Ukulele Lessons Near Bolton
Bolton has such a fantastic community spirit, and we love welcoming people from the town to our musical family! Our sessions are just a short journey away and offer something special - a chance to connect with fellow music lovers in beautiful countryside settings while learning this wonderfully cheerful instrument.
Since 2021, we've been creating welcoming spaces where people of all ages can learn ukulele, sing together, and build lasting friendships. Our approach is relaxed and inclusive - no pressure, just the joy of making music together. Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time or looking to play with others, you'll find your place here.
Getting to Our Sessions from Bolton
Bury Sessions - Your Closest Option
From Bolton, Bury is about 20 minutes by car via the A58, making our Bury sessions very accessible for Bolton residents.
Thursday Evenings at Wyldes - Perfect for after work in the heart of Bury:
- When: Every Thursday, 6:30pm-8pm
- Where: Wyldes, 4 Bolton St, Bury, BL9 0LQ
- Travel: 20 minutes by car via A58
- Cost: £8 per person
- Getting there: Right in Bury town centre, free parking after 6pm
Monday Mornings at Greenmount - Start your week with music in a lovely community setting:
- When: Every Monday, 10:15am-11:15am
- Where: Greenmount Old School, Brandlesholme Road, Bury, BL8 4DS
- Travel: About 25 minutes by car from Bolton via A58
- Cost: £8 per person
- Getting there: About 10 minutes from Bury centre with its own car park
Ramsbottom Sessions - Scenic Route
A lovely drive through the countryside takes you to our Ramsbottom sessions in about 30 minutes.
Tuesday Mornings at Ramsbottom Library - Playing music in the morning is a great way to start your day! Ramsbottom is home to many wonderful local businesses perfect for a coffee or spot of lunch after our sessions:
- When: Tuesdays 10:30am-12pm
- Where: Ramsbottom Library, Carr St, Ramsbottom, BL0 9AE
- Travel: 30 minutes by car through lovely countryside
- Cost: £8 per person
Tuesday Evenings at The Den - Our cosiest sessions of the week! The living room area is well equipped with projector and hot/cold drinks available at no extra cost:
- When: Tuesdays 5:30pm-7pm
- Where: The Den, Stubbins Vale Road, Ramsbottom, BL0 0NT
- Travel: Same scenic route as library sessions
- Cost: £8 per person
Why Travel to Our Sessions?
While it might seem easier to find something local, our sessions offer something special that's worth the short journey. We've built a real community of music lovers who've become genuine friends. The atmosphere is warm and encouraging, and you'll find yourself looking forward to these weekly gatherings.
Many of our members travel from various towns because they've found something here they couldn't find elsewhere - a place where music brings people together without competition or pressure.
What to Expect
We focus on playing and singing together with small easily digestible portions of music theory to help you on your musical journey. Using our songbooks packed with popular tunes, we create an atmosphere where everyone can contribute, regardless of skill level. You'll learn proper technique, chord progressions, and strumming patterns, but the real magic happens when voices join together.
We are experienced musicians who understand that learning should be enjoyable. We provide instruments if you don't have your own. Sessions are tailored to include insightful content for complete novices and experienced musicians, ensuring everyone progresses at their own pace.
What to Bring
- Your ukulele (or let us know if you'd like to borrow one of ours)
- Our songbook - download the UGN Songbook (PDF) or bring it on a tablet
- Just yourself and a willingness to have some fun!
One-to-One Lessons with Ben
Looking for personal tuition? Ben, our founder, group facilitator and experienced musician with over 20 years of musical experience (playing various musical instruments, including piano, guitar and bass guitar) offers one-on-one ukulele lessons for learners of all ages. Ben brings serious musical experience to the ukulele world - over the last 8 years this cheerful instrument has become his passion bringing joy and positive distraction to many students and service users.
Ben's teaching style is friendly and laid-back, making him perfect for nervous beginners or those wanting to improve their technique or brush up on some music theory. He travels to your location within approximately 30 miles of Ramsbottom, which makes him easily accessible for people throughout Bolton. Remote lessons are also available via zoom call if you're located a little further away.
Lesson prices:
- 30 minutes: £20
- 60 minutes: £30
Being based near Bolton's neighbouring towns, Ben can easily reach most areas of Bolton for personal lessons.
Community Benefits
Community Connections
We understand the importance of community spaces, and our sessions help support local venues while creating connections between neighbours. We've seen friendships form, confidence grow, and people rediscover their love of music.
We're proud to work alongside other community organisations across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, all focused on bringing people together and improving wellbeing through shared activities.
Why Choose Our Sessions?
Learning music in a community setting has real benefits. You'll meet people from across the region, support local venues, and enjoy travel times that make it easier to attend regularly. The routine of weekly sessions provides structure and something to look forward to.
As a community interest company, we're committed to making music accessible and affordable for everyone. Our sessions contribute to local wellbeing while strengthening the community assets that make Greater Manchester and Lancashire special.
Book Your Place
Ready to join us? Get in touch via our contact page to book your place at any of our sessions. Spaces are limited to ensure everyone gets the attention they need, so booking in advance is recommended.
All abilities welcome - complete beginners are especially encouraged!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which session should I choose? Thursday evenings at Wyldes are probably most convenient for Bolton residents - closest location and perfect timing after work. Monday mornings at Greenmount suit those with flexible schedules. All our sessions are equally welcoming!
Do I need any musical experience? Not at all - we'll teach you everything from how to hold the ukulele to playing your first songs. Many of our members started as complete beginners.
Is it worth traveling from Bolton? Many of our members travel similar distances and wouldn't go anywhere else. The community we've built makes the short journey worthwhile.
What if I miss sessions? Life happens - you're welcome to attend as regularly or occasionally as works for you. No long-term commitments required.
Are there age limits? No age limits at all. We've had everyone from children to folks in their 80s. Music brings all generations together.
What about parking? Wyldes is in Bury town centre with free parking after 6pm. Greenmount Old School has its own car park.
Do you perform publicly? Sometimes! We occasionally arrange small performances for local events, but it's always voluntary and relaxed.
What songs do you play? Our songbooks include everything from folk classics to modern pop hits, all arranged for ukulele. There's something for every taste.
Can I bring a friend or family member? Of course! Many people come with partners, friends, or family members. The more the merrier.
What if I'm nervous about joining? That's completely normal! Everyone was new once, and we pride ourselves on being welcoming. We'll look after you and help you settle in.
What makes ukulele special? It's one of the most approachable instruments - easier than guitar to start with, but capable of beautiful music. Plus, as Jake Shimabukuro said, "If everyone played the ukulele, the world would be a better place."
