Musical Adventures – What’s Next After Beginner Ukulele • Alice Bulmer Music Teacher

As soon as you’ve learned the basics on the ukulele, an amazing world of music, creativity and connection opens up.

I’m not exaggerating. And as a teacher, I’ve this seen happen for so many adult students. Including folk in their sixties, seventies and eighties, who had never played an instrument before in their lives.

When you start learning violin, piano or almost any other instrument, you can expect to take years of diligent practicing. With the ukulele it’s different. I know this from personal experience!

This is a preview of what’s next after beginner ukulele.

Some of the possibilities learning fingerpicking; learning cool strums; getting better at singing; playing your favourite music; joining groups; and more.

And here’s the best part: you don’t have to “wait until you’re good enough” to do these things. When you can play your basic chords confidently, you can start exploring.

First: are you ready to take the next step?

If you’re still learning C, F, and G, you’re a beginner – but you won’t be for long!

Here’s what you need to do:

If you haven’t already done so, check out my beginner ukulele guide,
Download my Beginner Ukulele Chord Chart here (no signup required). Once you can play these chords smoothly, you’re now at what’s called intermediate level. You’re ready for new musical adventures.

What’s in your next ukulele adventure?

Here are some of the possibilities.

Learn more songs

Tackle more challenging tunes.
Learn your all-time favourites — whether it’s a beloved band or a favourite singer.
Discover new songs that make your heart sing.

The internet is full of ukulele songbooks and song charts. They all have pro’s and cons. Some are better than others.

You can also find songbooks at your local music store. The Ukulele Club Songbooks are very popular with some groups I know. (NB this is not an affiliate link.)

Here are some tips for how to find ukulele song music.

Learn about transposing for ukulele

When you’re looking for song charts that really suit you, knowing about transposition is handy.

This means, changing the chords to make the song easier to sing, or easier to play. Here’s my blog post about Transposition Tips For Ukulele.

Funky strums

Go beyond down-up basics. From island strum and beyond. Read Ukulele Strumming Basics first.

Fingerpicking

This is one of the most rewarding skills to learn on ukulele. It sounds great and it’s a wonderful stress-buster. When you’re fingerpicking, you can’t worry about anything else! Start with one simple pattern and build from there. Here’s where to start: Easy Fingerpicking For Ukulele

Playing by heart

When you learn to play music without needing to look at the charts, you can share music anytime, anywhere. Tip: start learning to play by heart with a simple three-chord song. Start here: Playing By Heart

Make music with others

Join a ukulele group

Ask music shops or check social media for local groups.

Start your own group

All you need are some song charts and enthusiasm. (Or pay a local teacher to run it for you.) For more about starting groups: How to Start a Ukulele Group

Jam with friends

Guitarists can join too (just share ukulele-friendly chords).

Share music (beyond performing)

Performance is one path, but there are so many ways to share music without the pressure of a stage:

Playing in the park on summer evenings.
Starting a lunchtime workplace group.
Taking part in “Play Music on the Porch Day.” It’s a world-wide movement!
Joining in at neighbourhood events.

Make music for special groups

With small kids

Most children’s songs are easy to play. Parents, grandparents, and teachers find ukulele a perfect companion. Check out my digital resource, Auntie Alice’s Songbasket for ready-to-use resources.

With Alzheimers/ dementia groups

Music can spark memories, connection and shared fun for people with dementia, and ukulele is an ideal instrument for this. Read Songs To Remember – Music and Dementia

Celebrate with music

Start with “Happy Birthday” at family events (tip: gather singers first!).
Bring ukulele magic to parties and seasonal celebrations.

Explore songwriting

Write your own songs —you just need a few chords, a tune, a strum and some words. Truly! Read Songcatching: The Magic of Writing Your First Song.
Or, adapt a familiar tune with custom lyrics for a special occasion.

Learn another instrument

Bass, cajón (box drum), or harmonica are great companions for ukulele players. Read Many Ukuleles, One Bass
Your ukulele skills will give you a good foundation for taking on other instruments.

Choose your adventure — and keep having fun

What you do next depends on what excites you most.

I’ve taught hundreds of adults to play ukulele, and it’s always inspiring to see the unique paths they take — from starting groups to writing songs, from playing at home to sharing in the community.

The ukulele may seem small and simple, but it’s a powerful portal into music and creativity. Wherever it takes you, enjoy the ride!

Stay in touch

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Musical Adventures – What’s Next After Beginner Ukulele