Learn Ukulele your way with a TakeLessons expert

When you think about playing the ukulele, do you imagine yourself drinking out of a coconut on a tropical beach, with a salty wind in your hair? Think again! The perfect place to learn to play the ukulele is actually right here in the windy city. With great local music shops to choose from and a thriving community of ukulele players, you’ll find yourself in good company taking ukulele lessons in Chicago.

If you need to buy a new ukulele, Chicago Music Exchange (http://www.chicagomusicexchange.com/) is a great place to start shopping. Chicago Music Exchange carries a range of new, used, and vintage instruments, so you’ll have a great selection of ukuleles to choose from. The friendly staff of musicians and experts at this shop will help you make sure you pick the perfect uke!

The Old Town School of Folk Music (https://www.oldtownschool.org/musicstore/ukuleles/) is another fantastic place to pick up a ukulele or have one repaired. Plus, all the proceeds from purchases at The Old Town School Music Store go toward supporting music programs in the Chicago community.

Once you have a few lessons under your belt and you’re ready to hit the stage, Chicago abounds with opportunities for you to jam and perform! The Chicago Ukulele Cabaret (http://www.ukechicago.org/) is one popular event uke-lovers have got to check out. It’s an open-mic style night just for ukulele players that takes place every few months at Silvie's Lounge.

You might also enjoy joining a Meetup group for ukulele players in Chicago. Through Meetup groups, you’ll meet other people who share your interests, you’ll learn a lot, and you’ll have a ton of fun, too! Luckily for you, there are several ukulele Meetup groups in Chicago for you to choose from.

Free Range Ukulele Society of Oak Park (http://www.meetup.com/Free-Range-Ukulele-Society-of-Oak-Park/) meets just about every week to “play ukulele, sing, and have fun!” Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, you can have a great time with this group and join in the jam!

If you’re near Westmont, the UJM Ukulele Club (http://www.meetup.com/ujmukeclub/) gets together to sing and play on the fourth Saturday of every month. Beginners are welcome, and you can even borrow a ukulele if you don’t have one of your own yet.

In the Skokie area? Check out the North Shore Ukulele Society (http://www.meetup.com/NORTH-SHORE-UKULELE-SOCIETY/). They meet once monthly to learn new skills from various guest instructors. Past Meetups have focused on jazz, playing with a slide, and songwriting, just to name a few.

Finally, Wonderwall’s Ukulele Meetup Group (http://www.meetup.com/WonderwallsUkuleleMeetupGroup/) has meetings both in the north and south suburbs of Chicago. When you join this group, you can expect to strum along to a traditional Hawaiian song or a classic tune by the Beatles.

With such a thriving ukulele community around you, your ukulele lessons in Chicago are sure to be a success! Just like any instrument, you’ll want to be patient with yourself and practice every day. Keep going to lessons, studying music that you love, and working hard. Soon you’ll be playing ukulele like a pro!