Ukulele Lessons Near Rochdale
If you're based in Rochdale and want to learn ukulele, Uke Group North runs welcoming sessions that are easily accessible from your area. We're a community interest company bringing people together through music across Greater Manchester, with a warm welcome for folks of all ages and abilities.
Our sessions are relaxed and community-focused - we believe learning music should be enjoyable, not stressful. We provide instruments if you don't have your own, and we ensure everyone progresses at their own pace.
Getting to Our Sessions from Rochdale
Bury Sessions - Short Journey
From Rochdale, Bury is your closest option - about 20 minutes by car or easily accessible by public transport.
Thursday Evenings at Wyldes:
- When: Every Thursday, 6:30pm-8pm
- Where: Wyldes, 4 Bolton St, Bury, BL9 0LQ
- Travel: 20 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 25 minutes by car from Rochdale
- Cost: £8 per person
Ramsbottom Sessions - Through Beautiful Countryside
A scenic 30-minute drive through Lancashire countryside takes you to our Ramsbottom sessions.
Tuesday Mornings at Ramsbottom Library:
- When: Every Tuesday, 10:30am-12pm
- Where: Ramsbottom Library, Carr St, Ramsbottom, BL0 9AE
- Travel: 30 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
Transport Connections
From Rochdale, both Bury and Ramsbottom are straightforward journeys through pleasant Greater Manchester countryside.
Many of our members use the journey time as a chance to unwind before sessions - leaving the pressures of daily life behind and arriving ready to enjoy making music with others.
What Makes Our Sessions Special
We focus on playing and singing together using songbooks packed with popular tunes arranged for ukulele. The atmosphere is warm and encouraging - there's no pressure to be perfect, just the joy of making music together.
Whether you're a complete beginner or have some musical experience, you'll find your place in our group. We've created a community where people support each other's musical journey and often form lasting friendships.
Why Travel from Rochdale?
While it might seem easier to find something local, our sessions offer something special that many people find worth the short journey. We've built a genuine community of music lovers who've become real friends.
The weekly routine of traveling to sessions becomes something people look forward to.
What to Expect
Our sessions are structured but relaxed. We start with a warm welcome and then move through songs together, helping people with chords, strumming patterns, and singing. Everyone participates at their own level - there's no pressure to perform solo or be perfect.
You'll learn proper ukulele technique, chord progressions, and how to play songs from our extensive repertoire. But more than that, you'll become part of a musical community that values connection and mutual support.
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 an open mind for musical 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 Rochdale depending on the exact location.
Lesson prices:
- 30 minutes: £20
- 60 minutes: £30
Contact us to discuss whether your Rochdale 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 Greater Manchester. Our sessions provide structure, social contact, and the proven 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 Rochdale looking for this kind of community experience, the short journey to our sessions can be transformative.
Book Your Place
Interested in joining our musical community? Get in touch via our contact page to book your place at any of our sessions. We recommend trying one session first to see how it works for you - there's no pressure for long-term commitment.
All abilities welcome - complete beginners are especially encouraged to join us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the journey from Rochdale worthwhile? Many of our members travel similar distances and wouldn't consider going anywhere else. The community we've built and the quality of our sessions make the journey worthwhile.
Which session would be best for Rochdale residents? Thursday evenings in Bury are probably most convenient, being closest and at a time that works for most people. But all our sessions would welcome you warmly.
Can I try a session without committing to regular travel? Absolutely! Come to one session and see if it works for you. There's no expectation of regular attendance unless you choose it.
Do other people travel from the Rochdale area? Yes, we have members from various Greater Manchester towns.
What if I can't make it every week? That's fine - people attend as regularly or occasionally as suits their lives. While consistency helps with musical progress, we understand everyone has different schedules.
Can I bring family members or friends? Of course! We often have families attend together, and bringing a friend can make the journey more enjoyable and give you someone to practice with.
What about parking at the venues? Wyldes is in Bury town centre with public parking nearby. Greenmount Old School has its own car park. Ramsbottom venues have street parking and local car parks.
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 quickly.
Do you ever run sessions closer to Rochdale? Currently these are our regular weekly sessions, but we occasionally run workshops in different locations. Email us to be kept informed of any special events.
What makes ukulele ideal for group music? It's one of the most accessible instruments - easier than guitar to start with, portable, always sounds cheerful, and perfect for group singing. You can play recognisable songs quite quickly, which keeps motivation high.
