On the first Sunday of each month, Carla Marquardt offers free ukulele lessons in the McFall Room at the Manteca Branch Library.

The Manteca resident reported that 38 ukulele players strummed at this month’s session, with each at various ages and playing levels.

They came from throughout the area – Stockton, Lodi, Tracy, Modesto, Turlock, and, of course, Manteca – to have a good time, jamming and singing together.

The regulars came prepared by downloading the song sheets (www.MantecaUkeJam.org) beforehand.

The next free session at the library is Sunday, Oct. 7.

“The ukulele is much easier to learn than the guitar because there are only four strings and (the ukulele is) softer to strum,” said Marquardt, who has a degree in Instrumental Music Education for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. “Also, players read chord symbols and do not need to read traditional notes.”

She also a degree in Electrical Engineering from the same school but indicated that her big love is playing the ukulele.

Marquardt also offers four free beginners ukulele lessons at St. Paul’s Methodist Church at 910 E. North St., on Wednesday, Sept. 12, beginning at 6 p.m.

Those interested can call the church office at 209.823.7154 to reserve a spot. They should also indicate if they need a loaner instrument.