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Workshops

Workshops are special, one-time experiences of music and dance with master teachers at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Low in time commitment but high in artistry, workshops are timely, engaging, and dynamic sessions targeted to serve participants with varied interests and goals.

The typical duration of a one-day workshop is an hour and a half to two hours, but we also offer intensives and multi-day or multi-week options. Workshops costs are dependent on length, specialty, and teaching artist, and some are funded by grants to make them low-cost to you. Each week we host something or someone new, so check back often!

Mon. November 02, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Day Off Camp: Exploring the Arts with Zosia Holden · Poppin Chuck

[more info]

Open to All
Kids Group Class – Program: Camp
$103 ($83 members)
Tue. November 03, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Day Off Camp: Exploring the Arts with Zosia Holden · Poppin Chuck

Veterans Day [more info]

Open to All
Kids Group Class – Program: Camp
$103 ($83 members)
Thu. November 05, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Breathwork and Breath Control: For Singing and For Life with Nathan Kistler with Nathan Kistler

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Voice
$26 ($21 members)
Fri. November 06, 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM (Central) · 909 W Armitage Ave

Handpan Workshop 1: Introduction to Handpan (Beginner) with Marshall Greenhouse

[more info]

Beginner
Program: Drumming
$30 ($25 members)
Fri. November 06, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM (Central) · 909 W Armitage Ave

Handpan Workshop 2: Expanding the Groove (Intermediate) with Marshall Greenhouse

[more info]

Intermediate
Program: Drumming
$30 ($25 members)
Fri. November 06, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

That ‘70s Songbag with Tommi Zender

[more info]

Intermediate
Program: Guitar
$30 ($25 members)
Sat. November 07, 9:15 AM – 10:30 AM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Laying Sound Meditation Workshop with Jay Taylor

[more info]

Open to All
Program:
$35 ($30 members)
Sat. November 07, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Body Mechanics for Musicians Using the Alexander Technique

[more info]

Open to All
Program:
$40 ($35 members)
Sat. November 07, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM (Central) · 909 W Armitage Ave

Family Jam! with Max Berg · Stella Childs · Grace Valaskovic

[more info]

Open to All
Kids Group Class – Program: Wiggleworms
Sat. November 07, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Dabke Dance Workshop with Mary Mulcahey

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Dance
$30 ($25 members)
Sat. November 07, 1:00 PM – 2:20 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Melodies, Bass Runs and Riffs for Guitarists with Charles Kim

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Guitar
$30 ($25 members)
Sun. November 08, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Improvisational Workshop with The Bridge: Linking Up and Bridging People, Places, and Things

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Ensemble
$20 ($18 members)
Sun. November 08, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

I Know How to Write a Song: A Songwriting Workshop for Kids with Caro Granner

[more info]

Open to All
Kids Group Class – Program: Songwriting
$50 ($40 members)
Wed. November 11, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Day Off Camp: Exploring the Arts

[more info]

Open to All
Kids Group Class – Program: Camp
$103 ($83 members)
Fri. November 13, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Harmony Singing Workshop with Jackie Jasperson: Doo Wop Classics with Jackie Jasperson

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Voice
$35 ($30 members)
Sat. November 14, 10:30 AM – 11:50 AM (Central) · 4544 N. Lincoln

Keeping the Irish Tradition Alive in Chicago with Mike Austin · James Conway

Old Town School Irish Session Ensemble teachers James Conway and Mike Austin will spin some legendary Celtic records and CDs from the Resource Center’s collection. James and Mike will also perform some of those selections as they would be played in a Chicago Irish music session. The Irish music scene in Chicago is considered one of the most vibrant and important anywhere in the world, and these two teaching artists have a wealth of history to share on the topic. There will be plenty of time for questions about the particular selections played, the instruments, the Chicago sessions scene, or Irish tradtional music overall. [more info]

Open to All
Program:
$25 ($20 members)
Sat. November 14, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM (Central) · 909 W Armitage Ave

Family Jam! with Max Berg · Stella Childs · Grace Valaskovic

[more info]

Open to All
Kids Group Class – Program: Wiggleworms
Sat. November 14, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Central) · Online

More Bass Line Bass-ics with Vanda Kay

[more info]

Beginner
Program: Bass
$40 ($35 members)
Sat. November 14, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Craft Lounge

[more info]

Open to All
Program:
Sat. November 14, 1:00 PM – 2:20 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Scales With Colors with Dan Fulkerson

[more info]

Intermediate
Program: Guitar
$35 ($30 members)
Sat. November 14, 3:00 PM – 4:20 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Dan’s Rhythm Method with Dan Fulkerson

[more info]

Intermediate
Program: Guitar
$35 ($30 members)
Sat. November 14, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Over the Garden Wall Sing-along with Stella Childs · Anne-Marie Akin

[more info]

Open to All
Program:
$15 ($10 members)
Sun. November 15, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

‘60s Style Go-Go with Krista Ortgiesen

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Dance
$20 ($18 members)
Sun. November 15, 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Art of Being, Relating as a Wave-Particle with Ayako Kato

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Dance
$35 ($28 members)
Tue. November 17, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Painting Textures: Writing with Extended Chords with Josh Ruebeck

[more info]

Intermediate
Program:
$30 ($25 members)
Thu. November 19, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Central) · 909 W Armitage Ave

Bridging the Break: Head Mix with Nathan Kistler

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Voice
$26 ($21 members)
Fri. November 20, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Autumn Beatles Songbag with Tommi Zender with Tommi Zender

[more info]

Intermediate
Program: Guitar
$30 ($25 members)
Sat. November 21, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Advanced Djembe Workshop with Michael Taylor

[more info]

Advanced
Program: Drumming
$35 ($30 members)
Sat. November 21, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

`Ukulele Power Strums 2-Part Series: Power Strums 101 Holiday Style For 'Uke!

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Ukulele
$40 ($35 members)
Sat. November 21, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM (Central) · 909 W Armitage Ave

Family Jam! with Max Berg · Stella Childs · Grace Valaskovic

[more info]

Open to All
Kids Group Class – Program: Wiggleworms
Sat. November 21, 1:00 PM – 2:20 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Chord Chemistry for All Instruments with Charles Kim

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Guitar
$30 ($25 members)
Sat. November 21, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Flamenco Guitar: Rhythms, Chords & Technique with Andrea Salcedo

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Guitar
$45 ($40 members)
Sat. November 21, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Introduction to the West African Djembe Drum with Michael Taylor

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Drumming
$35 ($30 members)
Sat. November 21, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Island Songs of the Pacific for the Holidays On The 'Uke!

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Ukulele
$40 ($35 members)
Sat. November 21, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

The Groove Workshop

[more info]

Program: Dance
$25 ($22 members)
Sat. November 21, 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Finger Cymbals to Disco & Funk: A Belly Dance Fusion with Asali Naimah

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Dance
$30 ($25 members)
$40 ($35 members)
Sun. November 22, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Gentle Jam: Old-Time Session with Jordan Wankoff

[more info]

Open to All
Program:
Sun. November 22, 1:00 PM – 2:20 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Just Another Diamond Day: A Vashti Bunyan Discussion and Sing-a-Long! with Stella Childs

[more info]

Open to All
Program:
$25 ($20 members)
Sat. November 28, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Early Childhood Music with Jesse Jukebox

[more info]

Open to All
Kids Group Class – Program: Wiggleworms
$20 ($15 members)
Sat. November 28, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

`Ukulele Power Strums 2-Part Series: Power Strums 201 Holiday Classics For 'Uke!

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Ukulele
$40 ($35 members)
Sat. November 28, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM (Central) · 909 W Armitage Ave

Family Jam! with Max Berg · Stella Childs · Grace Valaskovic

[more info]

Open to All
Kids Group Class – Program: Wiggleworms
Sat. November 28, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Central) · Online

More Bass Line Bass-ics with Vanda Kay

[more info]

Beginner
Program: Bass
$40 ($35 members)
Tue. December 01, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Second Verse Same as the First! Writing with Effective Repetition with Josh Ruebeck

[more info]

Open to All
Program:
$30 ($25 members)
Thu. December 03, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Bridging the Break: Chest Mix with Nathan Kistler with Nathan Kistler

[more info]

Intermediate
Program: Voice
$26 ($21 members)
Fri. December 04, 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Handpan Workshop 1: Introduction to Handpan (Beginner) with Marshall Greenhouse

[more info]

Beginner
Program: Drumming
$30 ($25 members)
Fri. December 04, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Handpan Workshop 2: Expanding the Groove (Intermediate) with Marshall Greenhouse

[more info]

Intermediate
Program: Drumming
$30 ($25 members)
Sat. December 05, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM (Central) · 909 W Armitage Ave

Family Jam! with Max Berg · Stella Childs · Grace Valaskovic

[more info]

Open to All
Kids Group Class – Program: Wiggleworms
Sat. December 05, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Community Singing Workshop with Megan Eberhardt

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Voice
$36 ($31 members)
Sat. December 05, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Dabke Dance workshop, Intermediate Level with Mary Mulcahey

[more info]

Intermediate
Program: Dance
$30 ($25 members)
Sat. December 05, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Intro to Music Theory Through the Songs of Dolly Parton with Josh Siegel

[more info]

Open to All
Program:
$30 ($25 members)
Sat. December 05, 1:00 PM – 2:20 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Please, Go To Sleep, Please with Charles Kim

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Guitar
$30 ($25 members)
Sat. December 05, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

The Song Writer’s Voice with Elizabeth Moen

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Songwriting
$40 ($35 members)
Sat. December 05, 1:00 PM – 2:20 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Understanding the Minor Pentatonic Scale with Dan Fulkerson

[more info]

Intermediate
Program: Guitar
$35 ($30 members)
Sat. December 05, 3:00 PM – 4:20 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Understanding the Major Pentatonic Scale with Dan Fulkerson

[more info]

Intermediate
Program: Guitar
$35 ($30 members)
Sun. December 06, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Nutcracker Adult Dance Workshop with Emily Zouras

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Dance
$30 ($28 members)
Sun. December 06, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Sugar Plum Fairies and Snowflakes with Emily Zouras · Julianne Rice

[more info]

Open to All
Kids Group Class – Program: Dance
$30 ($28 members)
Sun. December 06, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

All I Want for Christmas Is... DANCE! with Emily Zouras

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Dance
$30 ($28 members)
Sun. December 06, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Intro to Burlesque with Sunny Haelstorm

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Dance
$35 ($30 members)
Sun. December 06, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Ukulele Workshop: Holiday Songs pt. 1 with Vanda Kay

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Ukulele
$30 ($25 members)
Sun. December 06, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Central) · Online

Ukulele Workshop: Holiday Songs pt. 1 with Vanda Kay

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Ukulele
$30 ($25 members)
Tue. December 08, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Accidental Exploration: Writing Outside of the Key with Josh Ruebeck

[more info]

Beginner
Program:
$30 ($25 members)
Fri. December 11, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Harmony Singing Workshop with Jackie Jasperson: Holiday Songs with Jackie Jasperson

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Voice
$35 ($30 members)
Fri. December 11, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

That ‘80s Songbag with Tommi Zender

[more info]

Intermediate
Program: Guitar
$30 ($25 members)
Wed. December 31, 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

The Prince of New Orleans: A Book Reading Celebrating Allen Toussaint

A family-centered celebration of New Orleans music legend Allen Toussaint. Alison Toussaint, daughter of Allen, will read and share illustrations on the big screen from her children’s book The Prince of New Orleans: The Life of Allen Toussaint. Alison's reading will be accompanied by piano selections played by her husband Herman LeBeaux. Through multi-media presentation, storytelling and music, families will discover the remarkable man behind the melodies and the lasting impact of Allen Toussaint – one of America’s most influential musicians, songwriters, and producers. [more info]

Open to All
Program:
$25 ($20 members)
Sat. December 12, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM (Central) · 909 W Armitage Ave

Family Jam! with Max Berg · Stella Childs · Grace Valaskovic

[more info]

Open to All
Kids Group Class – Program: Wiggleworms
Sat. December 12, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Central) · Online

More Bass Line Bass-ics with Vanda Kay

[more info]

Beginner
Program: Bass
$40 ($35 members)
Sat. December 12, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Afro Dance Fitness with Dylan Wray

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Dance
$25 ($20 members)
Sat. December 12, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Craft Lounge

[more info]

Open to All
Program:
Sat. December 12, 1:00 PM – 2:20 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Pedals for Guitarists and More with Charles Kim

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Guitar
$30 ($25 members)
Sat. December 12, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

The Groove Workshop

[more info]

Program: Dance
$25 ($22 members)
Sat. December 12, 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Finger Cymbals to Disco & Funk: A Belly Dance Fusion with Asali Naimah

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Dance
$30 ($25 members)
Tue. December 15, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Queer As Folk: Finding Your Voice with Nathan Kistler

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Voice
Tue. December 15, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Writing Strong Melodies: Songwriting Workshop with Josh Ruebeck

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Songwriting
$30 ($25 members)
Thu. December 17, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Central) · 909 W Armitage Ave

Tongue Stuff: How Your Tongue Affects your Voice with Nathan Kistler

[more info]

Intermediate
Program: Voice
$26 ($21 members)
Sat. December 19, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM (Central) · 909 W Armitage Ave

Family Jam! with Max Berg · Stella Childs · Grace Valaskovic

[more info]

Open to All
Kids Group Class – Program: Wiggleworms
Sat. December 19, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Old Town School Caroling Party with Jackie Jasperson

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Voice
$15 ($10 members)
Sun. December 20, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Central) · 4545 N Lincoln Ave

Arabic Rhythms of the Levant with Karl El Sokhn Part II

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Drumming
$45 ($40 members)
Sun. December 20, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Ukulele Workshop: Holiday Songs pt. 2 with Vanda Kay

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Ukulele
$30 ($25 members)
Sun. December 20, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Central) · Online

Ukulele Workshop: Holiday Songs pt. 2 with Vanda Kay

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Ukulele
$30 ($25 members)
Sun. January 17, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Intro to Yodeling: History and Basics of the Country Yodel with Alice Wallace

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Voice
$45 ($40 members)
Mon. January 18, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Day Off Camp: Exploring the Arts

[more info]

Open to All
Kids Group Class – Program: Camp
$103 ($83 members)
Fri. January 29, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Day Off Camp: Exploring the Arts

[more info]

Open to All
Kids Group Class – Program: Camp
$103 ($83 members)
Mon. February 15, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Day Off Camp: Exploring the Arts

[more info]

Open to All
Kids Group Class – Program: Camp
$103 ($83 members)
Fri. February 19, 6:00 PM – 7:20 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Voice of the People with Mary Peterson · Andrea Bunch

[more info]

Program: Voice
$20 ($18 members)
Tue. February 23, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Day Off Camp: Exploring the Arts

[more info]

Open to All
Kids Group Class – Program: Camp
$103 ($83 members)
Sat. March 27, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Essential Strums, Strokes and Tricks for Ukulele with Lil Rev

This fun and highly informative 90 minute ukulele class is open to all levels and will introduce, reinforce and show the aspiring strummer how to spice up their strum-hand with a variety of traditional roll strokes, triplet strokes, novelty strums, tremolo and chunking techniques, all taught slowly and with song examples. Join American Uke Master Lil Rev, for whats sure to be a stellar time studying ukulele at Old Town!  Lil Rev is a Wisconsin based, ukulele educator who's instructional books have taught over a million folks to play ukulele. Rev is a former grade school music teacher and college lecturer who's love for teaching keeps him busy throughout the year.   He is well known for his love of old time blues, folk, bluegrass, Celtic, and world music style and has authored over 14 books thru Hal Leonard and his own self-published manuals.   Rev tours doing over 160 dates a year all over the North America and Canada teaching and performing at Festival, Music Camps, and traditional arts organizations.  [more info]

Open to All
Program: Ukulele
$40 ($35 members)
Sat. March 27, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM (Central) · 4544 N Lincoln Ave

Intro To Clawhammer Ukulele with Lil Rev

[more info]

Open to All
Program: Ukulele
$40 ($35 members)