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Your Musical Adventure Begins Here!

New to Old Town School?
Let’s get you into the perfect group class.

All About Our Classes

New Student Guide

Musical Adventure Group

Welcome Back, Returning Students!

Next session begins January 6, 2025. Classes are forming now!

Continuing Students Page

We Are The Legendary
Old Town School Of Folk Music

The largest non-profit community arts school in the U.S. Teaching diverse folk music traditions to adults, kids, and everyone in between since 1957.

Learn More About Us
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A Chicago Rite Of Passage For Babies And Toddlers!

Wiggleworms classes are for kids and caregivers together, setting the foundation for a lifelong love of music. Connect with other parents and create friendships for life!

Browse classes by age, teacher, or location. Open enrollment – join anytime with in-person classes in Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, Pilsen, Evanston, Western Springs, Glen Ellyn, and Naperville, plus online offerings!

Find Your Wiggleworms Class Now

Guitar Classes

Join the longest running group guitar program in the world! Any skill level, in-person or online.

Beginners Start At Guitar 1

Self-Taught? Take Our Placement Quiz

Browse All Guitar Classes

Guitar Classes

Concerts & Workshops

Your home for the best live performances in town! We’re hosting safe, in-person events in our historic concert halls. New shows on sale weekly!

Plus, in-person and online workshops from our talented teaching faculty & visiting artists.

Browse Upcoming Concerts

Browse Upcoming Workshops

Become A Member

Support our mission of non-profit music education and get exclusive perks, including advance pre-sale concert access and discounts on classes and concert tickets.

About Membership & Member Benefits

Classes

Adults, Kids, Teens & Everyone In Between! There’s a class for everyone at Old Town School. Choose from Banjo, Dance, Ukulele, Voice, Piano, Ensembles and so much more!

Our Non-Profit Mission

We believe in quality arts education for everyone. Your donation and membership helps Old Town School support this mission and provide financial aid and arts programming for thousands of Chicagoans every session.

Old Town School of Folk Music is grateful to its generous donors, volunteers, and members for their dedicated commitment to the School and its work. Learn how you or your company’s tax-deductible donation can help us do even more!

Online Class Info

Tips and information for the best class experience in the new virtual world.

Meet Our Teaching Artists

Over 250 of the most talented artists in Chicago ready to inspire you in classes and lessons!

News from old town school

Current events, press releases, and important information happening on campus and across the Old Town School universe!

Directions & Campuses

You have to get here to be here! Easy access to our campuses via public transportation in both Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park.

Private Lessons

Get the personal attention that benefits your growth as a musician. Weekly 30-, 45-, and 60-minute varieties available for beginners or experienced players.

Hire Our Artists

Our artist engagement services offers a wide array of entertainment for any occasion by talented, professional artists. Everything from soloists to 11-piece bands, we can help take your event to the next level and help support the school at the same time!