Gathering Guide

Ukulele jam

Play ukuleles together through a shared selection of songs. A leader introduces the key, chords and pace so the group can join the music.

1. Plan your gathering

Choose the format first, then set the date, capacity and duration around what it needs. The examples below are sources of practical experience, not requirements for your gathering.

2. Prepare to host

Confirm the venue’s permission, usable layout, sound conditions, access arrangements and setup/clearing window. Set participant capacity from the activity and available leadership, then count all hosts and helpers within the room limit.

Prepare the materials and rehearse the parts you will lead. Confirm [materials supplied], [what participants bring] and [host/helper responsibilities] before publishing. Use original or properly authorized material. For minors, arrange the host organization’s safeguarding and guardian requirements.

Identity and materials: Create original teaching prompts and jam structure. Select original or appropriately cleared songs/arrangements; do not copy commercial songbooks, chord sheets or another club’s logo.

No central affiliation identified for a generic ukulele jam. Confirm venue music permissions and the rights for any song sheets, backing tracks or recordings; ask the relevant rights holder about uses not already licensed.

Venue request

Hello [venue contact], I’m planning a ukulele jam on [date], from [start time] to [end time], for [number of participants] participants and [number of hosts/helpers] hosts or helpers. We would need a room suitable for a ukulele jam, with space for seated players, plus [total number of chairs, including hosts] chairs arranged in a circle, with [number of tables] tables alongside the circle. Would this space and seating arrangement be available for our gathering? What can our group do to support your business as well?

3. Create your Eventbrite listing

  1. Open a new event

    Create an event on Eventbrite

  2. Event title

    Ukulele jam: a shared rhythm
  3. Short summary

    Play [confirmed repertoire] with a song leader and clear guidance on the expected skill level.
  4. Date, time and location

  5. Event description

    This gathering offers [beginner instruction / jam / separated combination] for [skill level]. Instruments: [bring/confirmed loans]. Song materials and tuning help: [details]. [Explain request and song-leading process]. When: [day, date, start–end time and time zone] Where: [confirmed venue, address, room and host location] Audience: [age range, participation requirements and any guardian arrangements] Materials: [what is provided and what to bring] Cost: [total price including fees and any required purchase] Booking: [RSVP link, capacity/waitlist and cancellation arrangements] Access: [confirmed seating, route and activity-specific communication/sensory arrangements] Host and questions: [name/contact]
  6. Tickets and registration

    Ticket name

    General admission
  7. Final check

4. Invite people

Announce your gathering

Ukulele jam: a shared rhythm. Join us at [place] on [date], [time/time zone]. Play [confirmed repertoire] with a song leader and clear guidance on the expected skill level. Details, cost and booking: [link].

A welcoming invitation

Tune up and follow the song as it unfolds. Our skill level, instrument arrangements and repertoire are here: [link]. [Date/place]. Details, cost and booking: [link].

A closer look

We’ll play [repertoire] at our next ukulele gathering. [Leader] will guide the starts, tempo and changes. [Date/place]. Details, cost and booking: [link].

5. Host the gathering

  1. Help with tuning before the jam starts.
  2. Show the song, key and any unfamiliar chord, then count in at a playable tempo.
  3. In a request circle, the next person can suggest, lead or pass; the musical leader can start a requested song.
  4. Keep between-song playing quiet so instructions can be heard.
  5. Restart calmly if the group loses its place.
  6. Close at the end of a song and allow time to pack instruments.

At the close, thank participants and clear the space as agreed. Do not add anyone to a mailing list or share their contact details without their choice.

Sources and practical references

  • Queen City Ukes , Circle selects songs from a projected list; caller sets key/tempo or asks an experienced leader; participants can pass; tuning before play and listening volume are emphasized.
  • Coeur d’Alene Public Library , 2024 club separated a first hour of beginner tuning/chords/strumming from a later jam; participants brought ukuleles or contacted organizer about access.