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Kids' Fiddle Classes

Kids Group Classes / Fiddle & Cello Program

Fiddling in the Folk Tradition

The Kids' Fiddle Program at Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago offers an engaging, fun-filled approach to learning fiddle. By combining elements of both fiddle and violin traditions, we create the perfect space for kids to explore music. Our unique kids' fiddle classes draw from global folk traditions and the renowned Shinichi Suzuki method, ensuring students of all levels enjoy a joyful learning experience.

Our kids' fiddle classes introduce students to:

  • Proper fiddle and bow handling techniques
  • The history and cultural significance of fiddle music
  • Learning tunes and melodies by ear

    In every fiddle class, your child will learn through:

  • Playful games that enhance rhythmic and aural skills
  • Singing, dancing, and group participation, fostering a love for music
  • Personalized attention, allowing kids to grow musicianship at their own pace

    Whether your child is new to learning the fiddle or advancing through our program, we offer both beginner and intermediate classes for youth musicians of all ages in a fun, supportive environment.

    For students in our Kids' Fiddle Program:

  • Bring a violin to class (fractional-size violins recommended for younger students)
  • Need to rent or buy a violin? We suggest Seman Violins or A440 for kids' violin rentals.
  • Rosin, shoulder rests, practice books, and more are available at our in-house Old Town School Music Store .

    Tips for growth in the Kids' Fiddle Program

    • Group Classes Private Lessons

    Kids Fiddle Program Classes (5 found)

    Little Fiddlers: 2½ - 3½ years

    Beginner

    Saturday with Stella Childs

    45 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $215 ($195 members)

    Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

    Schedules & Registration

    Beginning Fiddlers

    Beginner

    Sunday with Stella Childs or Alba Layana Izurieta

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

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

    Schedules & Registration

    Kids Fiddle: Book One

    Beginner

    Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday with Billy Oh, Stella Childs, Maddie Ring or Alba Layana Izurieta

    60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 16 weeks  ·  $495 ($455 members)

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

    Schedules & Registration

    Kids' Fiddle: Book Two

    Intermediate

    Saturday with Billy Oh or Stella Childs

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

    Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

    Schedules & Registration

    Kids Fiddle Book One Continuing

    Intermediate

    Wednesday with Stella Childs or Maddie Ring

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

    Kids Fiddle Book One 1/2

    Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

    Schedules & Registration

    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

    Brandi Berry Benson »
    Fiddle, Violin, Viola

    Rachael Botz »
    Fiddle, Violin, Mandolin, Viola, Songwriting, Wiggleworms

    Stella Childs »
    Violin, Piano, Wiggleworms

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

    Al Ehrich »
    Bass Guitar, Upright Bass, Cello, Dance & Movement - Qi Gong

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

    Anna Jacobson »
    Fiddle, French Horn, Trumpet, Ensembles

    Xadie James »
    Piano, Bass, Guitar, Cello

    Katie Klocke »
    Fiddle, Violin, Piano

    Michael O'Toole »
    Guitar

    Billy Oh »
    Fiddle, Violin

    Maddie Ring »
    Fiddle, Wiggleworms, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, Voice

    Devin Shepherd »
    Fiddle

    4544 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625  •  (773) 728-6000 •  customerservice@oldtownschool.org
    Customer Service Phone Hours:
    10:00 AM – 8:30 PM Central (Monday – Thursday)
    10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Central (Friday – Sunday)