Old Town School of Folk Music

Old Town School of Folk Music teaches and celebrates music and cultural expressions rooted in the traditions of diverse American and global communities. Founded in 1957 and located in Lincoln Square, Chicago, the School is a legendary institution providing quality arts education for everyone.

The School offers a wide range of music, dance, theater, and visual arts classes for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. With over 700 accredited class offerings, private lessons, and workshops, the program spans a diverse array of artistic genres. Classes are available in guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, percussion, harmonica, voice, and ensemble programs. The School is well-known for adult group music and dance classes as well as the celebrated Wiggleworms early childhood programs.

The School’s critically acclaimed concert series showcases some of the finest and most diverse local and touring artists in intimate and acoustically superb halls. Ticket prices remain among the most affordable in the city. Special events include Square Roots festival, World Music Wednesdays, and Global Dance Party, making music accessible to all with free and low-priced programs.

Outreach programs serve thousands of Chicago’s children each year, providing arts education programming throughout the city through artist residencies in CPS schools, center-based early childhood music programming, and robust field trip and financial aid programs. The Music Moves/Healing Justice Initiative connects community partners with high-quality arts programming that builds arts capacity and skill acquisition.

The School operates two campuses – the main Lincoln Square location and a Lincoln Park campus. Over 250 talented instructors are ready to inspire students in classes and lessons. The School believes in providing broad access to arts education for everyone through donations, memberships, and financial aid programs.