The humble school recorder lesson which for generations has filled corridors with shrill whistles and squeaks is being challenged by the newfound popularity of the ukulele. Previously associated with George Formby's comic songs, the ukulele is becoming a firm favourite among budding primary school musicians across the country.



Music shops report a roaring trade in the tiny guitar-shaped instruments while some schools are abandoning recorders to set up their own ukulele orchestras.

A reputation for being easy to pick up and play, coupled with its resemblance to the guitar are said to be driving the classrooom revival.

Ane Larsen, director of the Kitchen School of Music, teaches school children in Devon and in east London where her lessons have replaced long-running recorder work.

She said unlike the recorder, the ukulele left mouths free for singing and taught children both rhythm and melody. She said "It's definitely becoming more and more popular."

She said: "It's got a reputation for being an instrument that's really easy to pick up and play and because the size is really good for children.

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"Every time I go in to a school, I see kids picking up the ukulele and pretending it's an electric guitar. It's seen as a rock and roll instrument."

A basic instrument can cost as little as £20 and some music shops report selling hundreds of them in recent weeks.

Gail Roberts, a teacher at Llandogo primary school near Monmouth, has been learning the instrument alongside her 10 and 11-year-olds pupils since the start of term.

She said: "I taught a different class the recorder and even though they enjoyed it and could learn from it, the actual sound isn't quite the same - you do get the squeaks. The ukulele is a lot more pleasing to the ear and they can talk as they play so they have been making their own songs.

"Since I have started it's just gone through the roof."