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NORWICH FOLK TUNE IN TO UKULELE BOOM

By Emma Foster, Community Newswire
ARTS Ukulele Norwich 14 Apr 2010 - 16:16

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The ukulele is enjoying a surge in popularity in Norwich, according to a
local charity, which is now offering more ukulele courses to meet demand
from eager learners.

Community Music East (CME), on Music House Lane, is running courses for
beginners and improvers starting later this month, after receiving many
calls from people keen to learn the instrument.

Clara Gauntlett from CME said: "The ukulele has become really popular in
the past couple of years and we're getting lots of calls from people who
are keen to learn.

"It's a great instrument for beginners because it has only four strings,
which makes it relatively easy to play.

"They are also inexpensive to buy, very portable and easy on the ears.

"Our beginners' course is suitable for people who are new to playing a
musical instrument and covers all the basics such as tuning, chords and
posture.

"Our improvers' course is for players with a bit more experience and
covers strumming techniques, song writing and a chance to increase your
repertoire."

A local music shop has also experienced a marked increase in sales of
the instrument over the past few months.

Tristan Burfield, from the Music Room shop, said: "The uke has become
progressively more popular, possibly because of the success of the
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, which has played some high profile
dates, including Norwich.

"There is more choice of instrument available and the quality has
improved since the boom in popularity."

CME's Ukulele for Beginners starts on April 20, from 10am to midday and
Ukulele for Improvers starts April 19 from 7pm to 9pm. Both cost £75
(£50 concessions) for six weeks and there will be more courses starting
in June.

Established in 1985, CME offers multimedia and music activities for
people of all ages and abilities. It aims to increase opportunities,
primarily for people who may be disadvantaged either socially,
economically or culturally.

For more information or to book a place on a ukulele course contact CME
on 01603 628367 or visit www.cme.org.uk.

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