Open List Home > Chicago, IL > recreation & sports > Old Town School of Folk Music
Play the songs you love! Beginners Welcome. Piano, voice, guitar, more
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The Old Town School looks and feels like a real school, from the stout brick exterior to the long dormer windows on either side of the entrance. On the ground floor are a few sunny classrooms and the...
citysearch.com - expert review - 07/20/2005
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The school's Armitage Avenue location is now the Children's Center, and it's a concert venue unlike any other. Acts are performed on the same minimal stage where music classes gather and play for each other at...
citysearch.com - expert review - 08/14/2003
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I recently came here for my friend's graduation which was more of a recital of all the different classes. They have a nice music hall with comfy seats and a food/drink bar set up outside which is…
yelp.com - user review - 06/20/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I just finished my first class here and am still impressed. I took the first level of guitar with Mary Peterson and she's fantastic. She was on vacation and had someone sub in for her and he was…
yelp.com - user review - 06/20/2008
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1.0 of 5 stars.
I've had a really bad experience with Old Town. I've visited a few times for concerts and would recommend it highly for that. Also if other reviewers recommend certain services I will say go for it.…
yelp.com - user review - 06/11/2008
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If you have any interest in learning to play folk instruments, this is the place you must go. Immediately. They teach a wide range of classes, from basics like guitar to more obscure instruments like
kudzu.com - user review - 06/04/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Note: I work for Old Town School so this a partially biased review I adore Old Town School for many reasons. They bring in some great and sometimes obscure musicians for concerts. There is a ton of…
yelp.com - user review - 05/30/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Good People, Good Music, Good Beer, and you actually learn how to play guitar. Old Town is the best place to learn musical instruments in the city period . The group classes are where it's at you…
yelp.com - user review - 05/29/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Folkie heaven.
yelp.com - user review - 05/22/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Fantastic place. I have taken 2 dance classes there (beginner!) and enjoyed both of them. My husband was a camp counselor there over the summer, and said it was a great program with great staff. We…
yelp.com - user review - 05/12/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
A few years ago....nope it was 5 years ago, wow. Anyway....5 years ago I decided it would be fun to learn an instrument. Tried to learn to play the drums when I was a kid, but quit. Hey, I was like 8,…
yelp.com - user review - 04/26/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I started going here when I was 8 years old. And I'm still taking classes (on-again-off-again) and I still love music (I now perform). Both places are awesome. Every class is awesome.
yelp.com - user review - 04/26/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I saw Debashish Bhattarchaya and the Biscuit Burners here a few weekends ago and it was unbelievable! I had no idea Old Town had such a warm and intimate concert space. I will go back again and…
yelp.com - user review - 04/24/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I took fiddle lessons here a long time ago and had a great experience, but I wanted to comment specifically on their concert space. I saw two Magnetic Fields shows at Old Town this weekend and it was…
yelp.com - user review - 03/17/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I just finished my first guitar class at Old Town School this week with a graduation "recital". Each of the classes (guitar, harmonica, belly dancing, etc) performed one song and it was really neat to…
yelp.com - user review - 02/28/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
One of the most incredible resources in Chicago for cool classes and world music. Every time I come here I always think to myself "WHY am I not here every single weekend, learning something cool?"…
yelp.com - user review - 02/24/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I enrolled my 18 month old son for Wiggle Worms here. He's kind of a shy guy (he gets it from me) and cried the couple times he went there for the class. It was a 10 week class, but they allowed a…
yelp.com - user review - 02/20/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
It's been almost seven years since I have been part of any organized music ensemble, so I was fairly nervous to take on the guitar. But along with the company of a willing friend, Old Town School…
yelp.com - user review - 02/14/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I took my first OTSFM class -- bluegrass banjo -- about a year ago. Since then I've taken more classes -- banjo, harmonica, guitar, music theory. . . A splendid time is guaranteed for all. The…
yelp.com - user review - 02/09/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The voice class I am taking here is like a drug. It's like a shot of Instant Happy that I get every Friday morning when I go in for the class with Gwen Pippin. Seriously, it's just the funnest thing,…
yelp.com - user review - 02/05/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
For concerts = great. For dance lessons = lousy (with the exception of Louie Stallone, a good teacher)
yelp.com - user review - 02/02/2008
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We love taking our daughter to her Wiggleworms class-we have as much fun as she does!
lilaguide.com - user review - 01/31/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
There are few things I've done in my adult life (or any other part of my life for that matter) that have brought me as much fun, fulfillment and satisfaction as taking guitar lessons at The Old Town…
yelp.com - user review - 01/03/2008
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The classes I have attended have been excellent as have the free city events which were on at Millenium Park in the summer. The teachers are very enthusiastic and great with kids.
lilaguide.com - user review - 12/31/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
First off, I am writing about my guitar class that I took and not about bad customer service. (which is very possible because of the hippie infestation that Old Town has) Once I got through the very…
yelp.com - user review - 12/24/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've taken guitar and banjo classes here and would highly recommend The Old Town School. Their store is great, too and they have a super basement sale once a year. The auditorium is beautiful (on…
yelp.com - user review - 12/17/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
"FAME!! I'm gonna live forever!! Baby remember my name!!" Like the old Irene Cara song I felt like a rock star in this place. Where else in Chicago can you take a group of 22 adults who know nothing…
yelp.com - user review - 12/09/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Great classes!!! I have taken cello and dance classes, both highly recommended. The dance classes are wide range as far as activity level goes. Some can kick ass, but you feel like a million bucks…
yelp.com - user review - 12/04/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Just saw two groups from Mali - Tinariwen & Mamadou Diabate-- performing here tonight. It was off the mother-f'in CHAIN!! I knew a few things going in: 1) I would be the brownest mofo in the audience…
yelp.com - user review - 11/17/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
As far as I'm concerned, one of the best things Chicago has to offer. I've taken fiddle and ensemble classes and have enjoyed every class. Where else can you play with other people of any age and…
yelp.com - user review - 10/31/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This place was an AMAZING concert venue. I got to visit the first time with comps to see the Mekons 30th Anniversary Tour. It really appeared there was not a bad seat in the house. With great sound…
yelp.com - user review - 10/04/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
After seeing only one show here, this is definitely one of my favorite venues now. I go to quite a few concerts but somehow the chance to see a show at Old Town has eluded me till I saw the Ditty Bops…
yelp.com - user review - 08/27/2007
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My 19 month old son has been taking the Wiggleworms music/movement class at Old Town since he was 8 months old. He loves, loves, loves the music and movement class. Our teacher, Susanna, performs both original...
lilaguide.com - user review - 08/27/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I'm a sucker for music and this place has some great classes for the novice and seasoned pro. Plus great shows to boot make this a great venue for the chi. Classes are fantastic and intimate and the…
yelp.com - user review - 08/10/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Love love LOVE Old Town School of Hippie Music! They teach music folk suzuki style with hints of theory. They really getcha jammin right away so it's interesting enough to get you over that initial…
yelp.com - user review - 08/10/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I love this place. It's a great venue to see folk and bluegrass music and many other different types of music. If you're interested in taking banjo, mandolin, dobro, guitar, voice, bass, fiddle…
yelp.com - user review - 07/31/2007
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My son started attending Wiggleworms classes with Shana when he was 9 months old. He absolutely loves it..and so do we! We found ourselves singing the songs to him after the first two classes. Shana does a...
lilaguide.com - user review - 07/29/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
i've never seen a show here but i can just imagine that it would be great. i'm reviewing this place for their guitar lessons. as a gift, i received 8 guitar lessons. the instructors are knowledgeable…
yelp.com - user review - 07/21/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I don't have much new to say about this place that hasn't been said before. I've been taking classes here for about a year. The staff is great and come from all over the place. The classes progress…
yelp.com - user review - 07/10/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Everything good you can say about this place has already been said.
yelp.com - user review - 06/29/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is a great place to take classes. I've played the piano for twenty years, and teach lessons myself. I wanted to keep myself motivated, brush up on some old pieces, etc., so I decided to sign up…
yelp.com - user review - 06/26/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
An intimate, comfortable performance space with good sound and great sight lines. Only minus is a general lack of parking in Lincoln Square. Acoustics are incredible. Intimate space offers an…
yelp.com - user review - 05/06/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I was here for the first time on Saturday to see the Books, and I was a little concerned because I had balcony seats. However, as soon as I walked out into the balcony area I saw I had no reason to…
yelp.com - user review - 05/03/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I have been to the Old Town School of Folk Music many of times, any where from belly dancing recitals to seeing acoustic Smog shows. This last weekend I was super super excited as the Books are one of…
yelp.com - user review - 05/03/2007
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2.0 of 5 stars.
ok the VENUE is fab thats not where my diss comes into play. i signed up for the hip hop class ready to shake my bootie with likes of justin timberlake and ciara...ummmm yahhhhh not so much. A) the…
yelp.com - user review - 04/30/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The acoustics are perfect in this venue, and the staff is really decent. It's easy to get around and find your seats--there really isn't a bad one in the house. The tables in the back are cool.
yelp.com - user review - 04/29/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
My new favorite place in Chicago. I take guitar there and it's a total blast...it's a Chicago "institution" without feeling sanitized and definitely not boring. Lots of character and tons of course…
yelp.com - user review - 04/29/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Acoustically this venue is outstanding, probably the best in town. (other than Symphony Hall, The Auditorium and The Opera House.) But I remember the OLD TOWN SCHOOL of my youth. Back then it was the…
yelp.com - user review - 04/22/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
There are few places in this country that can compare to this school/ theatre. A Chicago institution.
yelp.com - user review - 04/13/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Okay - this place is truly a Chicago treasure - something uniquely accessible and fun about it - great classes - a great venue !
yelp.com - user review - 04/10/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The absolute best! Most of the teachers are working musicians and they offer group classes which are much cheaper and I find better for learning than private tutoring.
yelp.com - user review - 04/09/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The first show i attended here in chicago, was at the Old town School of Folk Music. It was a bright eyes show with M.Ward, and sold out. The whole street was filled with kids trying to get in. My…
yelp.com - user review - 04/04/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Where else in the world can you go to learn the following: Beatles, Wilco, and the Grateful Dead songbooks; flamenco dancing, jazz bass or vocals, blues harmonica, djembe, irish fiddle, all in the…
yelp.com - user review - 03/29/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
A must for World Music Lovers. I always try to catch Flamenco night in the fall and never miss the summertime folk fest. Every year features different acts - favorites have been Cajun and Nigerian…
yelp.com - user review - 03/23/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've only been here once and it was for a 3 hour workshop. Within those 3 hours, I fell in love with the Old Town School. I found myself seeking out a class schedule before I left so that I could…
yelp.com - user review - 03/21/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I brought both of my children here years ago for Wiggleworms and Orff Schulwerk classes. The teachers were all wonderful, and my kids benefited greatly from interacting via music. Although my son…
yelp.com - user review - 03/17/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Great place to bring kids for a field trip! Thats how I got to see how great this place! I've seen dancing and music and loved every minute of it. The classes I hear are great! Check this place out…
yelp.com - user review - 03/16/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Love this place and became a member to support it. Great booking, great room for sight lines and comfort. Blown away that they let you bring drinks inside. Great range of artists to classic folksters…
yelp.com - user review - 03/12/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Awesome venue, awesome teachers. Great place to see live music, or take a class and learn how to make your own. Even the music store on site is cool--knowledgeable, friendly employees, and lots of…
yelp.com - user review - 02/27/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Acoustically perfect venue. I saw the Magnetic Fields here and the actually wanted to turn down so that people could appreciate the sound quality of the room. Extremely intimate and charming place…
yelp.com - user review - 02/16/2007
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an outstanding music school with a tremendous selection of programs for kids... the wiggle worms class was awesome - totally worth the money and time... music, movement and language... fun kids instruments in...
lilaguide.com - user review - 02/08/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
When I decided that 2007 was the right time to finally pursue my dream to play the harmonica, I knew that the Old Town School of Folk Music was the place to go. Lucky for me, they offer a wide…
yelp.com - user review - 01/12/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I've been volunteering and taking classes here since I moved to Chicago, so maybe I'm biased. But OTSFM is the best venue in Chicago, no doubt about it. They really aren't lying when they say every…
yelp.com - user review - 11/11/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
People seem to really go nuts for this place but sometimes I think it is too touchy-feely. Maybe that's because I'm a conservative with ice cold steel running through my veins..... but I digress. They…
yelp.com - user review - 11/07/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Old Town rocks. I've been taking classes here for 6 years. First I took the entire guitar sequence. Every teacher I had was passionate, talented & patient. Then I moved on to West African Dance. I…
yelp.com - user review - 09/10/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've been taking guitar lessons at this place for about a year now, going through their 1 through 4 curriculum (actually I broke off after 3 and took Fingerboard Theory at the Lincoln Square…
yelp.com - user review - 07/03/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The Old Town School has so much to offer. I've taken guitar classes here for years. I've also taken some dancing classes, theory classes, voice lessons - all reasonably priced compared to going to a…
yelp.com - user review - 06/11/2006
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This place is very popular with local musicians. Lots of different music classes are offered here. S...
judysbook.com - user review - 05/03/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
my favorite venue in the city to see over the rhine. there's not a bad seat in the house and the sound is fantastic. besides, after seeing OTR nearly everywhere else in the city, this is the spot to…
yelp.com - user review - 04/19/2006
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Wow! What a great place for kids. The teachers are out of this world, the range of types of classes is wide, and the class size is 12 so it is a perfect size to meet new friends but still have a manageable...
lilaguide.com - user review - 04/14/2006
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The wiggleworms class is worth every penny. My son loves the songs!
lilaguide.com - user review - 04/05/2006
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Your experience depends on the teacher you get for classes. The school itself is incredible and offers a wide variety of programs.
lilaguide.com - user review - 03/11/2006
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I like Old Town School of Folk Music's Lincoln Ave Campus (On Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Square) much better than this cramped location. However, the teachers are all great and the classes are very…
yelp.com - user review - 01/27/2006
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Having taken two rounds of guitar lessons and three rounds of wiggleworms with my baby, I can honest...
judysbook.com - user review - 12/26/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I've only been here once--to see the Magnetic Fields with Andrew Bird as the opener--but this space is amazing! It's such a nice change of pace from all the crowded/smokey/sweaty venues I'm used to…
yelp.com - user review - 11/30/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This place is amazing. Always go see a show there when you can, and always support them when they need it. The acoustics in the theatre are spot-on, and they have so much pull with really talented…
yelp.com - user review - 11/30/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I took lessons and attended concents a la OTSFM at the original Armitage location for....damn, really long time. My parents used to catch concerts here when they dated in the 60s. I'll have to find…
yelp.com - user review - 11/14/2005
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Not only can you see a great show here, but you can also take lessons. They even have kids shows. Great music, great venue and great teachers.
yelp.com - user review - 10/27/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I used to take guitar lessons at the Armitage location - Muriel Anderson was my awesome teacher. I like the new place too, with the great music hall - just 400 seats. I saw Richard Thompson here a…
yelp.com - user review - 10/09/2005
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My daughter loves wiggleworms class.You sing dance and play music with your child. i have as much fun as she does.
lilaguide.com - user review - 10/06/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Old Town is a great place to see some talented musicians or to learn how to play an instrument. They have classes for all ages and the teachers are really nice. This location is more accessible to me,…
yelp.com - user review - 10/04/2005
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Great place for parents and kids who love music. The Folk and Roots fest is great family fun
lilaguide.com - user review - 09/30/2005
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A great introduction to music and other kids. We started Wiggleworms at the begining. The instructors are great.
lilaguide.com - user review - 09/27/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
How could anyone possibly say anything bad about Old Town, with its great ethnic music concerts and summer folk festival. Named after its original location on Armitage, I took a guitar lesson at the…
yelp.com - user review - 09/27/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Lots of different music classes are offered here. Some famous and semi-famous musicians have attended here. A couple of them now teach classes here. Their reputation for excellence has help them grow…
yelp.com - user review - 08/31/2005
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Went here for a christmas concert, it was wonderful. The space is great, we were up at the top, but ...
judysbook.com - user review - 08/27/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This school is great! I have only taken two fiddle classes but I have highly enjoyed them! They also have volunteer programs where you can work to earn credit for classes. They also offer dance…
yelp.com - user review - 08/24/2005
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This is located in the old Hild Library building. There are concerts and classes here, and they sponsor the Folk and Roots Festival along Lincoln Avenue and at Welles Park every summer.
yelp.com - user review - 08/22/2005
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Great classes
lilaguide.com - user review - 08/12/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is also a great place to take classes. I was really amazed at how quickly people were picking up a difficult instrument in the class that I took. The atmosphere is friendly and jovial. The…
yelp.com - user review - 07/27/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This place is awesome! If you've been wanting to take any type of music lessons from instruments to voice to dance, do it here! I took a dance class for two sessions and had the greatest time! They…
yelp.com - user review - 07/25/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This is a great venue for shows. I have been here twice, once right in front and once in the balcony and no seat is a bad seat! Plus the acoustics are great, it is clean and just a great place to sit…
yelp.com - user review - 07/21/2005
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This is one of the places that makes Chicago the unique place that it is. This Chicago institution has been teaching kids and adults to sing and play guitar for 30 years. In the old place on…
yelp.com - user review - 07/20/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
When I was four years old, I decided I wanted to take violin lessons and I sucked so bad that my mom made me quit. Of course, being the encouraging mother that she is, she suggested that I try a…
yelp.com - user review - 07/13/2005
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Great classes that are alot of fun.
lilaguide.com - user review - 07/08/2005
