Wanting to bring something to share on the mainland, Craig chose to focus on the ukulele before leaving Hawai’i for college. Although Craig had grown up playing the cello and piano, he wanted something that gave a little more distinction of coming from the islands.
During Christmas and summer breaks of his Freshman year at the University of Oregon, Craig has had the pleasure of studying under Jake Shimabukuro and Troy Fernandez. Ever since then Craig has been trying to further experiment with the ukulele in settings that aren’t typically associated with the instrument.
Craig loves collaboration and has enjoyed working with artists such as Aldrine Guerreo & Aaron Nakamura (UkuleleUnderground.com), Ryo Montgomery, Abe Lagrimas Jr., The Quiet American, and his wife, Sarah Maisel. Currently he and Sarah Maisel travel as a duo, performing and teaching ‘ukulele all over the globe, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and across the United States. They were also featured on the cover of ‘Ukulele Magazine and are proud of their Online ‘Ukulele School with Artistworks.
From workshops to individual lessons, Craig has been teaching throughout the past 6 years and couldn’t be happier. Craig often remarks “if I’m not playing at any given moment, I hope to be teaching!” Craig hopes to continue to travel and share his passion for the ukulele and expand on how people view the instrument!
