This unique program is a violin and cello method taught in the folk tradition!
Old Town School of Folk Music's Kids Fiddle Program is part of our learning community for preschoolers, big kids, and youth! The Fiddle and Cello Program is a joyful curriculum and approach to learning violin and cello that is rooted in folk tradition, folk repertoire from around the world, social music making, learning by ear, best practices in active music education, and the teaching approach of Shinichi Suzuki.
Our team of teaching musicians, extraordinary players themselves, created our method planted in the folk tradition. That means our young folks learn to play folk songs by ear in a group setting through singing, dancing, and playing their instruments. As the children embrace the music in their minds, bodies, and hearts, we authentically build musical intelligence. Through play and participatory learning, we prepare them well for each musical challenge along the way - so that students developmentally discover each musical concept, tune, or technique. Engaged and motivated, students progress through the program, building musicianship, music literacy, and community. In our team taught classes, teachers give personalized attention within the group experience.
For all classes except Little Fiddlers, please bring your violin to class. You'll need to rent a fractional violin sized for your child, from a private shop in Chicago - Seman Violins, A440 or Paul Wargaski Violins! You can pick up rosin, shoulder rest sponges, practice books, and more at either of our Old Town School Music Store locations.
Wednesday or Saturday with Billy Oh
60 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $224 ($204 members)
Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave
Saturday with Billy Oh
60 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $224 ($204 members)
Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave
Our private lessons like our group classes run in 8-week sessions, however, you can begin private lessons during any week in the session. Please call our customer service folks at 773.728.6000 to register as private lesson availability is based upon individual teacher schedules.
Lessons are scheduled weekly, for 30, 45 or 60 minutes, and are available every day of the week at our Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park locations. Our experienced and professional faculty will work with you to develop an individualized program that helps you achieve your musical goals.
Stop in at either location or call the front desk at 773.728.6000 to register.
$296 for 30 minutes ($286 for members)
$424 for 45 minutes ($409 for members)
$544 for 60 minutes ($524 for members)
8-week lessons: 04/25/2022 – 06/19/2022
Monday 03/21/22: Re-registration for current students begins
Tuesday 04/05/22: Transfer registration
Wednesday 04/06/22: Open registration
8-week lessons: 06/20/2022 – 08/14/2022
Monday 05/16/22: Re-registration for current students begins
Tuesday 05/31/22: Transfer registration
Wednesday 06/01/22: Open registration
8-week lessons: 08/29/2022 – 10/23/2022
Monday 07/11/22: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 07/25/22: Transfer registration
Wednesday 07/27/22: Open registration
8-week lessons: 10/24/2022 – 12/18/2022
Monday 09/19/22: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 10/03/22: Transfer registration
Wednesday 10/05/22: Open registration
Click for teacher profiles and schedules
Patrik Ahlberg »
Violin, Fiddle, Guitar
Brandi Berry Benson »
Fiddle, Violin, Viola
Al Ehrich »
Bass Guitar, Upright Bass, Cello, Dance & Movement - Qi Gong
Jonas Friddle »
Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Ensembles, Band Coaching, School Partnerships
Steven Hemmy »
Piano, Violin, Fiddle
Anna Jacobson »
Fiddle, French Horn, Trumpet, Ensembles
Katie Klocke »
Fiddle, Violin, Piano
Shannon Mustard »
Fiddle, Violin
Michael O'Toole »
Guitar, Ukulele, Fiddle, Banjo, Mandolin, Theory, Improvisation
Billy Oh »
Fiddle, Violin
Devin Shepherd »
Fiddle
