Founded in 1957, the Old Town School of Folk Music provides a wide range of music, dance, theater, and visual arts courses to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Whatever one’s interest, the Old Town School provides broad access to more than 700 accredited class offerings, private lessons, and workshops that span an array of artistic genres.
The Old Town School experienced tremendous growth since opening its Lincoln Square facility in 1998. With an accessible education model, an array of diverse arts offerings, a dedicated and talented faculty, and an entrepreneurial spirit, the Old Town School has been able to fulfill its mission for tens of thousands more people — students, concert audiences, school children and working artists.
The School’s critically acclaimed concerts showcase some of the finest and most diverse local and touring artists in our intimate and acoustically superb hall. Ticket prices remain among the most affordable in the city and special events such as the Square Roots Festival and World Music Wednesdays make music accessible to all with free and reduced-priced programs.
The Old Town School owns and operates three facilities situated in Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park that include 425-seat and two 150-seat concert halls, 64 classrooms, two music stores, café and a resource center. Children’s classes are also held at several suburban satellite locations.
