Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.
How much do ukulele lessons cost?
In-person ukulele lessons cost $30 to $60 per hour on average to learn with a private instructor. 1-hour group ukulele classes cost $18 to $30 per student. Some music studios offer new student specials and sell discounted multiple-session packages that reduce the cost per class.
Online ukulele lessons cost $10 to $30 per month for subscription-based websites offering access to pre-recorded classes. While pre-recorded lessons are not the same as a real-time instructor, some websites allow you to submit practice videos for teacher review and feedback.
Online ukulele lessons using live webcam video calling with a private instructor cost $25 to $60+ per hour, depending on the teacher's experience and reputation.
Keep in mind you will also need to purchase a ukulele to practice in between lessons. Most entry-level ukuleles cost $50 to $150, while higher-end models cost $200 to $500+.
Is ukulele easy to learn, and can I teach myself?
Learning to play the ukulele can be easy and fun! Ukuleles are small and only have 4 strings, making chords and scales easy to learn and play without putting too much stress on your arms, wrists, and fingers. Additionally, ukulele strings are made of soft nylon, making them easier on your fingertips than guitar strings.
You can teach yourself to play the ukulele using YouTube videos and other free resources, but this method lacks structure and may take longer to see progress than if you learn with an instructor. A professional ukulele teacher can guide you in the right direction and save you from developing unhelpful habits early on in your practice.
How long does it take to learn ukulele?
While every individual is different, in general, it takes about 3 to 6 months of consistent practice to learn and become comfortable playing the ukulele. Practicing many hours per day may yield quicker results. That said, you can likely learn enough basic chord shapes and strumming patterns to play many favorite pop songs in just a matter of weeks, or even days.
How do I choose the best ukulele lessons near me?
When searching for ukulele lessons near you, be sure to:
Choose a teacher or music studio that has been in business 5+ years and is licensed and insured.
Check out their profile and reviews from past students on Lessons.com and Google.
Look for a teacher who has a flexible schedule that matches your needs.
Discuss your specific goals and ask them how they will structure their lessons to help you meet them.
What questions should I ask when searching for ukulele lessons?
Finding a ukulele instructor whose personality and teaching style meshes well with your own can make a huge difference in your learning and progress. Asking the right questions can help you choose the best ukulele teacher for you:
How long have you been playing and teaching ukulele?
What qualifications do you have?
What styles of ukulele do you teach?
Do I need to buy a ukulele to take lessons?
How long will it take for me to learn to play the ukulele?
How often and how long should I practice?
What is your cancellation policy?
Are you running any new student specials or discounts?
Reviews for San Jose ukulele teachers
Recent success stories from people in the San Jose area.
Nicole H.
Chromatic Music Academy stands as the epitome of excellence in the Bay Area. It comes highly recommended to all families seeking top-notch music education. A truly prestigious institution.
Chromatic Music Academy
Brad F.
Ahmad is an easy going teacher who kicks my butt at the same time. He's a stickler for the foundational elements, which is exactly what I need to take my guitar playing to the next level. He is truly interested in seeing me improve. I'm a songwriter and I need to up my game to be able to hang with co-writers who are more advanced musically, and I also have the goal to play out at writers rounds and open mics and I need to get a little more proficient for that. We're playing acoustic. We've done both Skype and in-person lessons. Highly recommended. Good location.
AHMAD Guitar Lessons
Sara S.
Great lesson!
Neil Kelly guitar
Saulo Q.
Jonathan is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the guitar. He takes his time explaining and breaking concepts down and has always worked with me to meet my specific needs. I have tried lessons with other people before, and by far Jonathan has been the best experience I have ever had with a guitar instructor. I have now been taking lessons for a year and a half and am grateful for every single moment.
Shanley Guitar Lessons
Vishakha S.
I have been taking piano lessons with Maureen at ride music studio since almost a year.Maureen follows simplymusic technique to teach piano.I have learnt lot of songs with her so far and still learning more.Maureen is very patient when it comes to teaching and she always has a plan in mind about what all things to teach within 45 minutes class.She also arranges lot of events like playing at senior living homes, jam sessions, etc which I feel is really exciting.I would definitely recommend ride music studio if you want to enjoy playing piano and not just follow the coursework.
Ride Music Studio
Tom M.
In the course of a year Ben has introduced me to a variety of ukulele playing techniques (strumming patterns, fingering, muting, hammer-ons, hammer-offs, overtones, slides, pinching etc.) some of which I've been able to learn and execute with some proficiency. He's also taught me how to look at sheet music and puzzle out for myself fingering for melodies and chord fragments based on the chord structures to which these melodies and chord fragments are associated. In this time I've gone from being a nearly 60-year old complete beginner to being someone able to competently play melody and/or chord lines for the following songs "Fly Me to the Moon", "Walk Don't Run", "Sounds of Silence", "Kawika", "The Entertainer", "Hide Away", "Crazy", "Sweet Lelani", "Tears on My Pillow", "Behind Blue Eyes" "Breakdown", "Killing Me Softly" "White Christmas", "Mele Kalikimaka" "Vietnam", and some others.
Ben McSherry Guitar Lessons
Shruti P.
Orange Music Studio was definitely one of the highlights of my high school career! I took lessons from Gala Yaroshevsky for roughly two years and she was one of the most passionate and influential teachers I've had in my life. She has the ability to go far beyond just teaching the notes and techniques and makes music such an immersive, enjoyable, and unique experience for her students. She guided me through the Advanced level of the Certificate of Merit and both the Flute Choirs and Philharmonic Orchestra of the San Jose Youth Symphony. It would not have been the same with anyone else!
Orange Music Studio
Charlie E.
I have worked with Bill in classes and one-on-one. The experience is always rewarding. I have been working on Macedonian Tambura - a guitar or lute-like instrument. I have heard Bill play multiple instruments in multiple bands; truly, too many to count. He is a master musician and a master of theory. His knowledge extends beyond playing music from all over the world, to knowing the background of that music and how it is constructed. Amazing practical knowledge, technical knowledge and teaching ability. I highly recommend Bill Cope.
Bill Cope Music
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