The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, Illinois
Contents
The Old Town School of Folk Music is a music school in Chicago, Illinois that offers classes and workshops in a wide variety of musical genres.
Introduction
The Old Town School of Folk Music is a music school in Chicago, Illinois, that specializes in teaching and performing folk music from around the world. It was founded in 1957 by several individuals who were interested in making folk music accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or experience.
Today, the Old Town School of Folk Music is one of the largest and most respected music schools in the country, with over 1,500 students taking classes each week. The school offers classes for all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced, and also hosts performances and events featuring some of the world’s best folk musicians.
History
The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, Illinois, is the largest and oldest school of its kind in the United States. It was founded in 1957 by Frank and Bernice Martin, who were inspired by the folk music renaissance that was taking place in the U.S. at that time. The school has been an important part of the Chicago music scene ever since.
Founded in 1957
The Old Town School of Folk Music is a music school in Chicago, Illinois, United States, teaching folk music, traditional music, and blues. It was founded in 1957 by Frank Hamilton, Beth Hamilton, and guitar teacher Elliott Hunt. The original mission of the school was “to teach music and make it possible for everyone to learn.” By 1962, the Old Town School had grown and expanded its mission to include a wide variety of musical styles. The school now offers classes in more than 40 instruments and styles of music to over 6,000 adults and children each week.
Moved to current location in 1998
The Old Town School of Folk Music started in a Chicago basement in December of 1957. The first class, held in the home of founder Win Stracke, had only six students. In its early years, the school offered mostly country blues and Appalachian music courses taught by touring musicians who came to Chicago for short stints. The school began to grow quickly in the 1960s, and in 1963 it moved to its first permanent location on Armitage Avenue.
In 1998, the Old Town School moved to its current location on Lincoln Avenue, in the heart of Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. The new facility is a state-of-the-art music education center that features classrooms, performance spaces, and practice rooms. The school also has an extensive library of folk music books, recordings, and instruments.
Programs
The Old Town School of Folk Music is a world-renowned music school in Chicago, Illinois. It offers a wide variety of music programs for all levels, from beginner to expert. There are programs for all ages, and you can choose to study online or in-person. The Old Town School of Folk Music is an excellent choice for those looking to learn more about music.
Music instruction for all ages
The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, Illinois, is a music school offering instruction in folk music and related dance. It was founded in 1957 by Frank Hamilton, Win Stracke and Barbara Rehm. The school’s mission is “to teach, perform, and preserve traditional and contemporary folk, Roots, and World music and dance.”
The school offers classes for children as well as adults, both in group settings and private lessons. It also offers a Community Music Program which provides free or low-cost music instruction to underserved communities in the Chicago area. In addition to classes and workshops, the school presents more than 700 concerts per year featuring a variety of folk musics from around the world.
Community events
The Old Town School of Folk Music is committed to making our programs and facilities accessible to everyone, regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. We are proud to be part of Chicago’s rich cultural tapestry, and we strive to create an inclusive environment that celebrates the diversity of our students, staff, and faculty.
In keeping with our mission to build a more just and compassionate world through music and dance, we offer a variety of free or low-cost community events throughout the year. From musical performances and dance demonstrations to educational workshops and panel discussions, these events are open to everyone and provide a great introduction to the Old Town School experience.
Notable alumni
The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, Illinois is a world-renowned music school with alumni spanning genres and generations. Below are some notable alumni of the school:
* Tom Morello – musician, producer, activist
* Billy Bragg – singer-songwriter, activist
* Steve Dawson – musician, producer
* Jeff Tweedy – singer-songwriter, musician
* John Prine – singer-songwriter
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Old Town School of Folk Music is a great place to learn about and enjoy folk music. The school offers a variety of classes, concerts, and events that are perfect for anyone interested in folk music. If you’re ever in the Chicago area, be sure to check out the Old Town School of Folk Music!
