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Kids Fiddle & Cello Program

This unique program is a violin and cello method taught in the folk tradition!

Old Town School of Folk Music's Kids Fiddle Program is part of our learning community for preschoolers, big kids, and youth! The Fiddle and Cello Program is a joyful curriculum and approach to learning violin and cello that is rooted in folk tradition, folk repertoire from around the world, social music making, learning by ear, best practices in active music education, and the teaching approach of Shinichi Suzuki.

Our team of teaching musicians, extraordinary players themselves, created our method planted in the folk tradition. That means our young folks learn to play folk songs by ear in a group setting through singing, dancing, and playing their instruments. As the children embrace the music in their minds, bodies, and hearts, we authentically build musical intelligence. Through play and participatory learning, we prepare them well for each musical challenge along the way - so that students developmentally discover each musical concept, tune, or technique. Engaged and motivated, students progress through the program, building musicianship, music literacy, and community. In our team taught classes, teachers give personalized attention within the group experience.

For all classes except Little Fiddlers, please bring your violin to class. You'll need to rent a fractional violin sized for your child, from a private shop in Chicago - Seman Violins, A440 or Paul Wargaski Violins! You can pick up rosin, shoulder rest sponges, practice books, and more at either of our Old Town School Music Store locations.

Tips for growth in the Kids Fiddle Program

Kids Fiddle Book 1

Kids Fiddle Book 2

Kids Fiddle Book 3

Kids Cello Book 1

Little Fiddlers: 2½ - 3½ years

Beginner

Wednesday or Saturday with Stella Childs or Maddie Ring

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

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

Beginning Fiddlers

Beginner

Wednesday or Sunday with Stella Childs or Maddie Ring

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $240 ($220 members)

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

Kids Fiddle: Book One

Beginner

Wednesday or Saturday with Billy Oh, Stella Childs or Maddie Ring

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $240 ($220 members)

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

Kids Fiddle: Book Two

Intermediate

Wednesday or Saturday with Billy Oh, Stella Childs or Maddie Ring

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $240 ($220 members)

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

Kids Fiddle Camp 8-12 years

Open to All

Monday through Friday with Anna Jacobson

180 minutes  ·  Daily for 1 week  ·  $350 ($330 members)

Ages 8-12 years old

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

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: 03/04/2024 – 04/28/2024

Monday 01/29/24: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 02/12/24: Transfer registration

Wednesday 02/14/24: Open registration

8-week lessons: 04/29/2024 – 06/23/2024

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

Monday 04/08/24: Transfer registration

Wednesday 04/10/24: Open registration

8-week lessons: 06/24/2024 – 08/18/2024

Monday 05/20/24: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 06/03/24: Transfer registration

Wednesday 06/05/24: Open registration

8-week lessons: 09/02/2024 – 10/27/2024

Monday 07/15/24: Re-registration for current students begins

Monday 07/29/24: Transfer registration

Wednesday 07/31/24: Open registration

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


Teachers

Click for teacher profiles and schedules

Brandi Berry Benson »
Fiddle, Violin, Viola

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

Stella Childs »
Violin

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