Meet Carolyn — a retired piano teacher who found a new rhythm in life through ukulele. She’s actively involved in not one, but two amazing groups helping people of all musical levels strum their way to joy.
🎤 Tell us about your ukulele groups.
I’m involved with two ukulele communities in the Bayside Melbourne area:
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Longbeach Ukulele Club (LUKES) — We meet twice a week, Tuesday nights in Carrum and Thursday afternoons in Mentone. We have over 130 members, with 40–50 attending each session!
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Kingston U3A — I teach two ukulele classes here:
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The Extension Class (intermediate) on Wednesday afternoons with 40 players.
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The Ensemble Class on Friday mornings for around 15 TAB readers and more serious musicians.
We also offer a beginner group and a "Sing n Strum" class.
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🎤 How has volunteering shaped your connection to the community?
After retiring from teaching piano, I didn’t have many work friends nearby. Joining these groups helped me meet like-minded people and continue using my love for music and teaching. It’s been incredibly fulfilling!
🎤 What makes the ukulele community in Australia so special?
The welcoming vibe — no matter where you travel in Australia, you’ll find a friendly ukulele group ready to jam. Most of us use the Ukulele Club Songbooks, so it’s easy to join in anywhere!
🎤 What advice would you give someone thinking of joining a uke group?
Go for it!
Ukulele is a super accessible instrument — even if you’ve never played music before.
Players are usually supportive and encouraging, and groups benefit from having a mix of skill levels.
Having experienced musicians share tips lifts the whole group and helps everyone grow.
🎤 How can people find or get involved with your groups?
You can find us online:
🌐 www.longbeachukes.com.au
🌐 www.u3akingston.org.au
🎤 What’s a song your group always loves to play?
“These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” — the rundown in that song is just so much fun!
🎤 What makes the ukulele community in Australia so special?
The welcoming atmosphere. No matter where you travel across Australia, you’ll find a uke group that greets you like an old friend. Most groups use The Ukulele Club Songbooks, which makes it easy for newcomers to jump in and strum along.
You can check them out here:
👉 The Ukulele Club Songbook Volume – Ukulele Trading Co Australia
📸 Got a great jam moment?
We’d love to feature a photo of your group in action — send us your favourite uke snap!
