Welcome to I Love Classical Ukulele. This website is managed by me, Samantha Muir. I am a classical ukulele player, arranger and composer based in Somerset in the UK. I am the first person to do a PhD on the ukulele (University of Surrey, UK). The title of my PhD is New Works for Classical Ukulele and my doctoral thesis can be read through the University of Surrey’s Open Access website. CLICK HERE.

Many of my original works for classical ukulele are available on the digital album: New Works for Classical Ukulele, Vol.1. CLICK HERE to be redirected to Bandcamp. You can, however, listen to the works on streaming platforms such as Spotify, or watch videos of them on my YouTube channel.

“Samantha Muir spearheads a growing movement to expand the uke’s repertoire” – Blair Jackson, Ukulele Magazine, Spring 2021

Mission Statement

I am committed to creating a new, challenging and cultivated repertoire for the ukulele by composing, arranging and commissioning new works. I was awarded my PhD in August 2023 and am continuing to develop my research aim to deepen and evolve the idiomatic qualities of the ukulele by melding tradition with innovation. Utilising and adapting the techniques from my classical guitar background (ARCM, London) I aim to extend the musical and technical boundaries of the ukulele. 

The primary aim of this website is to create resources for people who share my passion for classical ukulele. Whether you are just discovering the magic of classical ukulele or a seasoned player I hope you will find this website of interest.

 Thanks for joining me on this exciting journey. Please check back from time to time!

May 13th 2021: The BBC World Service programme The Forum presented by Bridget Kendall has done a programme on the ukulele featuring Brittni Paiva, Jim Beloff and yours truly. The English strand of the World Service has an audience 140 million. What an amazing opportunity to talk about the history of the ukulele (including the machete and the rajão from Madeira), the classical ukulele movement, and my PhD at the University of Surrey. CLICK HERE to listen.