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Kids Banjo Classes

Pick It!

Old Town School of Folk Music's Kids Banjo classes are part of our joyful learning community for young folks! This program is a thoughtul and accessible approach to learning banjo for kids - crafted and led by banjo pickin' songwriter and teaching musician, Jonas Friddle.

An approach of learning tunes by ear while coordinating right hand technique with left hand tone, young banjo players learn to play a thoughtfully planned repertoire of banjo and fiddle tunes from the Americana and Old Time tradition. Whether it's a first or second instrument, learning the banjo is an exciting challenge for an emerging young musician.

Private Lesson Options

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.


8-week Session Prices

$336 for 30 minutes ($326 for members)

$480 for 45 minutes ($465 for members)

$616 for 60 minutes ($596 for members)


Session & Registration Dates

8-week lessons: 10/28/2024 – 12/22/2024

Monday 09/23/24: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 10/07/24: Transfer registration

Wednesday 10/09/24: Open registration

8-week lessons: 01/06/2025 – 03/02/2025

Monday 11/18/24: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 12/02/24: Transfer registration

Wednesday 12/04/24: Open registration

8-week lessons: 03/03/2025 – 04/27/2025

Monday 01/27/25: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 02/10/25: Transfer registration

Wednesday 02/12/25: Open registration

8-week lessons: 04/28/2025 – 06/22/2025

Monday 03/24/25: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 04/07/25: Transfer registration

Wednesday 04/09/25: Open registration


Teachers

Click for teacher profiles and schedules

Greg Cahill »
Banjo

Sean Colledge »
Fiddle, Guitar, Irish Tenor Banjo, Irish Mandolin, Irish Concertina, Cajun Accordion, Clawhammer Banjo

Ryan Fisher »
Banjo, Guitar

Jonas Friddle »
Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Ensembles, Band Coaching, School Partnerships

Paul Kaye »
Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin

Michael O'Toole »
Guitar

Laird Patten »
Banjo

Chris Walz »
Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin