Ukes: "Play All Together Now!" -  Kids or Teens


Aspen Black's widely popular ukulele program has been adapted to fit this summer's theme of friendship, kindness, and unity!  Beginners learn to play ukulele in one session, even if they have never played any instrument before!  Aspen provides up to 30 specially-marked ukuleles and patrons are also welcome to bring their own ukuleles. Songs about kindness, friendship, and togetherness will be learned in class along with the history of the ukulele and interesting information about each song. The session ends with a ukulele circle, featuring the beginner class' favorite songs from the lesson along with any songs more experience players bring to share.  Nothing says unity like a ukulele circle! 


Duration 1 1/2 hours.  Ages 6 and up in any combination (kids, teens, kids & teens, kids & families, adults). The program focuses on beginners, but intermediate and advanced ukulele players are welcome to jam along and should bring a song of their choosing to share in the ukulele circle. Registration required.  Each session limited to 30 participants, plus any patrons bringing their own ukuleles.

"That Song!" - for Teens and/or Tweens

Libraries Rock! - The Singing Cowgirl - 2018

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​"The Singing Cowgirl" -

Recommended for children and families, groups of 5 - 500!
Kids clap, laugh, sing, dance, and role-play, while the Singing Cowgirl teaches about authentic, historical and modern cowboy & cowgirl life!  Kids learn about westward expansion, blending of cultures, responsibilities of children in the pioneer west, 'cowboy vocabulary', the Spanish influence, the role of horses, and mules, horse training philosophy and methods, and career and lifestyle duties of modern-day cowboys and cowgirls.  

Duration – approx. 50 min., interactive musical & storytelling format.  Former 2014, 2018, and 2021 Summer Reading themed program. 


Tales & Tails -  The Singing Cowgirls - 2021

Build a Better World: Western Spirit - 2017

Want to Book a Program? Click Below!

All of Aspen Black's programs are original creations, blending entertainment and educational properties that support literacy and language arts curriculum in all states. Her background as an educator in the public schools, along with almost 30 years of experience as a professional musician, ensure you a well-organized, thorough, and professional presentation. Aspen Black gets excellent reviews from libraries, schools, cultural centers, churches, festivals, music venues, and community institutions across the country.

Summer Reading Photo Gallery:

For Toddlers & Story Hour Kids and Families:

Fizz, Boom, Read! - Intro to Cowboy Music & Poetry - 2014

Summer Reading 2023: 
"All Together Now"

On Your Mark, Get Set, Read! - 2016: Sisco the Superhorse

Imagine Your Story: Fairytales & Tunes - 2020

Sing All Together Now!


This fun, fast-paced, interactive musical program gets kids and families singing, dancing, playing games and winning prizes all while learning about kindness, friendship, and unity.  Original and traditional songs about making friends, sharing, feeling angry/hurt, appreciating diversity, and more are interspersed with role-play, student readings, discovery games, and team-building activities to make this one-of-a-kind program unforgettable for all young Summer Readers and their families! 

 "Waves" of Sound - 

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Tweens and teens will have fun discovering how to record and mix a variety of instruments and vocals to create a quality home recording of music or audio for video.  This workshop guides students through hands-on techniques of recording, mixing, and mastering, all using a laptop computer, DAW software, and a few pieces of reasonably-priced audio equipment. During the second half of the workshop, participants will record a live song or spoken passage and keep the exported file. All levels of creative participants welcome. Musical teens and tweens are encouraged to bring their own instrument.​

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 For 1-30 participants, 1 1/2 - 2 hrs.

TEACHING ARTIST & PERFORMER 

Affordable, turnkey programs that get your kids and families involved! Educational and entertaining. Discounts available for multiple programs in one system or geographic region.

:Libraries Rock! - Guitar Like a Star - 2018

Aspen Black

"Your interactive music presentation kept the children rhythmically engaged as they clapped, danced, and walked according to your lyrical direction. Another important aspect of your presentation is that you slyly slid history lessons into the show. Our staff members smiled sincerely when, without missing a beat, you promoted our Summer Learning Program by throwing it into your lyrics. We are grateful to you for sharing your time, your knowledge and your original songs.  It was certainly enjoyed by the patrons and staff." Victoria Charnoky, Youth Services Supervisor, Macon County Public Library, Franklin, NC.

A Universe of Stories- To the Moon & Beyond - 2019

"Wow!  What a great program!  All my kids are yodeling in the hallway!" Claire Guitierrez, Youth Librarian, Roswell, NM

Teens (or Tweens) participate in a lively discussion about their own perceptions of the messages, potential meanings, and perceived impact on self and society of several popular and iconic songs that fit a chosen theme. Participants then learn about the basics of songwriting and work on writing their own song (lyrics only or both lyrics and melody) on the themed topic. 


This workshop can fit almost any theme.  Some examples are: 


  • Summer Reading 2023 - "Kindness, Friendship, and Unity"
  • "Love" for Valentine's Day or anytime
  • "Patriotism" for July 4, Memorial Day", etc.  
  • "Work" for Labor Day
  • Seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall)
  • "Peace", "Family Values", "Death", "Change", "Escape"
  • or a specific theme your library plans to focus upon

Library of Virginia Performers' Showcase

Library Programs for Kids and Teens

Program duration: approx. 50 minutes.  Recommended for children and families, small or large groups.

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"Summer Strummers"

Ukulele for Teens, Ukulele for Kids, or Ukulele for Families/Combined Ages-

 Librarians, nationwide, are commenting on the growing interest that people pf all ages are showing in playing the ukulele!  This easy beginner workshop introduces new players to the fun of playing the ukulele.  Up to 30 specially-marked ukuleles are provided for student use.  At the same time, people who already play some ukulele can improve their skills using my ukuleles or their own. Participants play and sing several songs in the session. A short recital ends the workshop. Patrons and librarians across the country give this program a big stamp of approval! 

Duration approx. 1- 1 1/2 hours.   30 ukuleles provided for student use.  Patrons with their own ukuleles are welcome to bring them. Registration recommended. 


Oceans of Possibilities: Sing of the Sea - 2022



​Peek-A-Boo, Buckaroo!  - 

 
It's cowboy day!  Young children can expect to be entertained and educated by nationally award-winning cowgirl poet, singer/songwriter, author, and horsewoman, Aspen Black.  Aspen brings her book, "Peek-A-Boo, Buckaroo!" to life through interactive games, call and response, a craft, games, and hands-on exploration of real saddles, bridles, bits and other horse items.  As an added caveat, children learn about authentic cowboy culture and cowboy poetry!  "Peek-A-Boo, Buckaroo" finished in the top-five for 2016 Western Music Association Poetry Book of the Year. 

​ Duration: one typical story hour time block

 Summer Reading  or ​Year 'Round Programs:

Every Hero Has a Story - Sisco the Superhorse - 2015