Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Musical Adventure Begins at Old Town School
Founded in 1957, we are the largest non-profit community arts school in the United States, dedicated to preserving and teaching diverse folk music traditions to people of all ages. Our mission centers on creating welcoming communities where individuals connect through music, dance, and the arts. With over 700 accredited classes annually, we offer group instruction, private lessons, and workshops in instruments like guitar, banjo, and piano, alongside dance programs for all skill levels. Our Wiggleworms early childhood classes have become a Chicago rite of passage, fostering lifelong musical appreciation. We prioritize accessibility through financial aid and scholarships, ensuring arts education remains available to all socioeconomic backgrounds.Our faculty comprises over 250 professional Chicago artists who bring real-world expertise to every lesson. Beyond education, we host over 300 annual concerts in our historic venues, supporting local musicians while enriching cultural life. Our 65-year legacy reflects deep institutional knowledge of folk traditions and their contemporary evolution. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we maintain strict financial transparency and ethical operations, reinvesting all resources into expanding our educational impact across Chicagoland.
Services
Music Classes
Dance Workshops
Private Lessons
Wiggleworms Program
Summer Camp
Concert Series
Instrument Rentals
Community Events
School Partnerships
Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1957
Highlights and features
- We have over 65 years of experience teaching folk music traditions.
- Our faculty includes 250+ professional Chicago artists.
- We offer financial aid and scholarships for all programs.
- We provide classes for every age group from infants to seniors.
- Our graduates include Grammy-winning musicians and professional artists.
Services
Music Classes
We offer 700+ accredited music classes annually for all skill levels. Our programs include guitar, banjo, piano, and vocal instruction using traditional folk methods. Classes accommodate complete beginners through advanced musicians with flexible scheduling options. Our social learning environment fosters both technical proficiency and community connection through music.
Wiggleworms Program
This signature program introduces infants through preschoolers to music through interactive classes. Caregivers participate in sessions featuring live instruments, movement activities, and traditional songs. The curriculum develops rhythm, listening skills, and musical creativity while building parent networks. Classes are available in multiple Chicago neighborhoods with flexible scheduling.
Private Lessons
Customized music instruction available for 30, 45, or 60-minute sessions. Our expert faculty provides personalized curriculum for specific instruments or vocal training. Lessons occur weekly in 8-week sessions with flexible scheduling across multiple locations. Both in-person and online options available for continued musical development.
Concert Series
We host 300+ annual concerts in our historic venues featuring local and international artists. Our programming spans folk, world music, and contemporary genres with both emerging and established performers. Events include special workshops and masterclasses that connect audiences with artists. Proceeds directly support our educational mission and community programs.
Summer Camp
Our summer day camp provides immersive arts experiences for children aged 6-11. Daily activities include instrument exploration, dance instruction, and collaborative music projects. The program emphasizes creativity, teamwork, and performance skills in a supportive environment. Sessions run weekly throughout the summer with extended care options available.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for infants through seniors including Wiggleworms for young children, teen classes, adult workshops, and senior-focused activities.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes, we provide need-based financial aid for private lessons, group classes, and summer camp programs.
Can I try a class before committing?
Most classes allow drop-in participation. We also offer free Friday family jams and sample workshops.
Are instruments available for rent?
Our Music Store offers instrument rentals for students including guitars, banjos, and other string instruments.
Do you have online learning options?
Yes, we provide virtual classes, workshops, and private lessons with live instructors.
How do I choose the right guitar class?
Take our online placement quiz or contact our Guitar Program Manager for personalized recommendations.
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