It’s never too late to learn the uke as the Ongleys will show you

ARTHUR Ongley was holidaying in Hawaii with his wife, Denise, 12 years ago when they both had their ukulele moment, which has been life-transforming not only for them, but for many others.

ARTHUR Ongley was holidaying in Hawaii with his wife, Denise, 12 years ago when they both had their ukulele moment, which has been life-transforming not only for them, but for many others.

A guitar player in a band, Mr Ongley certainly knew about music and fell in love with the instrument, which was brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants in the 19th century.

Fast forward to 2016, and the Ongleys, of Northmead, have a thriving Parramatta and Hills Ukulele Network (PHUN), which is spreading the good news about the little instrument with a unique sound.

Arthur Ongley playing the ukulele outside Maxx Music store which is hosting the free classes.

The network is holding free Have A Go Ukulele workshops at Maxx Music’s Rouse Hill Town Centre store tomorrow and on Tuesday as part of Adult Learning Week.

“The uke is very easy to learn and I will have the guests playing a tune before the 45-minute workshop ends,” Mr Ongley, 70, said.

“I have been playing the guitar all my life, and played in the Australian Navy and other bands.

Arthur and Denise Ongley have a laugh while singing and playing.

“The uke is a very social instrument and it’s great for people to get together from that point of view.

“I see PHUN as a community-based group providing many opportunities for people to meet together in an atmosphere of fun and friendship to learn and play the ukulele.

I am delighted to have this opportunity to introduce the ukulele to more people as part of Adult Learners Week.”

Ukuleles are easy to learn as Arthur and Denise Ongley will show you.

Mr Ongley said the network had more than 80 members from western Sydney and some even in the Blue Mountains.

Maxx Music owner Ben Finn encouraged residents to give their musical talents a go.

“The ukulele is a great instrument to try. It is a happy instrument, affordable, small enough to take anywhere, and it is one of the easiest instruments to get started on,” Mr Finn said.

“Within half an hour, we’ll bet you can play at least one song.

“It’s perfect for the absolute beginner — and we’ll even provide the ukulele for the workshop.”

Arthur Ongley.

Adult Learners’ Week is part of an international festival of learning celebrated in more than 55 countries around the world.

Adult Learners’ Week in Australia is celebrated with hundreds of events nationally designed to celebrate the benefits of learning — in the home, at work and in the community — and to highlight the range of adult learning options available for all Australians.

■ Details: 9894 0000 or maxxmusic.com.au.