Projects

SoMi Academy is developing UkeSteps Ensemble Ready, a child-safe digital ukulele learning platform that connects school music teaching with structured home practice. Built on SoMi’s voice-first, colour-coded, Kodály-informed approach, the project helps primary-aged children move from first chords to confident ensemble playing.

The R&D phase will strengthen the current prototype by improving the child-facing experience, learning pathway structure, engagement tracking, offline resilience and custom practice tools. It will also refine how children and practitioners move through lessons, so the platform supports progression, confidence and musical independence at home as well as in school.

UkeSteps combines digital learning with SoMi’s dual-coded ukulele model, linking colour-coded chord guidance, interactive support and learning analytics to a clear musical journey. By testing the platform with schools and practitioners, SoMi aims to turn a promising prototype into a scalable product for families, schools and future instrumental pathways.

The project’s wider goal is to make high-quality instrumental learning more accessible, more measurable and easier to sustain between sessions, especially for children who benefit from structured guidance and a consistent learning pathway.

The UkeSteps project is one of six SME-led projects awarded funding from the MusicFutures Innovation Funding Call to develop and scale new products, services or experiences across the music sector in the Liverpool City Region.