NEW2UKES.COM
Learn to play the Ukulele…the little instrument that conquers hearts
Learning to play the ukulele in groups opens doors to new horizons and turns strangers into friends. Those who learn to play the ukulele become part of a wider world community.
ABOUT
Enthusiasts - Advocates – Facilitators - Instructors
We strongly believe that learning to play the ukulele can be a timely investment in a person’s overall well-being.
Dinah and Chris are passionate advocates of the ukulele. Their wide and varied experiences of teaching the instrument convinces them of the huge social, physical and health benefits to be gained by learning and playing with others.
They believe that everyone, including those without prior musical experience, has the potential to learn and enjoy the instrument.
They enjoy jointly teaching the ukulele to those wishing to improve their playing, but particularly enjoy teaching groups of absolute beginners, which includes stroke survivors, their carers, as well as older-aged adults.
Their welcoming and inter-active teaching style ensures that sessions balance fun and laughter with learning and challenge.
WHY EVERYONE SHOULD PICK UP A UKULELE
SOCIAL BENEFITS
BEING WITH OTHERS IS A GOOD THING; GROUP LEARNING IS FUN ENJOYMENT AND HELPS YOU STAY ACTIVE.
Learning to play the ukulele in groups opens doors to new horizons. It turns strangers into friends. Those who learn to play the ukulele become part of a wider world community.
Learning is quick - it doesn't take much time to grasp basic chords and strumming patterns.
PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS
IT MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER.
Creative activity can provide immediate stress relief, which has health and psychological benefits, like improved focus, happiness, and a longer life.
Our bodies and brains work in and with rhythms. So as you strum a ukulele, the body literally becomes tuned to it.
Playing the ukulele can be a good way to relieve stress, unwind and relax. Ukuleles have a wonderful way of making complicated music sound simple.
HEALTH BENEFITS
LEARNING NEW THINGS INVOLVES MENTAL EFFORT AND PHYSICAL CHALLENGE.
Longer term benefits of learning to play the ukulele include: improved motor skills, balance and coordination. Learning to play the ukulele can work wonders for you. It may improve eye-hand coordination and independent movement of fingers. It may also lead to better memory, improved concentration, stress relief plus a sense of achievement and happiness.
DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT – TESTIMONIALS
Ukuleles bring fun laughter and happiness into your life. It’s a rewarding instrument to play. It's easy to learn, makes you smile and makes people happy. This musical instrument delights and is fun to play with others.
For as long as I can remember I have wanted to play a musical instrument – yet had NEVER even held one. In just two weeks Dinah and Chris have brought me to the point of greatly enjoying the ‘uke’ instruction. There is no doubt that I will continue. At 85 years of age I clearly am on a time limit and have a long way to progress – so can’t hang about. Thank you for revealing a new joy to me. P
I feel very fortunate. I never thought at my age I would own an instrument let alone have the opportunity to play one. I find myself bursting into song - never used to sing but it really lifted my spirits. It’s also given a boost to my confidence. Learning to play an instrument involves using both the right and the left side of the brain, now that can’t be a bad thing, in fact it’s heartening. I do find the social side of things fun, coming together with like-minded people and making new friends. It’s been quite a challenge but all worthwhile. J
I had a stroke 9 years ago which changed my life. The side effects of the medication I am on have been terrible. In 2017, I had 9 seizures which have left me mentally very low. Taking up the ukulele with Dinah and Chris in 2018 has given me a new lease of life. I enjoy it so much. Thank you, B
Thank-you very, very much for giving me the chance to learn the ukulele. I’ve never learnt an instrument before and wasn’t sure I could do it. I’m no musical genius but I’m getting there slowly. I love playing with everyone and singing along as well. A highlight of my week. Thank-you. L
WHAT TO DO NEXT
A step to other things, but also excellent in itself
ADVICE AND HELP
Help can be yours if you want to learn and further your skills. There are excellent web sites to help you get started. There are lessons on how to play the ukulele; with "how-to" videos and instruction manuals. There’s masses of on-line support sites with many free resources available on the internet.
But don't forget to visit your local friendly music shop.
FIND OTHERS TO PLAY WITH
Check what's around locally. There are clubs and associations to suit all tastes. These range from pub based groups to U3A's. Joining a local club or association makes sense. Why, because it’s a fun way to relax and make music with others. Participating in creative activity can provide immediate stress relief, with health and psychological benefits, that improve focus, happiness, and lead to a longer life.
BUYING YOUR FIRST UKULELE
Ukuleles come in different sizes and styles - soprano, concert, tenor or baritone - so there's a ukulele out there for YOU. Entry level ukuleles typically sopranos are affordable – even very good ones are relatively cheap to buy. Whilst the price range will vary depending on brand, size and quality, learning need not be expensive. It’s a worthy investment.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS SITE IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
We will soon be adding features and pages that reflect our activities and teaching in this area, to further support your ukulele journey.
In the meantime we hope you rise to the challenge of learning to play the ukulele and let it conquer your heart.
DINAH & CHRIS
