Old Town School of Folk Music

Classes | Adult Group Classes | Fiddle
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Fiddle Classes: Welcome to fiddle at the Old Town School of Folk Music! Thanks so much for coming by. Are you are a beginner looking for an introductory class to take? Are you an experienced fiddler and want to work on improvisation, or learn Mexican fiddle tunes? If you are looking for any of those things, or anything in between, this is the place for you to be. We offer a wide range of class offerings and can't wait for you to join us.; Are you looking for a class to take? Browse our fiddle classes. If you are not sure what to take of have questions you can always call us and we'll point you in the right direction.; FUN FACT: The violin and the fiddle are two names for the same instrument. The word fiddle often implies a folk style of playing.; Click here to view all fiddle classes.

Songs of the Session: We choose two songs every session for all classes to learn. So, no matter what the instrument, technique, level or genre we can all play together!; Find out more about the songs we are learning this session!

Flog (A blog for Old Town School Fiddle Students): We're so excited to be able to share our fiddle joys with you that we created a spot for you and your fellow students can hang out, practice and learn. Please look around and listen to tunes, blog with teachers and students and post your jams and gatherings! Keep up the Fiddlin'!; Explore the Flog and the many resources our fantastic teachers have created for you.

Fiddle Club of the World (Chicago Chapter): Join the Chicago Chapter of the Fiddle Club of the World now meeting at 4545 N. Lincoln Avenue!; Fiddle Club Meeting Date:
February 19, 6:30 PM
- Dorian Gehring (Cajun)
March 3, 7:30 PM
- Arto Järvelä & Kaivama
March 24th, 7:30 PM
- Deirdre Ní Chonghaile (Irish) April 14th, 7:30 PM
- Ed Cosner & Katie Bern; Check it out here.; Subscribe to the Fiddle Club here.

Tune Archive: Take a look at the tunes we have for you! Source recordings, song snippets, teacher demos. Practice, listen or just enjoy.; Check out the tune archive, you won't regret it.; Or practice along with tracks from the Hands On CD.

Jams: Come jam with us at these weekly events:; MONDAYS: 1st Monday of the month, Old Time Jam with Jonas Friddle, 9:00 PM, Free! The Grafton Pub and Grill, 4530 N. Lincoln Ave.

3rd Monday of the Month, Jug Band Jam with Jonas Friddle, 9:00 PM, Free! The Grafton Pub and Grill, 4530 N. Lincoln Ave.; TUESDAYS: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, Folk Club with Mark Dvorak, 9:30 PM. Free! The Grafton Pub and Grill, 4530 N. Lincoln Ave. Bring your voices, Bring your instruments, Bring your friends!; WEDNESDAYS: Every Wednesday, Open Jam with Skip Landt, 12:00 - 2:00 PM, Free! OTSFM, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. Great way to spend your lunchtime, really friendly folks! Good for all ages!; THURSDAYS: Every Thursday, Open Jam led by OTSFM Faculty and you! 7:00 - 10:30 PM, Free! OTSFM, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. Bring a tune you're learning in class or on your own!; FRIDAYS: One Friday a the month, Open House Friday! 5:30 - 11:00 PM, $5 donation, $10 for families. OTSFM, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. It's so fun! Singing, playing, dancing, enjoying!

Most Fridays. Six String Socials led by OTSFM Faculty, 6:30 – 8:00 PM, $5. OTSFM, 909 W. Armitage. Each week has a different theme, come check it out!; SATURDAYS: Every Saturday, Open Jam, led by OTSFM Kids' Music Teachers. OTSFM, 909 W. Armitage, 12:00 - 1:000 PM. Great for all ages! Come on down, it's hopping!; SUNDAYS: Once a month, Fiddle Club of the World (Chicago Chapter). Paul Tyler, convener. A great way to hear and play music from many styles and traditions.

Every Sunday, Irish Session led by Sean Cleland and Pat Finnegan. 5:00 - 8:00 PM, Free! Chief O'Neill's, 3471 N. Elston. This is open to the public and family-friendly. All instruments, levels and ages welcome! Put on by the Irish Music School of Chicago. More info at irishmusicschool.com.

Rental Information: Seman Violins
4447 Oakton Street, Skokie IL 60076
847.674.0690; A440
2222 West Roscoe, Chicago,IL 60618
773.348.4949; Paul Wargaski
1900 W. North Avenue Suite 3R, Chicago IL 60622 773.426.7531

Hands On: Hands On is an instructional CD that was recorded in 2000 by a small group of OTSFM string teachers to support the fiddle, mandolin and banjo classes. There are 8 tunes represented on the CD, and each is played at a slow, medium, and performance tempo. Students often remark that they play the Hands On CD just to listen and immerse themselves in the material.; Hands On remains a permanent record of the material that makes sense for beginning and intermediate fiddle students, and it has made a nice template from which to teach basic skills like intonation, getting a groove going, following your ear and finding your internal drummer. You can get your copy of the Hands On CD at Old Town School Music Store.; Give it a listen.