Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna
455 Glen Pine Ct, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1R3
Ph: 250-317-3685

Take Ukulele Lessons With An Experienced Teacher in Kelowna

Learn to play ukulele with Noel Wentworth at Upbeat Music Academy's music studio in Glenmore, Kelowna.

Private ukulele lessons start at $34 per 30-minute lesson for students ages 7 and up. Lessons are available Monday to Friday and are tailored to each student's experience, interests, and goals.

Whether you're picking up a ukulele for the first time, returning to music after years away, or looking to become a more confident player, lessons are relaxed, encouraging, and practical.

Noel has been teaching music for more than 25 years and has been a musician for more than 40 years. He works with beginners through advanced players, helping students develop solid musical skills while learning songs and styles they enjoy.

• Private one-on-one ukulele lessons
• Students ages 7 and up
• Beginners through advanced players welcome
• Lessons tailored to your goals and musical interests
• Learn songs you enjoy while building strong fundamentals
• Performance opportunities twice a year
• Glenmore studio in Kelowna
• Free parking
• Monday to Friday lesson times
• $34 per 30-minute lesson

Hi, I'm Noel Wentworth, one of the founders of Upbeat Music Academy.

I've been teaching music for more than 25 years and have been a musician for more than 40 years. I teach ukulele, guitar, and bass and have worked with hundreds of students over the years, from young beginners to adults and retirees.

My formal music education includes a Diploma in Music Performance from Selkirk College and a Licentiate in Music Education through RSL Awards. I'm also a songwriter and recording artist, with two albums, Motion and Change.

Over the years, I've learned that there isn't one right way to learn an instrument. Some students want to pick up the ukulele and play their favourite songs as quickly as possible. Others want to understand music theory, improve their technique, perform for an audience, or eventually play with other musicians.

That's why I keep lessons relaxed, practical, and focused on the individual student. We'll work on the skills you need, while making sure you're also playing music you enjoy.

Whether you're holding a ukulele for the first time or you're ready to take your playing further, my goal is to help you become a confident and capable musician while having fun along the way.

Ukulele is a great instrument to start with, but there's much more to it than learning a few basic chords. Whether you're completely new to music or already have experience with another instrument, lessons can be adapted to where you are and what you'd like to accomplish.

Beginners

If you're picking up a ukulele for the first time, you'll start with the fundamentals in a way that's easy to understand. This can include learning basic chords, strumming patterns, rhythm, simple songs, and how to hold and play the instrument comfortably.

As you become more comfortable, you'll gradually build the skills needed to play more independently and take on more challenging music.

Kids and Teens

Younger students can learn through songs and musical styles they enjoy while developing good technique, coordination, rhythm, and practice habits. Lessons can also introduce music reading, theory, and other skills as students are ready for them.

For teens and students with previous musical experience, lessons can go further into more advanced playing, songwriting, improvisation, and playing with other musicians.

Adults and Returning Players

It's never too late to learn ukulele. Some adults are complete beginners, while others are returning to music after years away or bringing experience from guitar or another instrument.

Lessons can focus on learning favourite songs, improving technique, developing fingerpicking and rhythm skills, or simply enjoying a creative hobby and becoming more confident at the instrument.

What you learn will depend on your experience and goals, but lessons can cover a wide range of practical ukulele and musical skills.

You may learn:

• Chords and chord changes
• Strumming patterns and rhythm
• Fingerpicking
• Melody and playing individual notes
• Reading chord charts and ukulele tablature
• Scales and practical music theory
• Rhythm, timing, and musical expression
• Song structure and accompaniment
• Ear training
• Improvisation
• Songwriting and musical creativity
• Effective practice habits

The goal isn't simply to learn a collection of songs. It's to help you understand the ukulele, develop skills you can use in different musical situations, and become comfortable enough to enjoy playing on your own.

Performance Opportunities

Students who enjoy performing, or would like the chance to try, can take part in two student performance events each year, giving them a chance to share something they've been working on with family and friends.

Performing is completely optional. For students who choose to participate, it can be a great way to build confidence, work toward a goal, become more comfortable playing in front of others, and celebrate their progress.

Some students love being on stage, while others prefer to play just for themselves. Either approach is perfectly fine.

Ukulele Lesson Policies

Please see our lesson policies for information about cancellations, make-up lessons, payments, and other studio policies.

For children under 7, we generally recommend starting with piano lessons with Lora Wentworth. Piano can help younger students develop musical awareness, rhythm, coordination, and finger strength before moving on to ukulele.