweetest folks on Earth!)

ALL LEVELS WELCOME!  (NOTE: Having at least some basic ukulele skills is recommended for this retreat)

This Ukulele retreat includes:
- In-depth and inspiring workshops

- Tips to streamline the learning process, saving you time and frustration 

- Stu's ergonomic playing and practice techniques, learned over a lifetime of classical, jazz and improvisation study

- How to create and sustain a deeply satisfying and effective music practice 

- Simple, easy to apply mindfulness meditations & breathwork exercises for managing stress, cultivating inner peace, health and vitality

- An inspiring full length concert from Stu

- Vocal coaching and the foundations of improvisation

- Opportunities to perform alá open mic

- A chance to unplug, unwind and rejuvinate your spirit

NOTE:  Registration includes all workshops, activities and a concert.

FULL DETAILS & LINK TO BOOK YOUR STAY SENT UPON REGISTRATION

_____________________________

WHEN:  Thursday evening September 17th to Sunday September 20th, 2026.

Retreat schedule will be emailed to you upon registration

WHERE:  Lake Junaluska Retreat and Conference Center:  91 N Lakeshore Dr Waynesville, NC 28785

Book your lodging (details are sent upon registration):    

Reservations for lodging at the Smokey Mountain Ukulele Zen Retreat are available to be booked at the group rate for stays from September 17, 2026 - September 20, 2026.

This special rate is only available for booking until August 18, 2026.

Click the link below to reserve your lodging. Meals are included for particpants staying on campus. 
 
https://www.reseze.net/servlet/SendPage?hotelid=1593&skipfirstpage=true&page=223004

Reservations:  (800) 222-4930 ext. 1

Reservations Options:

  • 2 nights with Friday Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Saturday Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Sunday Breakfast
  • 3 nights with Thursday Dinner; Friday Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Saturday Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Sunday Breakfast

 
ABOUT STU:

Stu Fuchs is a lifelong musician, award-winning teaching artist blending mindfulness practice and creative play.  He has presented his ukulele workshops and concerts at ukulele festivals around the world.  Stu is a lifelong, award-winning musican who has also practiced yoga and meditation sincerely for more than two decades. 

Stu's unique music teachings have helped thousands of people around the world reach thier music goals and experience both joy and peace through music -- both in person and online through his celebrated YouTube channel "Ukulele Zen (115,000 subscribers)

As a guitarist, he has performed classical and gypsy jazz guitar with symphony orchestras.  Stu blends accessible mindfulness practices with playful holistic music instruction at his “Ukulele Zen” workshops and retreats. 

Stu was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for his work bringing healing music to cancer patients,  He has offered TED talks on the healing power of music.  Stu recorded and toured with renowned sacred chant artist Snatam Kaur, playing on her  “Best New Age” Grammy award nominated album “Beloved”.

Website:
https://www.stufuchs.com/

Ukulele Zen YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/ukulelezen 

What People Are Saying:

The Ukulele Zen retreat was transformational in every way! 
Stu has an uncanny ability to see the musician in each person and bring it out. I learned a ton, felt deeply inspired, and had SO much fun!

Bob Merberg, NYC

Stu is really (REALLY) good at creating a comfortable space where people can explore music and expand their skills naturally. There is no forcing, only encouragement and a clear & joyful path forward. I was blown away by the blazing energetic community you facilitated - I felt like I came "home" to the heart of where music really comes from.

Mary T, Author and Ukulele Enthusiast

Exactly what we didn’t know we needed!
 The Ukulele Zen retreat was a refreshing blend of ukulele, breathwork, and mindfulness that helped us slow down, connect, and grow — with personal attention and gentle encouragement at every step.

Joe & Carma, New Paltz, NY

Playful, relaxing and deeply effective...
No matter your level, Stu gets you playing with confidence. I always leave with practical ideas that immediately improve my ukulele playing.

Trae R., New York City

Stu teaches (and performs) with kindness and compassion. His incredible musicianship is evident whether teaching or performing. Stu has a way of bringing BOTH beginners and advanced players to find deep and meaningful progress with each lesson. Thank you Stu for nurturing each of our unique ukulele journeys!

Chris M.  Folsom, CA

Exceeded all expectations! 
An uplifting exploration of music, meditation, and humor — warm, inspiring, and unforgettable. I can’t wait to return :)

Leslie L., Tiverton, RI

Stu is a 4-string bodhisattva, delaying his own nirvana until all sentient beings learn the meditative peace of a personal music practice. If I were asked where to start one’s study of the ‘ukulele, I would point the questioner to Ukulele Zen and Stu Fuchs.

Scott Vranesh-Fallin

Stu's retreat and classes were the best instructional class that I have attended - either in person or on-line. I know it is difficult for an instructor to present a class not knowing what the general skill level is for the attendees; yet Stu presented material that was well suited for any ukulele player that would range in ability from advanced beginner to professional. We starting with the basics and, by the end of the presentation, he provided guidance close to the skill level of a Masters class in college. The unforgettable performance was worth the cost of admission alone!

Vincent W. USA