Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

The Old Town School of Folk Music teaches, promotes, and preserves music and cultural traditions of all kinds through performance, education, and outreach.

The Old Town School of Folk Music

The Old Town School of Folk Music is a music school in Chicago, Illinois, that offers classes and workshops in a variety of musical genres, including folk, blues, jazz, country, rock, and world music. Founded in 1957 by Frank Martin and Win Stracke, the school is based on the idea that music is a universal language that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

The Old Town School of Folk Music has been an influential force in the Chicago music scene for over sixty years. Notable alumni include Steve Goodman, Bonnie Raitt, John Prine, and Natalie Merchant. The school also offers a wide range of educational programs for children and adults, including music lessons, dance classes, and workshops on topics such as songwriting and instrument making.

The School’s History

The Old Town School of Folk Music is a music school in Chicago, Illinois, that was founded in 1957. The school offers classes in various musical genres, including folk, blues, jazz, and world music. It also offers instruction in instruments such as guitar, banjo, and fiddle.

The school began as a project of the Chicago Folklore Society. The society’s founders, Winifred C. phosphorus and Frank M. Hudson, wanted to create a place where people could learn about and experience different types of music. They also wanted to provide a space for folk musicians to play and perform.

The school has been located in several different buildings over the years, but it has been in its current location on North Lincoln Avenue since 1997. The school is open to people of all ages and levels of experience.

The School’s Mission

The Old Town School of Folk Music’s mission is to share the traditions of music and dance with the global community and to provide a space where people can come together to experience the joys of music and dance. The School seeks to create a supportive community that is open to all and that celebrates the diversity of our cultures.

The School’s Programs

The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago offers a wide variety of music programs for all ages and levels of experience. From group classes and private lessons to concerts and special events, there is something for everyone at the Old Town School.

The school offers classes in a wide variety of folk styles, including bluegrass, country, Celtic, Appalachian, old-time, blues, gospel, and more. They also offer classes in world music styles such as African drumming and Colombian dance. In addition to traditional folk styles, the school also offers contemporary folk styles such as singer-songwriter and Americana.

Whether you are a beginner who has never played an instrument before or a seasoned musician looking to branch out into new genres, the Old Town School of Folk Music has something to offer you. Check out their website or give them a call today to learn more about their programs.

The School’s Students

The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago is a renowned music school with a rich history. Founded in 1957, the school has been teaching folk music and traditions to students of all ages for over 60 years. The school’s students come from all over the world, and many are renowned folk musicians themselves.

The School’s Faculty

The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago has a world-renowned faculty of instructors who are experts in their respective musical genres. From Americana to Zydeco, the school’s faculty is dedicated to teaching the music of many cultures to students of all levels.

The School’s Alumni

Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago has been influential in the music careers of several big names. Some of the school’s most famous alumni include Steve Goodman, John Prine, and Bonnie Koloc. These artists and many others got their start at the Old Town School of Folk Music and have gone on to have very successful careers in the music industry.

The School’s Performances

From humble beginnings in a church basement, the Old Town School of Folk Music has grown into one of the most respected music schools in the country. The school offers a wide range of classes and opportunities for students to get involved in the local music community.

One of the most popular aspects of the school is its performances. The Old Town School of Folk Music hosts dozens of concerts each year, featuring both local and national acts. These concerts are open to the public and are a great way to experience some of the best music in Chicago.

The School’s Recordings

The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago has a long and storied history. Founded in 1957, the school has been at the forefront of the American folk music scene for nearly 60 years. In addition to being a teaching institution, the school is also a renowned recording label, with over 200 releases to its credit.

The school’s recordings span a wide range of styles, from traditional folk and country to blues and world music. Many of the school’s most famous alumni have made recordings for the label, including Steve Goodman, John Prine, and Bonnie Raitt. The Old Town School of Folk Music is truly a national treasure, and its recordings are an essential part of any folk music collection.

The School’s Legacy

The Old Town School of Folk Music is a community music school in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1957 by Frank Hamilton, who also served as its first director. The school offers instruction in various folk music styles, as well as dance and Theatre arts.

The Old Town School has been influential in the American folk music revival; many of its alumni have gone on to achieve national and international prominence in the music world. The school has also contributed to the preservation and dissemination of traditional folk music styles, through its educational programs and public performances.

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