And while that may be the case for some, for Khristina Joy the ukulele is much, much more.

As the driving force behind the Z Chords and UkeClubJAM, Khristina says as people get older they become invisible.

“That’s why our groups encourage live performance and to give authenticity to the ukulele,” she said.

It’s easy to understand Khristina’s infectious drive especially when you hear the Z Chords produce their magic including last Saturday’s performance at the Hastings Woodworkers’ Guild sale and expo.

It is pure enthusiasm from every member of the group.

With experience as a professional singer, singing teacher and band leader, and having  her own Ukulele Club in West Ryde, Khristina has now firmly entrenched her ukulele ensemble with the Conservatorium of the Mid North Coast in Hollingworth Street.

“I was missing playing and singing so much when I came up here that I started looking for some really keen people who would like to perform and sing and get together and enjoy music,” she said. ”We’ve been established for about two years and this wonderful group of people allow me to lead them down some crazy paths".

“The group travels far and wide with gigs such as the Central Coast Ukulele Festival, Wingham Akoostik Music Festival, Tastings on Hastings and the Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival.”

With the Z Chords comprising ukulele players from across the area, the sole guiding factors in joining the group are enthusiasm and a willingness to achieve a better band performance.

“That, and not doing anything necessarily complicated. As long as we have fun and we’re all enjoying playing the instrument and even singing,” she added.

The group has tapped into people’s potential while offering some kind of escapism for others. With the ukulele enjoying resurgences through the 50s and 60s, Khristina said the quality of the current instrument and its accessibility were key to a more consistent future.

“People who have always wanted to do music have found they can with an ukulele. It is a forgiving instrument with its own unique personality - not unlike the people who play them!"

The Z Chords rehearse each Saturday afternoon while the UkeClubJAM is on the second and fourth Wednesday night from 6pm until 8.30pm. Both groups meet at the CMNC on Hollingworth Street.

For information on playing the ukulele contact Khristina via email at ukeclubjam@gmail.com