Last week at the Imagination Club I had the opportunity to test a workshop titled, “Strumming Curiousity: Embracing Change with the Ukulele”. Fourteen participants took part in ukulele based activities to connect to their inner thoughts as well as connect to others.
This is what some of them said after the workshop:
“Making music is fun.”
“It is so natural to be creative.”
“That was so playful and safe.”
Here are my observations and reflections:
1. I was impressed with everyone’s openness and flexibility to just go for it.
It was amazing to witness how willing participants were to embrace the unfamiliar. Everyone approached the ukulele activities with an open mind, ready to experiment and learn. This eagerness to explore without fear of mistakes is a powerful reminder that curiosity thrives in a supportive environment. When we remove the pressure of perfection, we open the door to discovery and growth.
2. Everyone safely entered into the play space (potential space) where everyone explored the unknown together.
There was a collective sense of trust that made it possible for everyone to step into a space of creativity and spontaneity. This “potential space” is where play, imagination, and connection intersect, allowing people to push beyond their comfort zones in a safe and encouraging way. Seeing the group navigate uncertainty together—whether through tapping the body of the ukulele, plucking a string or two or improvising melodies—reinforced how play can be a powerful tool for collaboration and innovation.
3. Music nourishes our capacity for connection.
The shared experience of making music created an immediate bond among participants. Music bypasses words and taps into a more instinctive, emotional way of communicating. Whether through synchronized strumming, rhythm, or simply sharing laughter over a missed note, the workshop highlighted how music fosters trust, empathy, and a sense of belonging. This reminds me that in both personal and professional spaces, engaging in creative expression together can deepen connections in ways that traditional team-building exercises often can’t.
I’m looking forward to applying my learnings to improve the next time I run the ukulele team building workshop.
Thank you Jeffrey & Andy and all the folks who joined in and shared their valuable feedback.
Contact me if you’re interested to boost trust and connection in your team through the power of music.
Christopher Malapitan 