Proud to work with these wonderful non-profit organizations!

Engaging, Educating, and Enriching all ages around the world through music and the 'ukulele.

Founded in 2023, Four Strings at a Time was created to bring music education and 'ukulele to a broader spectrum. Founders Craig Chee & Sarah Maisel have been involved in the world wide 'Ukulele Community for over 20 years, performing and teaching. Finally settling in Honolulu, HI, they have made it their life’s mission to create more opportunities for people of all ages to express themselves through music.

“In our travels, we always ask people why they play the ‘ukulele, and the reply is always “because it makes me happy”, or, “it makes me smile”. This instrument allows those, who were intimidated by music, a chance to express themselves, and it’s an amazing tool for children to start learning the joys of music.”

— Sarah Maisel

We believe every medically fragile child should have access to music to cope and heal. By receiving a free ukulele and continued support at home, kids can access music and wellness for life.

In 2013, Corey Bergman, a life-long musician, began volunteering at local hospitals in Miami, Florida as a way of coping with the tragic loss of his son, Jared. As he played guitar for young patients and their families, he says, “I could plainly see that the act of listening to and playing music, and holding an instrument, has a deep positive effect on a child. All the anxiety and fear of the hospital just fades away and this kid becomes a kid again.

Then, two developments quickly brought the future UKC sharply into focus. First, Corey connected with music therapists at Miami Children’s Hospital, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, and others, and gained exposure to the field of music therapy. Through music therapy, certified professionals help patients use music to achieve clinical goals, which in the case of young children might include lowering anxiety and stress, improving vital signs, and a multitude of other results. Second, the simplicity and small size of the ukulele made it seem like the ideal vehicle for music therapy with even the smallest patients. In 2014, Corey and his wife Edda incorporated the UKC. Our mission was, and remains, to support medically fragile children by gifting them a ukulele to use during their hospital stay and to keep when they go home. Each year, we deliver thousands of ukuleles, to a growing network of more than 300 music programs in the U.S. and in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia that are working with vulnerable children.