Taken by Strum: Ukuleles and Participatory Music-Making in Hamilton, Aotearoa/New Zealand

Combating loneliness and isolation and promoting good mental health – One ukulele at a time

“…The benefits of music for mental health are long established (Chan et al . 2009; Chang 2018; Stensæth 2018) but some music learning can be intimidating and off‐putting (Bannister 2019; p. 66–67), as many children will recall from their piano or violin lessons. The uke is possibly the least intimidating instrument for people to pick up.…”

“…our little (ukulele) group has become more like a family, because we know each other so well. (Bannister 2019;p. 64) Members gain confidence, learn new skills, meet new friends, go out and about more, become part of a thriving community and accomplish feats such as performing music live or even writing and playing their own songs, that they might never previously have thought possible.…”

“…Any uke group will have members from the widest range of socioeconomic strata and from differing communities, all united in fun and music. As one New Zealand player commented, ‘(We are) people from different backgrounds … and now it’s one sound’ (Bannister 2019; p. 63). They will certainly have members who experience mental and physical health issues in addition to living with loss and bereavement.…”

“…(Ellis 2018; p. 117)Three years ago my husband went into care and I was determined I wasn’t going to sit at home and be miserable, so I thought I might take up music of some sort … I went along and paid my sub and I’ve never regretted it … our little (ukulele) group has become more like a family, because we know each other so well. (Bannister 2019; p. 64)…”

“…Part of this is due to the ukulele itself. The benefits of music for mental health are long established (Chan et al 2009;Chang 2018;Stensaeth 2018) but some music learning can be intimidating and off-putting (Bannister 2019;p. 66-67), as many children will recall from their piano or violin lessons.…”