Ukulele For Everyone In Raleigh, North Carolina

The ukulele may be an easy instrument to learn, but that doesn’t mean mastering it doesn’t take much practice.

Yes, there are only four strings, and knowing just three chords will allow you to play dozens of songs, but just like the guitar, the piano or the violin, the mighty little uke requires training if you want to impress. And as it turns out, the best place to fine-tune your skills isn’t alone in your bedroom or at the most expensive lesson you can find. The very best way to practice the uke is by playing with others, and in Raleigh, North Carolina, ukulele enthusiasts will have no trouble finding a club that fits their needs.  

Looking for a one-club-fits-all group? The Raleigh Ukulele Jam is open to players of all levels – even if you’re just starting out in the ukulele community. Meetings take place on the first and third Thursday of every month from 7:00pm until 9:00pm in the classroom building at the Church of the Nativity, at 8849 Ray Road in North Raleigh.  

To make it easier for their members, the Raleigh Ukulele Jam has compiled songbooks made of classic and popular uke songs to be played at every meeting. Those who have a favourite not already on the list can bring copies (at least 12) for others to follow along. There’s no cost to attend, just bring your ukulele and be ready to sing and play.  

The group has also recently begun a regular monthly jam downtown at the Pelagic Beer and Wine for those looking for a bit of extra uke time. The meetup takes place on the last Friday of every month from 7:00pm until 9:00pm. All the same “Uke-Jam Rules” apply.  

But the Raleigh Ukulele Jam is where the city’s uke groups start and end. If you’re looking for a second, head to Chapel Hill, where enthusiasts can find Raleigh’s next closest ukulele group, the Chapel Hill UUkes. Members of the Community Church of Chapel Hill who wanted to play the ukulele together started the group, which meets on the second Monday of every month at Chapel Hill’s Community Church. Since its implementation, its membership has expanded beyond church members and has spread to the surrounding area.  

Like the Raleigh Ukulele Jam, the group plays from a compiled songbook of songs they play frequently, but members are encouraged to bring song sheets of their own choosing as well (with around 16 copies).  

Whether you’re a beginner starting out or a seasoned professional, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Raleigh and its surrounding area.