Cork City Libraries Age Friendly Ukulele Programme for adults aged 55+

Description

The programme involves a free 6 week beginners ukulele lessons in the library for adults aged 55+. The lessons take place in a group setting, which helps foster new friendships in an organic way.

A ukulele tutor and a ukulele are provided by the library, at no cost to the participant for the duration of the programme.
After the beginners classes are finished participants have the option of moving into our library intermediate or advanced class which are both tutored on a voluntary basis by past pupils.

To date the programme has become a huge success:
The programme started in 2018 and is still running.
The library has rolled out 8 sets of beginners classes.
Two library bands the ‘Holly Ukes’ (Advanced) and the ‘Holly Wednesdays’ (Intermediate) have formed.
Both these bands give back to the community by playing at events in the library, retirement homes and at festivals both local and further afield.

Aim of Initiative

To provide an opportunity for social outlet and cognitive stimulation that can continue to grow and develop. To improve quality of life and reduce the scourge of loneness. Foster new friendships. To promote adult learning in a fun way. To improve mood and cognition. To promote confidence. Each member is equal and valued. Promote an environment where everyone feels they have something to contribute.

Who is it aimed at

Adults aged 55+

3 Steps critical to success

1. The Library Provides a warm and welcoming environment .Library staff prepare the room for practice sessions.
   We provide refreshments. The library provides free refreshments, i.e. tea/coffee biscuits. And members always comment that they are delighted to get the cup of tea and enjoy the chats during this break time. We have found that it is during this tea break that friendships are made. And when friendships are made the sessions become fun and members support each other. We also provide music stands, and photocopy any new music sheets free of charge for the group.
2. No Cost to the ParticipantThe library provides the loan of the ukulele for the duration of the course. And just like borrowing a book, participants can take the ukulele home to practice on and return the instrument when the course is over. The library also provides a music tutor at no cost to the participant.
3. Feeder classes and the opportunity to play at eventsHaving the option of moving into an Intermediate or Advanced class once the beginners classes are over, has proved hugely successful.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Budget
   When budgeting for this initiative we need to allow for:
   Replacing any damaged or ukulele’s that are not returned.
   Cost of refreshments
2. Additional work for staff
   We need to factor in time for staff to set up the room, set up music stands and chairs. Purchase and prepare the tea/coffee and biscuits. Clean up the room afterwards.
   Now that we have 3 different ukulele groups they need to do this sometimes 3 times a week.
3. Promotion
   Promotion is always a challenge, we advertise on social media, posters in the library and in the local church and shops. Word of mouth is always very effective too. We always review our promotional methods.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Improved Quality of LifeResearch carried out in 2018 by UCC and the HSE on the first group of participants showed that members showed improved mood as well as cognition improvement and improved quality of life.
2. Members continue to give back to the communityMembers have gone on to form two bands that regularly practice in the library. These bands now play in retirement homes around Cork City and at various festivals, all on a voluntary basis. Members continue to give by teaching the ukulele at intermediate and advanced level in the library
3. To promote adult learning in a fun way.This initiative has shown that you are never too old to learn and that group learning in a fun way to engage with learning. Age is only a number.