I have only been playing for little less than a year. But I have been practicing at least an hour a day. I bought an IZ CD a couple of years ago and fell in love with the sound of the uke. I told myself when I got to old for hockey, I would learn to play. As far as Oprah I hope for your sake she finds someone to go with. I know tickets are hard to get. But if you get stuck going, I am sure you will enjoy Chicago.