Royal City Ukulele Ensemble

Music has the power to stop time. But music also keeps time.
— Questlove

Learn. Play. Connect.


Do you want to learn to make music as part of a group?
Build your skills on ‘ukulele?
Join the Royal City Ukulele Ensemble program, now heading into our 13th year!
(Ages 18+, limited spaces)

Become a member of the Royal City Ukulele Ensemble!

The Basics:

  • Weekly classes that build repertoire, music literacy skills, musicianship and competency.

  • Songs are in multiple, differentiated parts for ‘ukulele and voice, with some fully instrumental pieces.

  • There are community performance opportunities or recordings so you are expected to practise!

  • Repertoire is diverse. Be prepared to learn anything from ‘80s radio hits and ‘90s trip hop grooves to vaudeville ditties and 1950’s rockabilly bops, or folk to Bach to big band swing … you’ll never know what’s coming up next.

  • Minimum of 30 classes over the season

Requirements:

Although we welcome players of a range of abilities, participants should be comfortable playing at minimum confident beginner level. In addition, you should have completed either the Notes and More Level 1 online class, or James Hill’s The Ukulele Way Levels 1 and 2, or have equivalent background/ability on the ‘ukulele and with music literacy. An informal interview with program director, Cynthia Kinnunen, is required before registration is confirmed.

This ensemble program presently supports ‘ukuleles in C6 tuning only. Low G tuning preferred but not mandatory.

Program Details and Registration:

The Royal City Ukulele Ensemble runs from mid-September through June on Tuesday evenings. A full season commitment is required (there is no entrance mid-year).

Registration will open to new members for the 2026-27 Season on July 6th!
Join us for our 13th Season; spaces are limited!

Book the RCUE for your event!

Would you like the Royal City Ukulele Ensemble to bring some ‘ukulele joy to your event or venue?

RCUE enjoys sharing ‘ukulele happiness at a wide variety of events and locations! Stipends are always welcomed as the RCUE uses funds raised from performances to support our local music education initiative donating instruments and resources to elementary schools in our district.

Get in touch with Cynthia to learn more and discuss your event.

Check out some of our virtual ensemble recordings from the last two years on our RCUE YouTube playlist.