Old Town School of Folk Music

Words cannot describe how much I love this place! I primarily go here to take classes. The teachers are top notch and the overall atmosphere is very inviting yet laid back. Their 2 big offerings are the Wiggleworm classes for young children and the core guitar group classes for adults. Sessions are normally 8 weeks  in length and classes are normally about 1.5 hours. After core guitar classes, there is a 30 minute open jam where all levels come to play together, called "2nd half". For those looking for something different, there are a ton of other offerings to suit your needs - dance from African to ballroom to ballet to Irish to hip hop; music instruction from ukelele to drums to bass guitar to harmonica to oud; musicianship classes from theory to lead guitar skills to guitar fingerpicking skills; "ensemble classes" where it is like you are in a band with different instruments and vocalists focusing on things such as The Beatles to 80's Hair Metal to Reggae to Country to Brazilian to Tweedy; and other classes from acting to musical theater to songwriting to creating your own comics. Most of the adult classes are group classes where there are about 10 - 15 people in a class (sometimes less). I have formed great friendships with the people I take classes with  as well with my teachers and I know of some romantic relationships that have resulted because of Old Town. And there are great concerts that are shown at Old Town, normally focusing on folk or global music. In the recent past or near future, there has been Alejandro Escovedo, Bajofondo, Michael Nesmith, Rufus Wainwright and Allison Kraus and Kris Kristofferson. Classes are usually about $170 session but Old Town does have a financial aid program available (their motto is to offer music to anyone who wants to learn). In addition, there is usually an early bird discount for early registration, member discounts for Old Town Members and volunteer discounts for Old Town volunteers. The store also offers instrument rentals so you can go to one session and see if you really like that instrument before plunking down $$$ for your own instrument. For core guitar classes, I have really enjoyed Andrea Bunch, Elaine Moore, Cathy Norden, Charles Kim, Steve Levitt, Jacob Sweet, Dan Fulkerson, Barb Silverman and Rebecca Toon but I have heard great things about all the other teachers. For voice, I have really enjoyed Gwen Pippin's and Typhanie Monique's classes. If you are confused about which class to take, call the front office and they will help you out. So stop by the school, bring your instrument, grab a beer at the cafe and walk into class and have have a great time with excellent teachers and good friends!

Good for: live music (evenings, mostly) kids classes (Lisa and Tom are GREAT) adult classes (jigging, African dance, zydeco) lessons (voice, string instruments, drums.. everything else) meeting really interesting people. Volunteers are a treat! Just saw BeauSoleil and seeing Dar Williams in a couple of weeks. Makes me proud to live here!

I have taken an African dance class a couple years ago; and have been to a few concerts in the original Old Town School of Folk Music establishment, but have never been to the new music hall across the street.  The new venue is great!  The hall is on the second floor and is designed extremely well.  We were so close to the bands and the acoustics were great!  

Another perk??!?  They offer beer, wine, and snacks for decent prices.  Just beware...the snacks and cocktails are sold for CASH only and there is not cash station in the building.  Your best bet would be to hoof it over to either The Grafton for The Daley.

I can't wait to see/hear another performance at this place!