Old Town School of Folk Music

The Old Town School of Folk Music is a Chicago teaching and performing institution that launched the careers of many notable folk music artists.

Related Topics:
Chicago - Folk music

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The school opened in 1957 offering guitar and banjo lessons and hosting performances by well-known folk musicians. The formation and growth of the school coincided with the folk music boom of the 1960s and early 1970s. Throughout its existence the school has focused on offering both instruction and performance with many performing musicians also acting as teachers and mentors. The school also proved a rich ground for collaboration.

Related Topics:
1957 - Guitar - Banjo

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The late 1960s were a peak of success as several musicians associated with the school rose to national prominence, including Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, John Prine, Steve Goodman, Bonnie Koloc and Bob Gibson.

Related Topics:
Roger McGuinn - The Byrds - John Prine - Steve Goodman - Bonnie Koloc - Bob Gibson

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As the folk revival declined in the mid-1970s so did the fortunes of the school; although it continued to provide music lessons to hundreds of students the school suffered financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy in 1981. A new group of directors took over shortly afterwards, increased fundraising efforts and slowly brought the school back into profitability.

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The Old Town School continues to offer music classes and performances.

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