In this interview, we talk with Jessica Maeve, a singer-songwriter and ukulelist who loves to surprise audiences with her ukulele skills, thoughtful originals, and vibrant energy on stage. With heartfelt lyrics and an open, engaging presence, she brings stories to life through song. She shares how she first picked up the ukulele—her trusted partner—and her path to becoming a full-time musician.
How did you first get into writing and performing music?
I think I wrote my first song when I was seven. I didn’t start with the ukulele—actually, I think it’s the last instrument I learned. I started on piano, and then my brother was taking guitar lessons from my dad. My whole family is very musical, and my mom dances the hula. I ended up picking up the ukulele, and we got to perform together a lot. I’d say I got serious about music in sixth grade. At school, they let you choose a performing art, and I chose orchestra because I wanted to learn a string instrument. Then in seventh grade, I figured out that I really liked to sing, so I decided I was going to stay in orchestra and also find a way to fit choir into my schedule. I don’t think I started writing songs again until I was maybe 15 or 16. I’d write on my guitar, just because that’s what I had around the house. One day, when I was 15, I saw a ukulele sitting around gathering dust. I picked it up and started playing. Literally 24 hours later, because my dad heard me and thought I sounded really good, and he bought me a good ukulele.
I’ve played for about thirteen years now. I’ve used YouTube, but I never had a professional teacher. But I did go to college for music because I loved it so much. I got my bachelor’s in music education with a choral emphasis. I love the voice, but I still play my other instruments: piano, guitar, violin. I guess ukulele isn’t the last instrument I learned, but it’s the last one I took seriously. In college, you have to take band and orchestra classes, so I learned some band and orchestra instruments too. But I never let go of the ukulele. I feel like a lot of people play it, but not many play it the way I do. That felt unique, so I stuck with it. Now I do gigs everywhere. I’m about to do a festival next week in Pennsylvania where I’ll teach ukulele, singing, rhythms, and also show people how I play. It’s been an awesome journey.
I write my own songs now too, and I’m producing them on my own. After graduating, I did student teaching and taught choir for a few years. But I realized I love the ukulele more. I quit public school teaching and became a solo artist. It’s definitely a pay cut, but I have a very supportive family. Now I’m performing all over, and it’s been the best change—to be creative, make music, perform, and show the joy of the ukulele and all the different ways you can use it. I started doing this almost two years ago. That’s why last year, I saw the opportunity to join Make Music Day and decided to go for it.
What are some artists who inspire your music?
Definitely Jake Shimabukuro. He’s the first one who comes to mind. I know there are other artists, but they’re never near me. Jake is everywhere, so I always see him. There was also a jazz ukulele artist named Lyle Ritz. He was mainly a bassist and producer for artists like the Beach Boys. He did a lot for the ukulele. I’m not sure how I came across his music, but I’m actually friends with his daughter online. He’s a big influence on me, especially for jazz and different chord shapes. In terms of singing, probably The Carpenters. I love the oldies. She had a low alto voice like mine, and I listened to her growing up. I love older tunes.
How did you first get involved in Make Music Day?
Well, I had just quit teaching and was looking for opportunities to showcase my ukulele skills, paid or not. I was searching for organizations that support live music. I came across Make Music Day because I saw some people in my city—Dallas at the time—posting about it on Facebook or something. Someone had posted that they were doing a Make Music Day event on June 21, and I thought it sounded cool. I wanted to be involved. There was an online sign-up form, and I just entered my info. I thought they might ask for more, but it was super easy. They contacted me, and I checked the schedule to see where I could perform. It was very last-minute—I think I signed up just a few days before the event. But it gave me some awesome opportunities to perform in my city. I got to play at a coffee shop and had one or two other gigs that day.
How was that experience for you?
I loved it. I had never played in that city before, so it was great to experience the area. The people were so supportive. The coffee shop owner—or someone who worked there—actually played the ukulele too or was from Hawaii. She ended up being a great contact. They even advertised me on their coffee shop’s Instagram, which was really sweet. It was an awesome day because not everyone has a space to perform. Make Music Day helps connect musicians with organizations, shops, restaurants—places that might not normally host live music. It’s a great way to get out there and offer something fun and new. People who may not have grown up playing music or who don’t know much about it get to experience live performance. It really opens the door for future possibilities.
How would you say Make Music Day is different from a regular gig?
I think you all really take care of the artists. At least where I was, they had Make Music Day signs up, and they advertised it. They reached out and were excited to have me. Some gigs I’ve done, someone books it and then doesn’t even show up when I arrive. But Make Music Day felt more professional. You made sure we got on the platform, and that the performance was promoted in some way—even if it’s just a sign. It felt like you really cared about the experience being professional, even though it’s a volunteer-based event.
Any new music or shows you’re excited about?
Yes! I was supposed to drop some new music this month, but things have been so busy, so it’s been pushed back a little. I’m producing it myself, so it’s still coming. Next week, I’m heading to Pennsylvania for a ukulele event—it’s kind of a festival, but they call it a soiree. I’ll be teaching workshops and performing there. Right after that, I’m heading to Texas to perform at a few events. I’ve still got ties there!
Last question: What advice would you give to emerging artists and singer-songwriters just starting to share their voice with the world?
I would say, find as many opportunities as you can to perform and play—just to get that experience in front of people. If your goal is to perform, that’s key. If you’re trying to go the artist route like me—not working a regular job—build your network. Find people who will support you, whether that’s restaurant or shop owners who’ll let you perform monthly, or booking agents who can help get you shows. There are agents for every level, some just book local shows, and others work across states. That kind of support has helped me get more consistent pay. But even if you’re just doing it on the side, that’s totally valid. The main thing is: to get better, you have to do it a lot. So practice and perform as much as possible.