A ukulele circle is a welcoming, low-cost way to engage participants of all skill levels during Make Music Vermont. This comprehensive guide will help you organize and lead a successful ukulele jam session.
Why Host a Ukulele Circle?
Ukulele circles are perfect for Make Music Day because they:
- Welcome beginners — The ukulele is easy to learn and non-intimidating
- Create community — Group music-making builds connections
- Require minimal equipment — Just ukuleles and song sheets
- Work with any group size — Effective for 5 or 50 participants
- Cost very little — No amplification or special setup needed
- Are family-friendly — Kids to seniors can participate together
Before Your Ukulele Circle
1. Find a Leader
Anyone can lead a ukulele circle if they can:
- Keep a steady rhythm
- Know a handful of basic chords (C, G, G7, F, Am, D7)
- Enjoy singing and leading
- Be punctual and organized
- Know at least 6-8 songs by heart
Where to find leaders in Vermont:
- Local music teachers
- Music store staff
- Guitar players (many fingerings are the same!)
- Existing ukulele clubs in Vermont
- School music programs
- Community center instructors
2. Publicize Your Event
- Post on the Make Music Vermont website
- Share on social media with #MakeMusicVT
- Create flyers for local bulletin boards (libraries, coffee shops, music stores)
- Reach out to local music shops
- Post in community calendars and Front Porch Forum
- Contact schools and community centers
3. Decide on a Format
Consider:
- Duration: 45-90 minutes works well
- Structure: Jamming only, or include a brief lesson component?
- Song selection: Use a songbook or play by ear?
- Participation: Will attendees lead songs or just the leader?
4. Prepare Materials
- Chord charts: Post large chord flashcards where everyone can see
- Song sheets: If using a songbook approach, have copies ready
- Tuners: Have a few clip-on tuners or tuning apps available
- Extra ukuleles: If possible, have a few loaners for newcomers
At Your Ukulele Circle
Setting Up
- Arrange chairs in a circle or semi-circle
- Post chord flashcards on a wall or easel where everyone can see
- Have song sheets ready to distribute
- Test any amplification if using
Running the Session
- Welcome everyone and explain the format
- Quick tune-up — help anyone who needs it
- Start with easy songs everyone likely knows
- Practice chord changes before playing songs all the way through
- Give permission to participate at any level:
"If you'd rather just sing, that's great! If you'd rather just strum, wonderful! If you can sing and strum, go for it!"
- Be inclusive — make everyone feel welcome regardless of skill level
- Note which songs go well — you might find a theme song!
- Collect contact info for future events
Tips for Success
- Start at a moderate tempo so everyone can feel successful — speed up only if the group is comfortable
- Choose songs that are easy and well-known
- Post chord flashcards where everyone can see them
- Consider making one song your chapter's "theme song"
To Book or Not to Book?
Many ukulele circles compile a songbook to guide sessions. However, playing from memory should also be encouraged as it:
- Builds musicianship skills
- Encourages participants to learn from each other
- Creates a more connected experience
Recommendation: Start each session with a few songs from memory, then use songbooks for variety.
Great Starter Songs
These classics use only 2–4 chords and are well-known:
Song | Chords |
Jambalaya | C, G7 |
When the Saints Go Marching In | C, G7, F, C7 |
You Are My Sunshine | G, G7, C, D7 |
This Land Is Your Land | C, G7, F |
Riptide | Am, G, C, F |
I'm Yours | C, G, Am, F |
Common Ukulele Chords Reference
Chord | Finger Position |
C | Ring finger on 3rd fret, 1st string |
G7 | Index on 1st fret 2nd string, middle on 2nd fret 3rd string, ring on 2nd fret 1st string |
F | Index on 1st fret 2nd string, middle on 2nd fret 4th string |
Am | Middle finger on 2nd fret, 4th string |
D7 | Index on 2nd fret 4th string, middle on 2nd fret 3rd string, ring on 2nd fret 2nd string |
Equipment Checklist
Basic Needs
Circle leader with ukulele
Chairs arranged in circle
Chord flashcards (printable available online)
Song sheets (optional)
Clip-on tuners or tuning apps
Sign-up sheet for email addresses
Nice to Have
Small PA system or portable amp for leader
Extra ukuleles to loan newcomers
Music stands
Refreshments
Planning Checklist
2-4 Weeks Before:
Recruit a circle leader
Confirm location and time
Begin promotion
Prepare materials (chord charts, song sheets)
Day Before:
Confirm with leader
Print any needed materials
Charge tuners
Gather any loaner instruments
Day Of:
Arrive early to set up
Post chord charts
Arrange seating in circle
Welcome participants as they arrive
Have fun!
Vermont-Specific Considerations
- Partner with local music stores — they may provide loaners, expertise, or sponsorship
- Connect with Vermont ukulele groups — many towns have existing uke clubs
- Consider outdoor locations — Vermont summer weather is perfect for porch or park circles
- Include Vermont songs — "Moonlight in Vermont" or songs by Vermont artists
- Family-friendly timing — afternoon sessions work well for all ages
Make It Vermont!
Consider including songs with Vermont connections or themes — folk songs, songs about nature, or tunes by Vermont artists that work well on ukulele.
Online Resources
- Ukulele Underground (ukuleleunderground.com) — Free video lessons and community forum
- Ukulele in the Classroom (ukuleleintheclassroom.com) — Teaching resources and flashcards
- Ukulele Yes! (ukuleleyes.com) — Free quarterly e-zine for ukulele teachers
- Flea Market Music (fleamarketmusic.com) — Songbooks and player directory
Adapted from Kala Brand Music Co. Ukulele Circle Starter Kit for Make Music Vermont