Ukulele lessons put a strum in the heart

TUNE UP: Justin Reed, Lower Hutt, is giving free ukulele lessons at The Top Pub Greytown every second Friday, starting August 14, from 7pm.

If you have ever thought of taking up the ukulele, you're in luck, with free lessons in Greytown and an immediate spot in "Wairarapa's first Ukulele Orchestra".

The Top Pub at Greytown Hotel will be hosting free ukulele lessons given by Wellington Irish band and Shenanigans' duo, Justin Reed and Jane Boyers.

Wairarapa Ukulele Orchestra will be held every second Friday, with the first lesson kicking off on August 14 at 7pm, and all ages are encouraged to come along.

Mr Reed, from Lower Hutt, runs two other successful ukulele nights in Lower Hutt and Petone and thought it was time to bring the "jam sessions" over the hill.

"It's all about ukulele community and it's for young and old people and trying to convince everyone to put a little strum in their heart."

Mr Reed also has ukulele workshops for "the gold card generation" at community centres in Wainuiomata, Naenae and Upper Hutt.

He said over two days each week, with all lessons combined, he teaches about 100 people how to play the ukulele, for free.

Even though he can play four or five other different instruments, Mr Reed said he was most passionate about teaching the ukulele.

"It's an instrument I'm confident in teaching to a large mass of people and get vastly positive results."

Mr Reed, whose family has owned The Music Warehouse in Lower Hutt for 20 years, said he also teaches technique, which is a very different approach to teaching songs.

"In between songs I'll teach them how to pick, strum correctly and embrace it as if it was their own child.

"Above all it's about meeting new people and having a lot of fun."

Ukuleles will be available for beginners to use.