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Old Town School Of Folk Music The 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, the Old Town School of Folk Music provides a wide range of music, dance, theater, and visual arts courses to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Whatever one's interest, the Old Town School provides broad access to more than 700 accredited class offerings, private lessons, and workshops that span an array of artistic genres.

The School's critically acclaimed concerts showcase some of the finest and most diverse local and touring artists in our intimate and acoustically superb hall. Ticket prices remain among the most affordable in the city and special events such as the Square Roots Festival and World Music Wednesdays make music accessible to all with free and reduced-priced programs.
Associations and certifications
  • Chamber of Commerce
Services
Kids Classes
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The Old Town School of Folk Music offers group music classes for children that are as unique and multi-faceted as your child. Also we offer group music classes for children that are as unique and multi-faceted as your child.
Adult Group Classes
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Choose from hundreds of classes in music, dance, and both visual and performing arts. We offer classes for every interest, inclination, and skill level. Learn at your own pace in a relaxed, non-competitive group setting. Most of our classes for adults are in the evenings and on weekends, at both our Lincoln Park and Lincoln Square locations.
Private Lessons
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Our private lessons like our group classes run in 8-week sessions, however, you can begin private lessons during any week in the session. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced musician looking to take your playing to another level, private lessons provide the opportunity to get the personal attention that can be beneficial to your growth as a musician.
Reviews (13)
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Bob Kerr
Jun 24, 2022
So very disappointed the last time my wife and I attempted to go to a show(James McMurtry) this past April 22nd. Love the venue, sadly when we showed up after driving in from NW Indiana we were told that "The Artist Has Requested Proof Of Vaccination From All Attendees". OK, disappointed since my wife is not vaccinated, she spoke at length with a gentleman inside the venue in an office just off the foyer where she was assured that if we called we would get refunded for her ticket.

Certainly not an ideal nigh out with my wife but knowing how long I had planned for this night and what a big fan of McMurtry I was she decided to hang out a few doors down at a pub an wait for me to watch at least some of the show. April 22nd was a Friday, when I call the following week, Wednesday I believe I spoke with the "Director Of Customer Service" Erin English. Ms.

English told me that after "Asking Everyone" that i could not have possibly been told that I would get a refund. I attempted to follow up via e-mail and she ("Director Of Customer Service") refused to even reply. Great Venue Horrible customer service. Bob Kerr
Katherinne G.
Jun 21, 2022
This place should be recognized for its excellent attention and intention. Every Wednesday they have shows for which you pay a donation of at least $10, but it's totally worth it! They sell alcoholic beverages and snacks. The place is big, comfortable seats and everything very clean.
George Emerick
Mar 22, 2022
Always a fun and top quality time. Said to be the Carnegie Hall of folk music. Believe it!
Ooglia Ooglia
Mar 18, 2022
Recently went to a 4 PM Saturday show with my wife and sat in the upper corner of the balcony. In our section were at least 4 children under the age of 5, and 2 under the age of 2. All during the performance they were talking to their parents and vice versa, and going to the bathroom multiple times. I sent a comment to customer service, Erin English, who responded that all shows have no age limit.

I told her that I thought that policy was irresponsible as any number of parents are going to purchase a ticket for a child rather than pay a babysitter. She told me that I could always check with the box office. Check what? Like they have a place where they put children and can tell you? She didn't respond to that. I am not looking to spend $50 to $200 for tickets to have regular interruptions. Buyer beware.
Zakk Broadbent
Mar 09, 2022
Saw Alash here last night and it was the best live performance I've ever seen in my life and well worth traveling over 6 hours one way to see them! That being said I'm only reviewing to say that the two ladies that clapped loudly and screamed when everyone else was dead silent aside from singing softly (very respectful, good job other 147 people!) practically ruined my night.

Who screams "hell yeah!" three times a song when there's one performer doing quiet vocals, during a traditional asian performance especially? I would love if ushers/security would please say something in the future, and that's my only suggestion to OTSoFM.
Brian L.
Mar 09, 2022
Great classes! Instructors are attentive and knowledgeable. The most fun way to learn to play.
Rusty Buber
Aug 21, 2021
Went Sunday night to see Molly Tuttle who was great - along with her bassist and drummer. Supposedly first live performance there since March, 2020. Although masks were required and vaccination cards + ID were checked, many folks near me in the balcony had removed their masks. Also it was quiet warm and humid which meant the HVAC was not working. Old Town is great, but with the surge of the Delta Variant, they must do better to protect the health of everyone if they intend to continue with live performance indoors.
Michael Sharp
Aug 16, 2021
Very nice selection of banjos and mandolins. Decent mixture of luthiers/brands to try and friendly staff made the trip a pleasant experience.
Gordon Reiher
Aug 08, 2021
They book the best acts, charge reasonable amounts for tix and plenty of parking and restaurants nearby. Great acoustics too.
Kate Jackson
Jan 30, 2017
I love this place! I wish I'd known of it when I was in grad school I would have come down more regularly. The concerts are intimate, brilliantly curated and moving. The space is a historic throwback and so awesome to have preserved. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Put their calendar on your regularly bookmarked pages and take a chance on a musician you may not even know. It's a great way to learn and be entertained. Reasonably priced snacks and drinks from their small cafe stand help keep you satiated too.
David P.
Jun 07, 2012
I just discovered this place through my girlfriend, this past year. We like to go on Wednesday nights for the music concerts from around the world. I love the international music that is introduced here... Thank you for providing this great venue!
Jacqueline A.
May 08, 2011
Absolutely excellent place to see a concert! Such a small venue I can't imagine a bad seat in the house. And sooo affordable! We saw Bettye Lavette their last night. The show was sold out, so initially we had separated seats. The staff was so accommodating though. They told us to call the morning of the concert and we ended up with seats on the main floor, just 25 feet from the stage.
Jonathan H.
May 19, 2009
I was never a fan of these type of places, but was I wrong. My wife signed my 4 year old up for a drum class. Rhythm and hand-eye coordination... And I took him. It was fantastic. Really enjoyed the class as did my son. Lets teaching and more touching drums and banging and learning different rhythms.