10 Great Reasons to learn Ukulele!

1. Ukuleles are affordable – They are inexpensive

Whilst you can see some silly prices for high end, boutique or handmade ukuleles, for a

beginner wanting to start playing, the initial outlay need not be high. Compared to buying

a guitar, violin, or piano (which can be a serious financial consideration) a starter ukulele

can be had for $150. Other good ukuleles exist for around the $175 mark and at just over

$250 you will see some good solid wood Ukuleles.

2. Ukuleles are happy instruments – They have a mellow sound

Whilst I don't want to sound 'twee', my experience of playing in front of people with the

ukulele is that they automatically make people smile in a good way! They have a happy,

bright sound that is hard not to like!

3. Ukuleles are easy to start to learn

Note, I didn't say they are easy, full stop! No instrument is easy and all require practice

and dedication. The ukulele however is one of the easiest to start with. Many chords

require a single finger only and new players can get a simple song out of one in an

afternoon (my record is teaching a song to a total beginner in under ten minutes!)

4. Ukuleles are portable

Size is the thing. Being small they are easily taken wherever you go. You can carry them

on planes; easily throw them in the trunk of the car. Because of that you can always have

one with you, meaning more practice. I have played mine in the passenger seat of my car

and lugged one around England and France. Try that with a guitar!

5. Ukuleles are sociable – you can play and sing at the same time

More than any other instrument I play, the ukulele is by far the most fun to play with

others at parties. It's the perfect singalong instrument, and I am losing count of the

amount of people who have been introduced that way and the next time I see them they

have bought one!

6. Ukuleles can express your personality

Again, unlike other instruments, the ukulele can come in a bewildering range of styles,

shapes and colors. Sure, you can have one that looks like a plain wood guitar, but you will

also find bright pink if you like!

7. Ukuleles are good with small children

Not a reason for everyone, but it works for some. Small children love to be sung to. If you

are a parent or grandparent and can't play an instrument you will be amazed at how

quickly you can pick up nursery rhymes on the ukulele adding it to song time and

brightens up your children’s faces even more!

8. Ukuleles are (generally) maintenance free

Assuming you didn't buy a duff instrument, there isn't much to go wrong. Just four strings

to tune. Unlike a guitar, the strings also last for ages, so you are not swapping strings

every two weeks.

9. When you play Ukulele, you’re playing alongside some huge famous names

If the Ukulele is good enough for Elvis, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen,

Elvis Costello George Harrison, Need I say more?

10. You are joining a wonderful community

I play several instruments, but have never before come across such a helpful, friendly and positive community as those who play ukulele. These people will go out of their way to help you along!

But most of all...it's great fun!