Ukulele Lessons in Bury
Bury is at the heart of our Uke Group North community! We run 4 weekly sessions in the borough. Since 2021, we've been creating welcoming spaces where people of all ages can learn ukulele, sing together, and build lasting friendships.
Our sessions are 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.
Our Bury Sessions
Monday Mornings at Greenmount
Start your week with music! Our Monday morning sessions at Greenmount Old School Community Centre provide a lovely community setting.
- When: Every Monday, 10:15am-11:15am
- Where: Greenmount Old School, Brandlesholme Road, Bury, BL8 4DS
- Cost: £8 per person
- Getting there: Short bus ride from Bury centre, or easy drive with parking available
Tuesday Mornings at Ramsbottom Library
Playing music in the morning with others is a great way to start your day and perhaps work up an appetite. Ramsbottom is home to many wonderful local businesses to take a visit for a coffee or spot of lunch after our sessions.
- When: Every Tuesday, 10:30-12:00
- Where: Ramsbottom Library, Carr Street, Ramsbottom, BL0 9AE
- Cost: £8 per person
- Getting there: Short bus ride from Bury centre, or easy drive with parking available
Tuesday Evenings at The Den
Tuesday Evenings at The Den are our longest running sessions and possibly 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: Every Tuesday, 5:30pm-7:00pm
- Where: The Den, Stubbins Vale Road, Ramsbottom, BL0 0NT
- Cost: £8 per person
- Getting there: Short bus ride from Bury centre, or easy drive with parking available
Thursday Evenings at Wyldes
Perfect for after work or evening learners, our Thursday sessions at Wyldes offer a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Bury.
- When: Every Thursday, 6:30pm-8pm
- Where: Wyldes, 4 Bolton St, Bury, BL9 0LQ
- Cost: £8 per person
- Getting there: Right in Bury town centre, easy walking distance from the Metrolink station
Getting Around Bury
All our venues are well connected within Bury.
Ramsbottom/Stubbins are located around 5/6 miles outside the town centre. With each venue Ramsbottom Library and The Den offering accessible parking to attendees.
Greenmount Old School is about 10 minutes by car from the centre with its own car park.
The Thursday sessions at Wyldes are right in the town centre, with free parking currently available after 6pm (please check Bury Council website for official parking details)
What Makes Our Sessions Special
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 both complete novices and experienced musicians, ensuring everyone progresses at their own pace.
Community Connections
As Bury locals ourselves, we understand the importance of community spaces. 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.
What to Bring
- Your ukulele (or let us know if you'd like to borrow one)
- Our songbook - download the UGN Songbook (PDF) or bring it on a tablet
- Just yourself and a willingness to have 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 Bury. Remote lessons are also available via Zoom call if you are located a little further away.
Lesson prices:
- 30 minutes: £20
- 60 minutes: £30
Being based near Bury, Ben can easily reach most areas of the town for personal lessons.
Why Choose Local Sessions?
Learning music in your own community has real benefits. You'll meet people from your local community, support local venues, and have short 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 Bury and surrounding areas special.
Book Your Place
Ready to join us? Get in touch via our contact page to book your place at either of our Bury 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? Both sessions are friendly and welcoming! Thursday evenings suit those who work during the day, while Monday mornings are popular with retirees and those with flexible schedules.
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.
Can I try both sessions? Absolutely! Some people attend both regularly, others pick the one that suits their schedule best.
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 the town centre with nearby public parking. 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 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."
