Ukulele lessons: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What ukulele lessons is

A ukulele teacher shows simple chords, strumming patterns and songs on a small four string instrument, which makes it a good first instrument for beginners of any age. People book ukulele lessons to play at home, with children or at a group sing-along.

Signs you need it

  • You bought a ukulele and cannot get the four strings to stay in tune
  • You can play one chord but cannot move between chords in a song
  • Your strumming sounds stiff and you cannot keep it steady
  • You want to play songs for children or family at home
  • You are not sure whether to tune standard or try a different tuning

What the pro does

  • Tunes the ukulele and shows how to keep it in tune between sessions
  • Teaches the core chords and how to change between them in a song
  • Builds strumming patterns that fit the songs you want to play
  • Shows a simple fingerpicking pattern for songs with a slower feel
  • Explains the differences between soprano, concert, tenor and baritone sizes

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Teacher experience and whether they teach beginners of a certain age
  • Lesson length and how many lessons you book each week
  • Private lessons compared with group or family classes
  • Whether the teacher comes to your home or you travel to a studio
  • Ukulele size, a tuner, a case or a songbook you need to buy
  • Whether the lessons include singing along with the chords

What a written quote should spell out

  • The number and length of lessons and whether they are private or shared
  • The songs and chords the plan covers
  • The cancellation and makeup policy for missed lessons
  • Which ukulele size and accessories you must buy yourself
  • Whether lessons are in person, at your home or online

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What ukulele size do you recommend for my hands and the songs I want?
  • Which chords and songs will we learn first?
  • Do you teach standard tuning, and can you show me how to tune by ear?
  • Do you teach children, and if the student is a minor, do you run background checks?
  • What is your policy on parents sitting in on lessons?
  • Can you help me build a strumming pattern I can practice at home?

Red flags

  • Tells you a ukulele is too simple to need lessons and skips technique
  • Pushes you to buy an expensive instrument before any lesson
  • Promises you will play complex songs in a few sessions
  • Does not adjust the songs to your age or interests

What you can do yourself

You can tune the ukulele, practice a few chords with a slow strum, and sing along to songs you like. Hire a teacher when you want to change chords smoothly, when your fingertips hurt badly, or when you want a structured plan for timing and rhythm.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to teach ukulele lessons. Check with your state or local licensing agency if you are unsure whether a teaching business needs a registration.

Ukulele lessons questions

Is ukulele a good first instrument for a child?

It is a common first instrument because it is small and has four strings. Ask the teacher whether they have taught children your child's age and how the lessons are run.

Do I need to read music to play ukulele?

No. Most ukulele lessons use chord charts and tabs. Tell the teacher if you want to learn standard notation.

How do I book a ukulele teacher on infinibell?

Describe the lessons you want, your level and the songs you like. Pick the teachers you want by name. Only the teachers you pick see your request, and it is free for you.

Pro reviewers

Pros who offer ukulele lessons remotely can improve this guide, like Wikipedia. We check every edit before it goes live. Every approved edit is credited in the edit history and on the pro's profile.

Edit history

How guide reviews work

How it works

  1. 1. Describe the job

    Pick the service, add your ZIP and a sentence about what is going on.

  2. 2. Pick the pros you want

    See screened pros who serve your ZIP and choose who you want to hear from.

  3. 3. They reach out

    They contact you the way you chose: phone, email or in-app messages.

More music lessons guides

Find a pro near you

Find a pro

About this guide

Request ukulele lessons