Next lesson... the ukulele

TRENDY middle-class mothers are fuelling a dramatic rise in children learning the ukulele, with some beginning at just two.

The instrument, which originated in Hawaii, has become fashionable with celebrities including singer Taylor Swift and actor Ryan Gosling. Experts are hailing it ‘the new recorder’ as schools increasingly promote it for pupils’ first music lessons.

Private music teachers are reporting a jump in parents signing children up to tuition. Research has shown the ‘uke’ is the fifth most popular instrument among children – with one in eight playing it or wanting to learn. Parents say they favour it because it is cheap and easy on the ear.

The Strings Club, which provides afterschool music lessons around the UK, said: ‘We’ve seen a huge growth in demand. Parents see the ukulele as fun and fashionable. It features now in lots of pop songs. Children as young as two are taking it up.’