Ensemble Classes

You don’t have to be 60 to be in the ‘60s Classics Ensemble. All you need is an unoccupied afternoon, your instrument, and a little bit of curiosity about that far off far out two-decades-in-one musical time. There was just no way to dig it all the first time through. Different songs are covered every session. No request refused, and you are encouraged to create your own charts to share with the class.

Grab your twang and get ready to rock. We'll learn songs by favorite alt-country artists such as Uncle Tupelo, Lucinda Williams, The Waco Brothers, Lydia Loveless, and more. You'll also learn some of the basic skills it takes to play and sing in a band - then put them to use playing an end-of-session online performance. Open to all instruments and vocalists. Guitar prerequisite: 2 Rep or comparable experience. For all other instruments: proficiency with basic major/minor chords (or melody playing) in keys of D, G, A & E and the ability to keep a steady rhythm in 4/4 and 3/4 time.

Beloved by fans and critics alike for their smart wordplay (The New Yorker magazine named songwriter John Darnielle, “America’s best non-hip-hop lyricist”) and joyous underdog anthems, The Mountain Goats have amassed a devoted fanbase over their 16 album, 20+ year career. From the early boom box recordings to the "Alpha" series to the more recent sonic explorations of Goths and Transcendental Youth, their unique blend of folk, rock, and punk has told the stories of outsiders and survivors, covering themes as diverse as teen metal bands, Bible stories, child abuse, and professional wrestling. In this class, we'll cover music from throughout their extensive catalog. Open to all instruments

Have you always wanted to play in a group, but didn't know where to start! This is the class for you! Learn the immortal songs of the Fab Four while learning the essential skills of playing in time with a rhythm section, singing together, and creating a set that rocks from beginning to end. Learning an instrument can be fun, but playing in an ensemble is fantastic, and the Beatles makes it easy!

A special daytime version of our most popular ensemble class. Like it’s night time older brother, we will take on the catalog one album at a time. Join us on Friday afternoons at noon. A perfect time to tap into your inner Paul, John, George or Ringo. We will learn the entire album from A to Zed.

Join The Beatles Ensemble as we embark on an exciting musical journey through the legendary British releases of The Beatles, many of which feature unique differences from their American counterparts. Each session will focus on a full album, allowing you to dive deep into the sounds and stories that shaped an era of unforgettable music. Session 1: Past Masters Vol. 2 Session 2: Solo Years Whether you're a lifelong Beatles fan or new to their music, this series offers a unique chance to explore these timeless albums in-depth. Come play, sing, and celebrate the incredible legacy of The Beatles with us!

In Bluegrass Ensemble, you will learn the basics of playing and singing for bluegrass. From kick-offs to endings, discover the structure of a bluegrass song through playing the music. We look at what to play behind verses, choruses, and solo breaks in bluegrass songs. We encourage students to work on singing and solos while the teacher leads songs at first. As students gain confidence with their parts, the teachers hand the reins over and students are invited to share their solo and rhythm and lead songs in class. Play along tracks, instructional videos and charts are all provided, and students are encouraged to send their recordings of class songs to the teachers and to the whole class list via email. This class is a fun and challenging way to work out your bluegrass chops.

Blues Band Live! Ready to hit the stage? In Blues Band Live!, you’ll join a small group of musicians to prepare for a live performance at Rosa’s Lounge (3420 W. Armitage), one of Chicago’s legendary blues venues. Over the course of the session, you and your bandmates will refine a set of five to six songs. The final Sunday of each session is showtime—your band will take the stage in front of friends, family, and fellow music lovers! Orientation & Audition Night If you are new to Blues Band Live!, it’s important that we meet you—and that you meet your fellow musicians. On the first Wednesday of each session, we hold an orientation and audition night at 6:30 PM in B4 (West Building, Lincoln Avenue). At this event, you’ll learn key details about the class and the final performance at Rosa’s Lounge. Then, instructors will hold brief auditions to assess your skill level and ensure the best band placement for you. All participants should have a solid foundation on their instrument—guitarists should be comfortable with barre chords and basic 7th chords, bassists and drummers should maintain a steady pulse and handle essential grooves, and vocalists should be able to sing in tune and in time. The evening wraps up with a jam session! Questions? Contact Steve Hutchins at steve.hutchins@oldtownschool.org. Want to Prepare? The Old Town School of Folk Music offers a variety of classes and private lessons in bass, drums, harmonica, guitar, piano, saxophone, and vocals. Our experienced instructors can help you build the skills you need to thrive in Blues Band Live!

Blues Band Live! Ready to hit the stage? In Blues Band Live!, you’ll join a small group of musicians to prepare for a live performance at Rosa’s Lounge (3420 W. Armitage), one of Chicago’s legendary blues venues. Over the course of the session, you and your bandmates will refine a set of five to six songs. The final Sunday of each session is showtime—your band will take the stage in front of friends, family, and fellow music lovers! Orientation & Audition Night If you are new to Blues Band Live!, it’s important that we meet you—and that you meet your fellow musicians. On the first Wednesday of each session, we hold an orientation and audition night at 6:30 PM in B4 (West Building, Lincoln Avenue). At this event, you’ll learn key details about the class and the final performance at Rosa’s Lounge. Then, instructors will hold brief auditions to assess your skill level and ensure the best band placement for you. All participants should have a solid foundation on their instrument—guitarists should be comfortable with barre chords and basic 7th chords, bassists and drummers should maintain a steady pulse and handle essential grooves, and vocalists should be able to sing in tune and in time. The evening wraps up with a jam session! Questions? Contact Steve Hutchins at steve.hutchins@oldtownschool.org. Want to Prepare? The Old Town School of Folk Music offers a variety of classes and private lessons in bass, drums, harmonica, guitar, piano, saxophone, and vocals. Our experienced instructors can help you build the skills you need to thrive in Blues Band Live!

Blues Band Live! Ready to hit the stage? In Blues Band Live!, you’ll join a small group of musicians to prepare for a live performance at Rosa’s Lounge (3420 W. Armitage), one of Chicago’s legendary blues venues. Over the course of the session, you and your bandmates will refine a set of five to six songs. The final Sunday of each session is showtime—your band will take the stage in front of friends, family, and fellow music lovers! Orientation & Audition Night If you are new to Blues Band Live!, it’s important that we meet you—and that you meet your fellow musicians. On the first Wednesday of each session, we hold an orientation and audition night at 6:30 PM in B4 (West Building, Lincoln Avenue). At this event, you’ll learn key details about the class and the final performance at Rosa’s Lounge. Then, instructors will hold brief auditions to assess your skill level and ensure the best band placement for you. All participants should have a solid foundation on their instrument—guitarists should be comfortable with barre chords and basic 7th chords, bassists and drummers should maintain a steady pulse and handle essential grooves, and vocalists should be able to sing in tune and in time. The evening wraps up with a jam session! Questions? Contact Steve Hutchins at steve.hutchins@oldtownschool.org. Want to Prepare? The Old Town School of Folk Music offers a variety of classes and private lessons in bass, drums, harmonica, guitar, piano, saxophone, and vocals. Our experienced instructors can help you build the skills you need to thrive in Blues Band Live!

Blues Band Live! Ready to hit the stage? In Blues Band Live!, you’ll join a small group of musicians to prepare for a live performance at Rosa’s Lounge (3420 W. Armitage), one of Chicago’s legendary blues venues. Over the course of the session, you and your bandmates will refine a set of five to six songs. The final Sunday of each session is showtime—your band will take the stage in front of friends, family, and fellow music lovers! Orientation & Audition Night If you are new to Blues Band Live!, it’s important that we meet you—and that you meet your fellow musicians. On the first Wednesday of each session, we hold an orientation and audition night at 6:30 PM in B4 (West Building, Lincoln Avenue). At this event, you’ll learn key details about the class and the final performance at Rosa’s Lounge. Then, instructors will hold brief auditions to assess your skill level and ensure the best band placement for you. All participants should have a solid foundation on their instrument—guitarists should be comfortable with barre chords and basic 7th chords, bassists and drummers should maintain a steady pulse and handle essential grooves, and vocalists should be able to sing in tune and in time. The evening wraps up with a jam session! Questions? Contact Steve Hutchins at steve.hutchins@oldtownschool.org. Want to Prepare? The Old Town School of Folk Music offers a variety of classes and private lessons in bass, drums, harmonica, guitar, piano, saxophone, and vocals. Our experienced instructors can help you build the skills you need to thrive in Blues Band Live!

Inspired by the supergroup Boygenius, this ensemble celebrates the music of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker and their collaborators. Some of the songs included: "Not Strong Enough," "Me and My Dog," and "Salt in the Wound." Play and sing three-part harmonies in an indie-rock band setting. All vocalists, acoustic, and electric instruments welcome. Class concludes with an end-of-session performance. Guitar pre-requisites: Proficiency with open chords and transitions, ability to keep a steady strumming rhythm at medium tempos. Knowledge of bar chords helpful but not required. Guitar 2 rep or similar experience suggested. Keyboard pre-requisites: Proficiency with either reading lead sheets or playing with guitar charts. Note-reading is not required but may be helpful. Piano 3 or the equivalent experience suggested.

For instrumentalists (drums, bass, piano, guitar, percussion, wind, strings) and singers. In this class the instructor will coach players and singers on Brazilian rhythms, harmonies, vocal placements and proper Portuguese pronunciation. Detailed ways to groove Samba, Bossa Nova, and different rhythms from North/Northeastern Brazil (Baião, Xote, Xaxado, Axé, Ijexá, Maracatú...) will be looked at and broken down with a magnifying glass. Arrangements are written to explore the specific instrumentation the class will gather. Want to dive deep into the Brazilian World of Music? This is the class for you!!

We’ll shuffle play classic tunes from the ’60s, ’70s, ‘80s and beyond from across the pond. The Kinks, Smiths, Who, Cure, Pretenders, Radiohead, Elton and even some by those other two big groups and more. It’ll be just like Pirate Radio, only legal and online.

Step into the electrifying world of Chicago Blues! This ensemble explores the signature sounds of legendary artists like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Jimmy Reed—musicians who shaped the blues and influenced rock icons like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles. Chicago blues guitarists did more than just play chords and solos; they created infectious riffs, unique basslines, expressive fills, and commanding rhythm parts that defined the genre. In this class, you'll learn and apply techniques inspired by Eddie Taylor, Buddy Guy, Earl Hooker, Robert Lockwood Jr., Luther Tucker, and more. The session will culminate in a final performance, giving students the chance to showcase what they’ve learned. Who Should Join: Guitarists with basic chord knowledge are encouraged to enroll. Singers, bass players, drummers, and harmonica players are also welcome with instructor approval. Instruments: Guitar, bass, drums, harmonica, and voice.

This group jumps into the deep end of the late rock era—70s, 80s, 90s, from punk and disco to grunge, alternative, and shoegaze. This is an advanced ensemble. Guitarists be at least Guitar 3 level. Drummers and bass players by permission only.

Folk Songs, Carrying History Forward is intermediate level class that is open to all beginners that can comfortably change chords on their respective instruments. We'll learn songs, and learn about artists like Hazel Dickens, Doc Watson, Mississippi John Hurt, Jean Ritchie, and others who have been influenced by, and have impacted old time country, folk, blues, and bluegrass. Students will work on creating their own arrangements in class, and be introduced to how to learn songs by ear. Each sessions ends with a final class performance that is joined by other classes offered at the same time.

A long, strange trip indeed. From the deeply traditional to the cutting edge of the forms beyond chaos, the Dead did their best to love it all, and so do we. Performance oriented. It's all about the show.

From Toronto to Cleveland to Detroit to Chicago, there's no shortage of great music scenes that have grown up along the shores of the Great Lakes! In this multi-genre class, we'll explore artists and songs (past and present), from the Great Lakes region--from the giants of Motown and Chicago blues to rock icons like Devo, the Violent Femmes and Jack White, to contemporary singer-songwriters from both sides of the northern border. This is a performance-based class, and we will work together as a group to build a set and play an end-of-session show (either online or in-person). Ensembles are a great chance to strengthen your skills while gaining experience and confidence playing or singing in a band setting.

Kick off the New Year making music! First 4 weeks (only on Zoom): Meet your band, get the songs, learn your parts, and stay warm at home while Chicago freezes. Second 4 weeks (all in person): We bring it all together and jam as a band - live and in person at the Old Town School. Come jam on what’s happening right now! We play rock, pop, and Americana tunes by bands like Walk the Moon, Florence and the Machine, The Lumineers, Feist, Alabama Shakes, Norah Jones, Fitz and the Tantrums, and more. Any tune less than 10 years old is game. What do YOU want to play? All vocalists and instrumentalists welcome.

Come learn and re-create the swinging sounds and repertoire of the great Django Reinhardt and his numerous Jazz manouche ensembles. Traditionally this genre is played with lead and rhythm guitars, bass and violins but other melody instruments are welcome like accordion, clarinet, and even a tenor banjo! Play the repertoire of the famous Hot Club Of France and more!

As the title says, this will be a full jazz ensemble for the serious player. Participants should be able to read music and feel comfortable in improvising over major and minor 2-5-1 chord progressions in all 12 keys. Be prepared to improvise over chord changes in different styles of jazz including standards, bebop, Latin, fusion, etc.

Learn to speak the language of jazz, develop your ears and heighten your musicianship. Investigate the chord/scale relationship, turnarounds, voice leading, jazz charts, new scales, and chord substitution. We will listen and analyze tunes in the style of standards, bebop, latin-jazz, blues, modal, and more. Students should be familiar with basic theory, have functional reading skills and a desire to expand one’s musical horizons.

With roots in the blues, jazz, and ragtime, jug band music includes some of the happiest songs you’ll ever hear. We’ll explore the repertoire, learn musicianship skills, and prepare for a variety of performance opportunities, all in a fun and supportive environment.

Immerse yourself in the lively and soulful world of Klezmer music! In this 8-week class, we’ll explore the rich melodies, intricate rhythms, and expressive spirit of this traditional Jewish folk music, blending Eastern European roots with modern influences. You'll learn classic Klezmer repertoire, delve into the unique ornamentation and phrasing, and develop ensemble skills while celebrating the joy and energy of this vibrant musical tradition. Open to intermediate and advanced players of any instrument, this class will deepen your understanding of Klezmer and help you bring its heartfelt tunes to life.

Play the vibrant music of the Latinx experience. Learn about the clave, a concept that gives the music its unique rhythmic structure. Play roots styles like son montuno, mambo, cumbia, rumba, cha cha cha, bugalu, merengue, plena, afrocuban 6/8,bolero and other forms that contribute to the sound of Latin Jazz, Salsa, Latin pop,rock,funk,hip/hop etc.The influence of Jazz and world music will also be explored. Some of the artists we'll cover:The Buena Vista Social Club, Santana, War, Fania All Stars,Manu Chao, Selena, Mongo Santamaria, Tito Puente and a host of others. We'll try our hand at arranging music from other sources in a Latin style and stretching our improv chops (descarga). Recommended reading “Salsa Guidebook for Piano and Ensemble” by Rebeca Mauleon (provides a good idea how the music is put together) “Cuba and its Music from the First Drum to the Mambo” by Ned Sublette

We’ll dip into the catalog of the greatest rock band ever. This is an advanced ensemble. Guitarists should have done a little Guitar 4 level work. Drummers and bass players by permission only.

The Monday Night Special intermediate class that is open to all those that can comfortably change chords on their respective instruments. Come join us! In the spirit of our founder Frank Hamilton, students of various skill levels will learn to make music together while creating our own arrangements of some core tunes and songs. We'll explore making harmony with our voices and playing instrumental breaks, drawing from artists such as Bob Dylan, The Carter Family, Foghorn Stringband, Uncle Earl and many others. Let the Monday Night Special shine its light on you!

Delve into the rich tradition of American Old Time Music by learning tunes on fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and guitar. Tunes will be taught in a group setting using a mix of written music and tab, audio and video. Each week will mix a review of pervious material and learning new repertoire. This class is for students that have gained some proficiency playing old time music on their instruments and want to get the experience of joining other instruments in an ensemble setting.

The beautiful sounds of traditional American music are being revived and reinvented by contemporary bands like Uncle Earl, David Rawlings, Gillian Welch, The Be Good Tanyas, Abigail Washburn, Old Crow Medicine Show, the South Memphis String Band, and more. Come learn the songs of these artists in an ensemble setting. All acoustic instruments and vocalists welcome.

Join Old Town School of Folk Music teachers and community members to play songs from our celebrated school’s songbook. All voices and instruments are welcome, and songbooks will be provided. If you have a songbook, please bring your own!

Get loud, get proud! Celebrate and discover the rich cultural heritage of music by LGBTQ+ artists in a supportive ensemble setting. Sharpen your playing and singing skills while playing music from a multi-genre selection of queer/trans artists past and present: Courtney Barnett, Bessie Smith, Tracy Chapman, Husker Du, Against Me!, Tegan and Sara, Queen, Chavela Vargas, Perfume Genius, and more. This class is open to students of all genders and orientations. All acoustic and electric instruments and vocalists are welcome. Class concludes with an end-of-session performance. Guitar pre-requisites: Proficiency with open chords and transitions, ability to keep a steady strumming rhythm at medium tempos. Knowledge of bar chords helpful but not required. Guitar 2 rep or similar experience suggested.

Look what happened while rock and blues were sleeping! Explore the music of some of todays most lyrical and eloquent pop artists in an ensemble setting with singer songwriter Bill Brickey. Pop music is a genre once unique to the American music scene. In this class guitarists, bassists, drummers, and singers "band" together to discover how blues, folk, and rock classics have been combined to create the thing we call pop music.

From its gritty, glammy 70s beginnings to hardcore, pop punk, Riot Grrl and queercore, punk has always carried a spirit of defiance and self-expression. Find your voice, get loud, play with a band and explore punk music past and present. Class culminates in an end-of-session performance. Open to all electric instruments and vocalists.

Come celebrate the music of R.E.M., one of the most successful and influential alternative rock bands of the '80s and '90s. We’ll explore songs from their early days on the legendary independent label I.R.S. Records, as well as their hugely successful years on Warner Bros. Records. Expect classics like “Losing My Religion,” “Man on the Moon,” “Can’t Get There from Here,” “(Don’t Go Back to) Rockville,” “Superman, Driver 8,” and many more. Be one of the “shiny, happy people holding hands.”

Explore the groundbreaking soundscapes of Radiohead, from moody anthems to experimental grooves. This is a high-level band class for players ready to interpret the complex and iconic catalog of one of the most influential bands of the past 30 years.

Just in time to get ready for Mardi Gras, this group will play New Orleans rock & roll from Little Richard and Huey Smith to the Meters and the Neville Brothers to Doctor John, to rock bands like Little Feat. This is an advanced ensemble. Guitarists should have done a little Guitar 4 level work. Drummers and bass players by permission only.

Explore one of the earliest and most vibrant styles of rock and roll the way it is meant be played, in an ensemble setting! A combination of R&B mixed with country influences, songs by Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and the Everly Brothers as well as current artists like Brian Setzer, Big Sandy, and Dwight Yoakam will be covered. All instruments and singers welcome. Waxed sideburns and raunchy tattoos are optional.

Grab your guitar or bass and jump into Scott and Dan’s Garage Band, where it’s all about fun, feel, and making music together. We’ll jam on tracks from The White Stripes, The Black Keys, The Clash, R.E.M., and more, locking into grooves and turning simple parts into something big. Your parents’ basement never sounded this good, but great bands start somewhere.

Step into the groove with us as we sing and play 20th AND 21st Century soul tunes from the 60s and 70s all the way to 2021 -- from classic Motown, Memphis, Philly, and Chicago soul to songs by contemporary artists such as Yola, Black Pumas, Allison Russell and The War and Treaty.

The repertoire of American string band music is excellent preparation for making music in any setting. This class focuses on string band music with straightforward arrangements for clawhammer banjo, pre- and re-grassed mandolin, and American fiddle. Students will get the workout of a weekly band rehearsal by collaborating to develop "performance ready" material. Prerequisites include the ability to play through whole songs and tunes at medium tempos, and a desire to assemble a full set of music for performance in duos, trios, and quartets. This class is paced for those who have completed the introductory courses for their instruments.

Teachers will lead Old Town School of Folk Music students and community members in a jam of beloved string band repertoire taught at the school. While the jam is designed for fiddles, banjos, mandolins, and guitars, other instruments are a part of the American string band tradition and can potentially fit in here. The jam will pull from the tunes listed below (and others!). Whiskey Before Breakfast D Angeline the Baker D Spotted Pony D Sugar Hill D Flop Eared Mule D/A Jordan am a Hard Road to Travel D Snake River Reel D Arkansas Traveler D Mississippi Sawyer D Sail Away Ladies G Jubilee G Barlow Knife G Big Scioty G Waterbound G Sandy Boys A modal Kitchen Girl A modal Cluck Old Hen A modal Squirrell Hunters A modal Fire on the Mountain A Tippin Back the Corn A