Learn, play, and relax in paradise.
Join Beachside Music’s Sip & Strum Ukulele Vacations—a collection of unforgettable getaways that blend music, friendship, and adventure. From luxury cruises to scenic retreats, we bring ukulele lovers together to make memories that last a lifetime.
What is a Ukulele Vacation?
Ukulele Vacations are immersive music experiences designed for adults who love to travel and play. Each trip combines interactive ukulele workshops, group jam sessions, and plenty of relaxation in beautiful destinations around the world. Whether you’re strumming by turquoise waters or under Alaskan skies, every experience is filled with laughter, connection, and song.
Featured Trips
Sip & Strum Cruise - Alaska 2026
Dates August 27- September 7, 2026 | Cunard Queen Elizabeth
Experience glaciers, wildlife, and the magic of music amid Alaska’s breathtaking scenery. Includes glacier-view jams, cozy onboard sessions, and sightseeing in Juneau, Sitka, and beyond.
Sip & Strum Cruise - Caribbean 2026
Dates November 20-29, 2026 | Sky Princess
Set sail on our signature tropical adventure! Enjoy fun workshops, group jams, cocktail nights, and an unforgettable island jam!
Future Adventures Coming Soon
Ukulele Retreats • Weekend Getaways • Island Adventures
Want to stay updated on future class announcements? Join our mailing list!
Check out our feature on Fox 35:
Meet The Dynamic Duo Behind Sip & Strum Ukulele
Introducing husband-and-wife team Eliott and Ashlee, the passionate owners of Beachside Music Lessons & Therapy. Since 2019, they’ve been bringing the joy of music to adults across Central Florida through their wildly popular Sip & Strum Ukulele classes. Whether at a brewery, distillery, winery, or similar local venue, their classes offer a relaxed and fun environment for beginners and intermediate players alike to learn the ukulele while enjoying their favorite beverage.
With over 25 years of combined teaching experience and having taught hundreds of adults to play the ukulele, Eliott and Ashlee have built a reputation for making music accessible, engaging, and downright fun. Their passion goes beyond just teaching chords and strumming patterns—they are dedicated to sharing the pure joy of music with learners of all ages and abilities. From their easygoing teaching style to their enthusiasm for creating meaningful connections through music, Eliott and Ashlee prove that learning the ukulele can be simple, enjoyable, and rewarding.
Join them and discover why so many adults have learned to play, one Sip & Strum at a time!
Eliott Hughes, co-owner of Beachside Music Lessons & Therapy, grew up in Vero Beach, FL, where his passion for music began at a young age. Attending a charter school for the arts, he immersed himself in music early on, later studying Music Composition and Theory at the University of Florida. At Beachside Music, Eliott serves as the Operational Manager, overseeing students, families, teachers, and office operations while sharing his extensive musical expertise.
A versatile musician, Eliott is skilled in piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, theory, and songwriting, and has been singing professionally for over a decade. His impressive resume includes performances at Carnegie Hall, as well as experience in operas, musicals, choirs, and soloist roles. With his deep understanding of music theory and composition, Eliott has a unique gift for breaking down complex concepts into simple, engaging lessons that inspire learners of all ages.
Beyond the classroom, Eliott is passionate about giving back to the community. He serves as a Board Member for Miracle League Baseball, an organization that makes baseball accessible to children and young adults with special needs, and performs in his church’s worship band. Eliott’s dedication to music and service reflects his commitment to making music a joyful, accessible experience for everyone.
Ashlee Hughes, co-owner of Beachside Music Lessons & Therapy, is a seasoned music therapist with over 17 years of experience. Growing up in New Smyrna Beach, FL, Ashlee developed a deep love for music early on, exploring a variety of instruments and styles. She earned her bachelor's degree in music therapy from Florida State University and has since dedicated her career to using music as a powerful tool for healing and growth.
Ashlee has worked with a wide range of populations, including individuals with special needs, dementia, traumatic brain injury, stroke, substance abuse issues, behavioral health challenges, and more. She has also supported premature infants, foster children, and patients in hospice and acute care medical settings. After leading a successful hospital music therapy program for over three years, Ashlee returned to her hometown to establish Beachside Music Lessons & Therapy in 2016.
In addition to her work as a music therapist, Ashlee teaches voice, piano, guitar, saxophone, ukulele, and early childhood music lessons and classes, including the widely-loved Sip & Strum Ukulele Class for adults. Her passion is helping students and clients of all ages discover the joy and power of music.
Ashlee is proud to serve her community through partnerships with organizations like Ormond Beach Mainstreet, Atlantic Center for the Arts, Halifax Behavioral Health, Children's Home Society, Welcoming Hearts, and others. She also finds joy in giving back as an American Heritage Girls Leader, fostering creativity and leadership in the next generation. Ashlee’s dedication to music and her hometown community shines through in everything she does!
See what our customers have to say:
"This was so much fun! And we learned to play multiple songs! The teachers are wonderful too. I’ve found a new hobby that I can take anywhere. FIVE STARS!"
-Mary A.
"The ukulele class is so much fun!! Ashlee and Eliott are great teachers and create a laid back, friendly and relaxing atmosphere. I'm so happy I signed up for this class"
-Rena. W
"Amazing. I am a beginner and they made feel comfortable and confident and I met new friends. Going to take a second class!"
-Vicki G.
"Very fun and friendly! We learned to play the ukulele in 3 weekly lessons in Sip & Strum and can competently play about 5 songs already! Thanks for getting us started on our ukulele journey!"
-Bonita B.
"I took two sessions of Sip and Strum Ukulele classes at Tomoka Brewing Co where I had the pleasure of being taught by Ashlee and Eliott. The class was so much fun and Ashlee and Eliott are funny, informative, patient, and knowledgeable! They both love music and it shows! I highly recommend these classes for a laid back 75 minutes where your worries melt away with a beer in one hand and an ukulele in the other!"
-Bethany S.
Beachside Music Lessons & Therapy is the best music lesson school offering high quality music classes in the following cities:
Volusia County: Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Deland, Deltona
Don’t see your city listed? Let's Meet Online!
Serving East & West Volusia County