Old Town School of Folk Music Address

The Old Town School of Folk Music is located at 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. in the Lincoln Square neighborhood on the north side of Chicago

Location

The Old Town School of Folk Music is located in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood. The school’s historic landmark campus is just steps from the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lake Michigan shoreline, and the city’s best music clubs.

909 W. Armitage Ave.

Old Town School of Folk Music is located at 909 W. Armitage Ave. in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on the north side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. The school is just west of the Halsted Street/North Avenue/Armitage Avenue intersection, and just east of Lincoln Park.

Founded in 1957

Old Town School of Folk Music is located in Chicago, Illinois. The school offers a variety of classes and workshops in folk music and dance, as well as house concerts and public performances. The school’s mission is to “provide the opportunity for anyone to learn, enjoy and perform music and dance of many cultures.”

Music Classes

The Old Town School of Folk Music offers a variety of music classes for students of all ages and levels of experience. You can choose to take classes in person or online, and there are classes for both beginners and advanced students. The classes are affordable and the teachers are experienced and knowledgeable.

All ages and levels

The Old Town School of Folk Music teaches and celebrates music and cultural traditions of diverse American and global communities. We believe that music has the power to bring joy and transform lives. Our goal is to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by providing accessible and lifelong learning opportunities in the arts.

We offer classes for all ages and levels, from early childhood music classes to tutor-led songwriting sessions, multi-week courses, drop-in classes, and Workshops. In addition, we offer a variety of special events, concerts, and performances throughout the year.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, we have a class for you!

Private instruction

Old Town School of Folk Music offers comprehensive private instruction in a variety of musical styles to students of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. Our faculty consists of some of Chicago’s most experienced and well-respected teachers, who are dedicated to helping each student achieve their musical goals.

We offer 30-minute, 45-minute, and 60-minute private lessons in acoustic and electric guitar, bass, drums, percussion, voice, piano/keyboard, fiddle/violin, mandolin/octave mandolin, banjo/5-string banjo, ukulele, autoharp, Dobro®, accordion, harmonica, lap steel guitar, recording technology, songwriting, music theory, ear training, ensembles and more. We also offer early childhood music classes for kids 6 months to 5 years old.

Whether you’re a beginner just picking up an instrument for the first time or an experienced player looking to take your skills to the next level, we can tailor a lesson plan that’s just right for you. We also offer a flexible scheduling option that allows you to book lessons around your busy schedule. Contact us today to learn more about our private instruction offerings or to schedule a lesson.

Group classes

In addition to our many great private instruction options, the Old Town School of Folk Music offers a variety of group classes for every skill level. Taught by some of Chicago’s most experienced and enthusiastic music teachers, our group classes are a great way to learn new musical skills, improve your technique, and meet other friendly music students from all over the city.

We offer group classes for a wide range of instruments, styles, and levels, including guitar classes, bass classes, banjo classes, ukulele classes, fiddle classes, mandolin classes, penny whistle classes, drumming and percussion classes, accordion classes (for both kids and adults), vocal courses for both beginning and experienced singers, songwriting courses for songwriters of all levels, ensembles for every instrument and style…and so much more!

Concerts and Events

The Old Town School of Folk Music is located in the heart of Chicago’s historic Old Town neighborhood. The school offers a variety of concerts and events throughout the year, featuring a wide range of folk music styles. If you’re a fan of folk music, or just looking for a fun and unique evening out, be sure to check out the Old Town School of Folk Music.

More than 700 concerts and events per year

The Old Town School of Folk Music is a Chicago institution. Founded in 1957, it is the largest community-based folk music school in the world, with more than 700 concerts and events per year. The school offers classes for all ages and levels, from absolute beginners to professionals, in a wide variety of instruments and styles. It is also home to several choirs, a world music ensemble, and a renowned children’s program.

All genres of music

The Old Town School of Folk Music is located in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood, at 909 W. Armitage Ave. We offer classes and concerts in a wide variety of musical styles for all ages, abilities, and interests.

Our music school offers classes and programs for students of all ages, from early childhood music classes to senior citizen concerts. We also offer private lessons, ensembles, and workshops for adults and children. In addition to our regular programming, we also host a variety of special events throughout the year, including our Summer Camp Fairs, Folk Festivals, and Winter Solstice concert series.

Local, national, and international performers

The Old Town School of Folk Music is world-renowned for its music education, concert programming, and artist development. Located in Chicago’s vibrant Lincoln Park Neighborhood, the School draws upon a rich heritage of folk, blues, and ethnic music to fuel contemporary artistic expression. Each week, over 500 concerts and events are presented at the School’s two historic sites—4545 N. Lincoln Ave. and 909 W. Armitage Ave.—making it the largest presenter of folk, traditional, world, and roots music in the country.

A not-for-profit organization founded in 1957, the Old Town School provides instruction in over 30 instruments and nearly as many styles to students of all ages, levels, and backgrounds; creates opportunities for both emerging and established performers to take the stage; fosters a global musical community; and builds intergenerational relationships through shared musical experiences.