Otsfm logo

Classes for Beginners

It is never too late to learn a new form of expression.

Accordion 1

Beginner

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager John Huber with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Introduction to the Banjo

Beginner

Monday or Tuesday with Chris Walz or Joshua Guy

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

For anyone attracted to the 5-string banjo but not sure which style to try first, this is for you!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Clawhammer Banjo 1

Beginner

Tuesday with Dan Mulvihill

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Begin by using chords to strum simple songs with a technique known as frailing.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Bluegrass Banjo 1

Beginner

Wednesday or Thursday with Chris Walz or Laird Patten

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

The first of five classes in the Bluegrass Banjo series that will take you through the techniques needed to play in a bluegrass style.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Bluegrass Banjo 1 Repertoire

Beginner

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager John Huber with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Banjo 1

Beginner

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager John Huber with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Two-Finger Banjo 1

Beginner

Thursday with Chris Walz

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

We will start off in G tuning (gDGBD) with simple melodies in the two-finger "thumb lead" style.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Bass Lines in Hip-Hop

BeginnerNew!

Thursday with Xadie James

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Adult Ballet 2

BeginnerNew!

Tuesday with Nichola Goss

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $168 ($148 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Argentine Tango for Beginners

BeginnerNew!

Monday with Eduardo Villalba

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $168 ($148 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Bachata

BeginnerNew!

Wednesday with Denita Inez

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $168 ($148 members)

Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Ballet for Every Body

Beginner

Monday with Sandra Adrian

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 4 weeks  ·  $84 ($74 members)

For everybody and every body, this class is a perfect way to introduce yourself or come back to ballet.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Ballet Light and Easy

Beginner

Saturday with Barbara Silverman

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $216 ($196 members)

Gentle ballet for Saturday mornings

Location: Online

Ballroom for Barrooms

Beginner

Thursday with Louie Stallone

75 minutes  ·  Once a week for 3 weeks  ·  $78 ($71 members)

Learn partner dance basics to use in any situation, with all kinds of popular music.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Beginner Ballet

BeginnerNew!

Friday with Julianne Rice

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $168 ($148 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Bollywood, Bhangra & More!

Beginner

Monday with Alka Nayyar

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $168 ($148 members)

Traditional and modern Indian dance in one energetic class! No experience necessary!

Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Brazilian Dance 1

Beginner

Saturday with Dill Costa

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $168 ($148 members)

Learn to move your hips, feet and body to samba and more! Beginner friendly!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Breakdancing

Beginner

Tuesday or Saturday with Dylan Wray

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $168 ($148 members)

Challenge yourself and free your inner b-boy or b-girl.

Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave or Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Flamenco Dance 1

Beginner

Tuesday with Maya Tatiana

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $168 ($148 members)

Join us in person!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Hip-Hop Dance

Beginner

Tuesday or Thursday with Dylan Wray

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $168 ($148 members)

Beginner friendly!

Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave or Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Hoop Dance Workshop with Renee Nanzer

WorkshopBeginner

Sunday with Renee Nanzer

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 1 week  ·  $20 ($20 members)

Hula hooping is back! Join this super fun workshop!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Irish Step Dance: Beginning

Beginner

Monday or Wednesday with Cheryl Ziemba or Maggie Radelet

55 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $154 ($144 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Latin Dance 1

Beginner

Wednesday with Denita Inez

70 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $208 ($188 members)

Let's Mambo with a master! Beginner friendly!

Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Modern Dance: Beginning

Beginner

Monday with Ethan Kirschbaum

75 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $208 ($188 members)

Learn the basics of Modern dance with combinations, improvisation and contemporary music. All experience levels welcome!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Swing Dance

Beginner

Thursday with Louie Stallone

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 3 weeks  ·  $78 ($71 members)

Turns, tucks and turns, closed position, cuddles, swing outs -learn more as you swing the night away!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Adult Tap 1

Beginner

Wednesday or Saturday with Reggio McLaughlin

70 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $208 ($188 members)

Rhythm Tap from scratch! Bring your tap shoes and a smile.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Adult Tap 1.5

Beginner

Wednesday or Saturday with Reggio McLaughlin or Sara Galle

70 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $208 ($188 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

West African Dance 1

Beginner

Tuesday or Thursday with Idy Ciss

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $224 ($204 members)

Dances from Seneg.al, Ivory Coast, Mali, and more Live drumming, too! Beginner friendly!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Qi Gong

Beginner

Sunday with Al Ehrich

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $216 ($196 members)

Clear your mind, and change tense practice into flowing play.

Location: Online

Conga 1

Beginner

Sunday with Carlos Cornier

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Introduction to Djembe (West African Drumming)

Beginner

Wednesday or Sunday with Michael Taylor

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Discover the fun playing the djembe! No experience necessary.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Drum Kit 1

Beginner

Monday or Tuesday with Joel Styzens

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Drum Kit 2

Beginner

Thursday with Joel Styzens

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Beginner's Blues Band - Live!

Beginner

Saturday with Steve Hutchins

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $284 ($264 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Daytime Acoustic Ensemble

BeginnerNew!

Monday with Shelley Miller

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Introduction to Ensembles

Beginner

Tuesday or Sunday with Shelley Miller or John Abbey

90 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Introduction to Irish Session Ensemble

Beginner

Monday with Mike Austin or Jim Conway

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $264 ($244 members)

If you've ever wanted to learn more about the Irish music tradition, this class is for you

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Introduction to the Violin/Fiddle

Beginner

Saturday with Sean Colledge

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Get comfortable with the violin, even if you've never played a string instrument before!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Fiddle 1

Beginner

Saturday with Sean Colledge

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Begin with the basics of fiddling and learn to play simple tunes in no time.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Fiddle 1 Repertoire

Beginner

Sunday with Jordan Wankoff

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

This class is the next step between Fiddle 1 and 2. Students get to practice techniques such as rhythm, scale knowledge and other Fiddle 1 skills.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Cello 1

Beginner

Monday with Xadie James

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

An introduction to the rich sounds of cello.
In-person classes available!

Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Cello 2

Beginner

Monday with Xadie James

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Continue with the basics of bow techniques, scales, keys, and note reading.
In-person classes available!

Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Guitar 1

Beginner

Any Day of the Week with Mary Peterson, Chris Walz, Dan Fulkerson, Shelley Miller, Albert Martinez, Scott Besaw, Henry Altenberg, Max Berg, Ruben Portillo, Camille McClellan or Dante Swan

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

For the complete beginner.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Guitar 1 Repertoire

Beginner

Any Day of the Week with Chris Walz, Dan Fulkerson, Randy Morris, Scott Besaw, Jim DeWan, Sophie Creutz, Henry Altenberg, Matt Gallagher, Max Berg, Ruben Portillo or Camille McClellan

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Improve your skills by learning lots of great songs, different strums and a few licks, while singing and playing at the same time!

Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave or Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Guitar 2

Beginner

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday with Alvin McGovern, Charles Kim, Dan Fulkerson, Shelley Miller, Scott Besaw, Steve Dawson, Henry Altenberg, Alicia Lees, Nikki O'Neill, Max Berg, Ruben Portillo, Camille McClellan or Bear Williams

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Your playing will take on a new dimension.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Guitar 2 Repertoire

Beginner

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday with Carlos Chacon, Alvin McGovern, Shelley Miller, John Mead, Scott Besaw, Sophie Creutz or Max Berg

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

This class is great entry point for the self taught. You will build repertoire and develop skills.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Blues Fingerstyle 1

Beginner

Monday with Chris Walz

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

You'll get a taste of the Blues with Blind Boy Fuller, Tommy Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, and others.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Crash Bass for Guitarists

WorkshopBeginner

Saturday with Harlan Terson

90 minutes  ·  Once a week for 1 week  ·  $30 ($25 members)

Location: Online

Fingerpicking 1: Song Accompaniment

BeginnerNew!

Sunday with Randy Morris

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Guitarra 1

BeginnerNew!

Saturday or Sunday with Ruben Portillo

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Intro to Walking Bass

Beginner

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Foundations of Rock and Blues Guitar

Beginner

Monday with Nikki O'Neill

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Taylor Swift for Guitar

Beginner

Monday or Tuesday with Alicia Lees

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Bass Guitar 1

Beginner

Monday, Thursday or Sunday with Harlan Terson or Xadie James

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

4 strings that hold everything together.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Bass Guitar 2

Beginner

Monday or Sunday with Harlan Terson

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Bass is the glue of ensemble music.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Folk/Country/Blues Harmonica 1

Beginner

Friday with Skip Landt

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Learn the basic skills used in blues, gospel, folk, country, and more!

Location: Online

Chicago Blues Harp 1

Beginner

Tuesday or Thursday with Zoe Savage or David Kachalon

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Whether you're just interested in learning the basics or aspire to play at the highest level, here's where you start.

Location: Online or Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Chicago Blues Harp 1 Online

BeginnerNew!

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager John Huber with your contact information.

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $188 ($168 members)

Beginning Harmonica: Simple Melodies, Styles & Techniques

Beginner

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager John Huber with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Introduction to the Mandolin

Beginner

Monday with Staff

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

If you love the sound of a mandolin but have never played a stringed instrument before, this class if for you.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Mandolin 1

Beginner

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager John Huber with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Mandolin 1 Repertoire

Beginner

Monday with Staff

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Take Mandolin 1 Repertoire if you have experience with a stringed instrument and you are comfortable learning melodies by ear and with tablature.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Bodhran: Beginning

Beginner

Tuesday with Mike Austin

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Piano 1: Introduction to Piano

Beginner

Monday, Wednesday or Saturday with Leah Dahline or Xadie James

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

(previously named Introduction to Piano)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Piano 2

Beginner

Monday or Friday with Cassie Fox or Isaiah Sanderman

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

(previously named Piano: Beginning 1)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Songwriting: Fundamentals

Beginner

Monday with Charles Kim

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Own the keys that will unlock the songs within you.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Introduction to Ukulele

Beginner

Tuesday with Michael Hammerman or Paula McKernan

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Get started with the ukulele by learning basic chords and strums at a pace designed for first-time players.

Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave or Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Ukulele 1

Beginner

Thursday with Michael Hammerman

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Learn simple chords and play a song on the first night.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Vocal Techniques 1: Breath, Free Tone

Beginner

Monday, Thursday or Sunday with Carol Kagy, Rebecca Toon or Jackie Jasperson

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Location: Online or Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Vocal Techniques 2: Register, Range

Beginner

Monday, Wednesday or Sunday with Carol Kagy or Rebecca Toon

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Brazilian Vocals

Beginner

Tuesday with Luciano Antonio

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Irish Singing

Beginner

Tuesday with Kathy Cowan

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Singing in Tune 1: Techniques for Matching Pitch

Beginner

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager John Huber with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Singing in Tune 2: Techniques for Learning Songs

Beginner

Tuesday with Carol Kagy

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Vocal Technique for Guitarists

Beginner

Tuesday or Wednesday with Bill Brickey or Julia Storke

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $248 ($228 members)

Singing and play all at once with an emphasis on the voice.

Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave or Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus