My experience has been slightly different.
I first picked up the ukulele for my 6th grade class because the teacher, Mrs Wong,
wanted to teach everyone how to play and sing (so we could entertain other classes).
So I learned what she taught us but I can't remember getting all excited about it
at the time. It was another part of class work... however, I did like the then current
Rock-n-Roll songs being played on the radio (1960) in Honolulu and with this new
music-making skill of playing the ukulele, I was able to replicate what I was hearing
on the radio... after a while.
The 'after a while' meant I had to learn several chords in several keys because what
I heard on the radio was not always (or ever?) in the Key of C
I had a Guitar Chord
Wheel that basically taught me what chords went with what key and how to transpose
from key to key.
I also learned barre chords by using the key of C chord forms with the barre. Then I
figured out what key I was in and learned the first position chords for that key.
anyway, I played for my Church during Holiday Season when we went Caroling, and
also for Youth Group since we did not have pianos and piano players
I never really played in a ukulele song circle, that is with other players. Usually I was
'IT' and that was fine.
In college again I was the one who brought my uke on the school bus as we went
from place to place. I entertained fellow students at various events, but still no
ukulele group.
not until 2003 when, a few months after SUPA (Seattle Ukulele Players' Association -
seattleukulele.org), was formed.
since then I was a regular at SUPA's monthly gatherings... until about 7 years ago
STRUM (Seattle's Totally-Relaxed Ukulele Musicians) was formed.
Now we meet weekly at the Kona Kitchen Restaurant, Seattle, Wednesday evenings
from 6-8p. But we got our start at the Hiram Chittenden Locks in Ballard, where
we return every Summer, June through August, to play outdoors and revisit our roots.
All that to say, 1) with enough motivation, playing on one's own can be enough to
keep the music alive. the key being enough motivation.
2) playing the ukulele in community with like-minded ukulele players is truly a joy
and a motivational impetus that is hard to beat.
Keep it fun and play with others!
keep uke'in',