BARRY DE JAGER
BUILD A LIFE WORTH LIVING.
Musician · Educator · Creator · Lifelong Builder
Still learning. Still building.
Four Worlds. One Builder.
Every thread of Barry's work connects to a single idea: build with intention, share what you learn.
Musician. Educator. Creator. Father. Builder.
Community builder, performer, athlete and lifelong learner — one life lived across many worlds, still being built in the open.
Explore the Story
Documenting the Climb, Not Lecturing from the Peak.
A life shaped by South African roots, international movement, professional music, fatherhood to five, supporting his young son through childhood cancer, business collapse, and starting over.
Barry doesn't teach from a place of having it all figured out. He shares what he learns while continuing to build.
Lived Experience
Father of five
Family
Published author
Writing
Professional educator
Behavioural & music education
Recording artist & performer
Music
Community builder
Uke & Chill, Biggest Jam
International experience
South Africa, UK, world travel
The same words come up, again and again.
Across years of unsolicited five-star reviews from students, parents and community members — children and adults, absolute beginners and lifelong players — a handful of themes appear over and over.
We've been taking our 10-year-old daughter to Barry… for over a year now, and we couldn't recommend him highly enough! … Barry is incredibly high-energy, fun, a little crazy (in the best possible way!) and hugely motivating. The kids absolutely love him! … Barry has created such a fun, positive and encouraging environment, and we've seen a real difference in our daughter since she started.
At age 63 I had never played any musical instrument before… I started with a Ukulele and more recently baritone ukulele, tenor guitar and acoustic guitar… I have made some fantastic friends at the ukulele club and on the open mic circuit. I still have a long way to go but i am enjoying the journey. If I can do it anyone can. Why not give it a try?
Making music with Barry is such fun. He meets you right where you need to be on your musical journey… The club itself is made up of mixed abilities from complete beginners to seasoned pros. The one thing they all have in common is the ability to laugh together, help each other and welcome everybody… Barry's enthusiasm is very contagious, and he's created a club full of camaraderie.
Barry is not only a gifted musician but is a gifted teacher. He gets the very best out of everyone in the group and inspires you to believe in yourself with his enthusiasm and can do approach. The sessions are always so much fun and everyone in the group feels equally valued and welcome.
Barry has turned me from a complete novice into someone who can confidently play chords, tackle new songs and perform my favourites. He is one of the most bouyant people I have ever met and is always infectiously positive.
The atmosphere is extremely friendly — I feel like I'm a part of a family there. I love this! Barry is a very enthusiastic teacher who is passionate about music!
Field Notes
Thoughts, reflections and lessons from the climb. Coming soon.
On Starting Over at Zero
What happens when the thing you built collapses and you have to find the will to begin again.
Why Community is Built with Strings
A ukulele is the most democratic instrument on earth. Four strings, no ego, and a room full of strangers becoming something bigger.
Discipline and the Daily Routine
Five children, a business, a body that needs training, a mind that needs feeding. The daily routine as architecture.
I'm still building. Come with me.
Music, ideas, stories, things I'm building and lessons collected along the way.