Ukulele Lessons Near Blackburn
If you're based in Blackburn and want to learn ukulele, Uke Group North runs welcoming sessions that are accessible from your area. We're a community interest company bringing people together through music across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, with a warm welcome for folks from all backgrounds and abilities.
Our approach is relaxed and community-focused - we believe music should be enjoyable and accessible. We provide instruments if you don't have your own, and we help everyone progress at their own pace.
Getting to Our Sessions from Blackburn
Ramsbottom Sessions - Scenic Journey
The journey from Blackburn to Ramsbottom takes you through some lovely Lancashire countryside, about 45 minutes by car via the M65 and A56.
Tuesday Mornings at Ramsbottom Library:
- When: Every Tuesday, 10:30am-12pm
- Where: Ramsbottom Library, Carr St, Ramsbottom, BL0 9AE
- Travel: 45 minutes by car
- Cost: £8 per person
Tuesday Evenings at The Den:
- When: Every Tuesday, 5:30pm-7pm
- Where: The Den, 6 Stubbins Vale Road, Ramsbottom, BL0 0NT
- Travel: Same route as library sessions
- Cost: £8 per person
Bury Sessions - Good Transport Links
Bury is about 40 minutes by car from Blackburn.
Thursday Evenings at Wyldes:
- When: Every Thursday, 6:30pm-8pm
- Where: Wyldes, 4 Bolton St, Bury, BL9 0LQ
- Travel: 40 minutes by car
- Cost: £8 per person
Monday Mornings at Greenmount:
- When: Every Monday, 10:15am-11:15am
- Where: Greenmount Old School, Brandlesholme Road, Bury, BL8 4DS
- Travel: About 45 minutes by car from Blackburn
- Cost: £8 per person
Why Make the Journey?
We understand that traveling from Blackburn requires planning, but many of our members make similar journeys because they've found something special with us. Our sessions offer more than just music lessons - we've built a genuine community where people form real friendships.
The weekly routine of traveling to sessions becomes something people look forward to.
What to Expect
Our sessions focus on playing and singing together using songbooks filled with popular tunes arranged for ukulele. The atmosphere is warm and encouraging - there's plenty of laughter along the way, and everyone supports each other's progress.
Whether you're a complete beginner or have some musical experience, you'll find your place in our group. We believe the joy of music comes from playing together, not from perfect performance.
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
- A willingness to join in and have some fun
One-to-One Lessons with Ben
Looking for personal tuition? Ben, our founder and experienced musician, offers one-on-one ukulele lessons for learners of all ages. With nine years in a heavy metal band and performances at major festivals, Ben brings serious musical experience to the ukulele world - he's become obsessed with this cheerful instrument because it brings so much joy to everyone who plays it.
Ben's teaching style is friendly and laid-back, making him perfect for nervous beginners or those wanting to improve their technique. He travels to your location within about 20 minutes of Ramsbottom, which means he can reach Blackburn depending on the exact location.
Lesson prices:
- 30 minutes: £20
- 60 minutes: £30
Contact us to discuss whether your Blackburn location is within Ben's travel area.
Community Benefits
As a community interest company, we're committed to improving wellbeing through music and building connections across Lancashire. Our sessions provide routine, social contact, and the mental health benefits that come from group music-making.
Research shows that playing music together reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression while building confidence and social connections. For people in Blackburn looking for this kind of community experience, the journey to our sessions can be well worth it.
Book Your Place
Interested in giving it a try? Get in touch via our contact page to book your place at any of our sessions. We recommend trying one session first to see if it works for you - no long-term commitment required.
All abilities welcome - beginners are especially encouraged to join us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the journey from Blackburn really worth it? Many of our members travel similar distances and wouldn't go anywhere else. The community we've built and the quality of our sessions make the journey worthwhile for them.
Can I try before committing to regular travel? Absolutely! Come to one session and see if it works for you. There's no pressure to commit to regular attendance.
Do other people travel from Blackburn area? Yes, we have members from various Lancashire towns who make the journey.
What if I can't make it every week? That's fine - come when you can. While regular attendance helps with musical progress, we understand people have different schedules and commitments.
Which session would be best for Blackburn residents? Tuesday morning in Ramsbottom might work well if you have flexible daytime hours, while Thursday evening in Bury could suit if you prefer after-work activities.
What about winter weather affecting travel? We understand that weather can make travel difficult. Sessions occasionally get cancelled for severe weather.
Can I bring family members? Of course! We often have families attend together - children, parents, grandparents. Music brings all generations together beautifully.
What if I'm nervous about joining a new group? 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.
Do you ever run workshops closer to Blackburn? Currently these are our regular weekly sessions, but we do occasionally run workshops in different locations across Lancashire. Email us to be kept informed of special events.
What makes the ukulele good for beginners? It's one of the most approachable instruments - easier than guitar to start with, portable, always sounds cheerful, and perfect for group playing. You can play recognisable songs quite quickly.
