Ukulele for Beginners CANCELLED (HE09L86A)

Course overview

The ukulele is a great instrument to learn. Easier to play than a guitar, it is affordable, extremely portable, and has a happy and joyful tone that can quickly pick you up and make you smile. There is no denying the charm of the Ukulele and this course will show you it is accessible to everyone.

Andy will show you how easy it is to get playing. The course will focus on the basic skills needed to understand and play music without needing to read music. You will learn rhythm, strumming patterns and a library of chords used in many well-known songs.

We would like to make you aware that this is an online version of the Ukulele course that normally Andy Wyllie delivers at Heathfield Community College and subject to Covid-19 government guidelines further Ukulele courses will return to this venue in the New Year. Please check our website for regular updates.

Where This is an online course.

When Thursday, 7:30pm - 9:00pm from 1st October 2020 until 26th November 2020 for 8 weeks.

29th October (Half term)

Cost The full fee is £79.00. The concessionary fee is £40.00.


Additional Costs
To avoid unnecessary cost please do not purchase any materials or text books until you are certain that your course will run. Course decisions are normally made a week prior to the course start date.

What you already need to know

You do not need any previous knowledge of ukuleles or music theory to take this course.

What you will learn

• Basic techniques
• Chord shapes
• Strum patterns
• Learn songs that suit common chord progressions and the interests of the class

The aim of this course is that you will leave the course having gained the confidence to join one of the many local ukulele jam groups and experience all the positive benefits that come from being part of something fun, social and full of feel-good factor.

How you will learn it

This is an online course taught in real-time by experienced Ukulele player Andy Wyllie. You will learn directly from Andy who will demonstrate techniques, chords and strum patterns. The sessions will be very interactive with Andy getting you playing immediately. Learning will also be supported by visual aids, videos and online resources. You will have plenty of opportunity to develop your practical skills and your tutor will give you guidance and feedback. You will get the most out of the course if you are able to practise between the sessions.

Bring to the first session

ACRES' online courses will be taught in real time using the video platform Google Meet, supported by other online resources. To ensure you get the most out of the course and can fully participate in the sessions you will interact with your tutor and other students through speaking, listening and the chat function, as well as being able to see each other via the video links, though you can turn off your camera and microphone at any time.

You will therefore need to have access to either a laptop, computer or portable device (eg tablet or phone) (this ideally needs to be less than 5 years old), with a camera / webcam and microphone, as well as a good broadband / Wi-Fi connection.

Though it is not essential, you may choose to create a separate email account for your online learning (preferably Gmail which is most compatible with Google Meet). This will give you the added security to allow you to share your email address with your tutor and other students on the course to enhance your learning experience, without disclosing your personal information.

At the start of the course and before each lesson your tutor will send you an invitation with a link to join the class and any further information including resources and equipment you will need for the lesson.


Materials and items you will need to do the course

• A ukulele
• A music stand

To avoid unnecessary cost please do not purchase any materials until you are certain that your course will run. Course decisions are normally made a week prior to the course start date.

Extra study or practice

It is strongly advised that you practise the material learnt in each session at home, in order for you to fully maximise your improvement throughout the course.

How to enrol

You can enrol by phoning ACRES' House on 01825 761820 on Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 4 pm. Alternatively, to register your interest in a course please email adultlearning@acres.org.uk with the course title and your contact details and a member of the team will call you back to enrol you on your chosen course.

Next steps within this subject with ACRES

The next Ukulele course with Andy Wyllie is scheduled to start in January 2021 and will be delivered at Heathfield Community College if Covid-19 government guidelines permit.

Please contact the ACRES House or visit our website for up to date information on all of ACRES courses starting in the New Year.

Future steps beyond ACRES

Find out about other courses with the National Careers Service for opportunities to extend your skills and knowledge.

Further information

Please visit the ACRES website, see our brochure, or alternatively call a member of the team on 01825 761820 or email adultlearning@acres.org.uk.