In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many traditional activities were disrupted, Melanie Lawson Kareem, a resident of Topanga Canyon, adapted her ukulele teaching methods to continue sharing her passion for music. Faced with the closure of the Topanga Canyon Library, where she was scheduled to conduct classes, she turned to technology to keep her students engaged.
In the early days of lockdown, Kareem reached out to her students, instructing them to join a lesson via Zoom. “Don’t come to the library. Try to figure out how to join a Zoom session on your computers,” she advised. Approximately 30 students successfully joined the virtual class. At the end of their first session, the group collectively decided to meet again the following day. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey into online music education.
Building a Community Through Music
As the days turned into weeks, Kareem’s online class transformed into a daily ritual. “When we got to Day 100, we thought it was a huge accomplishment that we had joined each other on Zoom continuously,” she recalled. To celebrate, they selected songs that featured the number 100 in the lyrics, fostering a sense of achievement and camaraderie among participants.
Now, nearly six years later, Kareem’s online ukulele school, entitled “Get Started Playing Ukulele,” has conducted a staggering 1,917 sessions. The focus of her teaching approach is the “Melanie Method,” which emphasizes quick learning of popular songs, making music accessible to adults who have long harbored dreams of playing an instrument.
“There are lots of us mature adults who’ve dreamed our whole life of being able to play an instrument,” Kareem noted. “We went through life and it just never happened for different reasons. My dream is to spread as much ukulele joy as possible through teaching and creating community through music.”
A Unique Approach to Learning
On January 23, 2026, Kareem continued her tradition of teaching at the Topanga Farmers’ Market, sharing her enthusiasm for the ukulele with new and returning students. Armed with a wagon full of instruments, she introduced attendees to songs like “This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie. The lively atmosphere encouraged students such as Hayden Jiang from Northridge, along with others like Laurie Ginsburg from Santa Monica and Kate Nasuti, who splits her time between Topanga and Florida, to join in the fun.
Kareem’s innovative teaching methods and ability to adapt during challenging times have not only kept her classes alive but have also fostered a vibrant community of music lovers. The ongoing success of her online sessions showcases the power of creativity and connection in overcoming obstacles.
By prioritizing both education and enjoyment, Kareem has established a unique space for individuals to learn and connect through music, reminding us all of the joy and resilience that can emerge from unexpected circumstances.
