Old Town School of Folk Music Schedule

Looking for the Old Town School of Folk Music Schedule? You’ve come to the right place! Here you’ll find a complete listing of all the upcoming classes and events at the school.

Introduction

Old Town School of Folk Music is a community music school located in Chicago, Illinois. The school offers classes and workshops for all levels of students, from beginners to those who have been playing for years. The school also offers performance opportunities for its students and faculty, as well as concerts and events for the general public.

What’s New

The Old Town School of Folk Music teaches and celebrates music and cultural expressions rooted in the traditions of diverse American and global communities.

Check out our new class offerings for the fall semester! We have added classes in West African drumming, Cajun fiddle, banjo, and more.

Upcoming Classes

Here is a list of upcoming classes at the Old Town School of Folk Music. For more information, or to register for a class, please visit our website or call us at (312) 427-4206.

Lyrical Improv for Musicians (ALL LEVELS) – Mondays, 7:00pm-9:00pm – $350

In this 8-week class, students will explore the basics of lyrical improvisation and learn how to spontaneously create songs in the moment. We will focus on developing a personal style, experiencing the joy of collaboration, and expanding our creativemusical repertoire. No experience necessary; all levels welcome!

The Roots of Rock N Roll (ALL LEVELS) – Tuesdays, 6:30pm-8:30pm – $270

In this 8-week class, students will explore the origins of rock n roll music. We will listen to and discuss a wide range of music from the 1920s-1950s, including blues, country, gospel, R&B, and more. Students will also have the opportunity to play some of this music on their instruments. No experience necessary; all levels welcome!

Ongoing Classes

Old Town School of Folk Music is a music school in Chicago, Illinois, that offers classes in a variety of musical genres, including folk, blues, country, Celtic, bluegrass, flamenco, and Latin American. It also offers classes in dance and instrumental instruction.

The school’s mission is “to teach the skills necessary to create, appreciate and participate in music and dance of all traditions, stimulate an understanding and appreciation of the cultural origins of music and dance…and enrich the quality of community life.”

There are a variety of ongoing classes that are offered at Old Town School of Folk Music. These include:

-Folk Guitar: This class is for students who want to learn how to play folk guitar. Students will learn how to play a variety of guitar styles, including rhythm guitar and lead guitar. They will also learn how to read music and tablature (guitar notation).
-Folk Singing: This class is for students who want to learn how to sing folk songs. Students will learn about vocal technique, diction, phrasing, interpretation, and stage presence. They will also have the opportunity to perform in front of an audience.
-Folk Dance: This class is for students who want to learn how to dance folk dances. Students will learn about different folk dance styles from around the world, including square dancing, contra dancing, Morris dancing, Irish set dancing, and Scottish Highland dancing. They will also have the opportunity to perform in front of an audience.
-Bluegrass Jamming: This class is for students who want to learn how to play bluegrass music. Students will learn about bluegrass history and tradition while they develop their skills on their instrument(s) of choice. They will also have the opportunity to jam with other students in a supportive and fun environment.

Workshops

The Old Town School of Folk Music offers a variety of courses and workshops for students of all skill levels.

Group Guitar: If you have ever wanted to learn to play the guitar, this is the class for you! In this class, you will learn the basics of chords and strumming, and be able to play some simple songs by the end of the course. No experience necessary.

Banjo I: This course is designed for those who have never played the banjo before, or who have only played a little. You will learn basic techniques such as correct hand position, tuning, reading tablature (banjo notation), and simple strums. By the end of this course, you will be able to play some basic tunes.

Fiddle I: This course is for students who have never played the fiddle before, or who have only played a little. You will learn how to hold the fiddle and bow, basic left- and right-hand techniques, how to tune your instrument, and some simple melodies.

Events

The Old Town School of Folk Music offers a wide variety of events, including concerts, dance performances, classes, and more. Below is a list of upcoming events. Check back often, as new events are added frequently.

Concerts:

Thursday, June 13 – 7:30pm
Concert: The O’Connor Band with special guests Mark O’Connor and Natalie Haas
Tickets: $30-$35

Saturday, June 15 – 7:30pm
concert: Dolly Parton tribute featuring Amythyst Kiah and the Coal Porters
Tickets: $15-$20

Classes:

Monday, June 17 – 6:00pm-9:00pm Introduction to Fiddle Workshop with Mark O’Connor $40 for non-members/$35 for members

Tuesday, June 18 – 6:00pm-9:00pm Introduction to Guitar Workshop with Dolly Parton tribute featuring Amythyst Kiah and the Coal Porters $40 for non-members/$35 for members

Resources

Below you will find a schedule of upcoming events at the Old Town School of Folk Music. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
-September 10: Chicago Folk Festival
-September 11: Old Town School Jazz Band Concert
-September 12: Old Town School Ensemble Concert