The mission of the Folk School of St. Louis is to build community by providing educational programs that promote the learning, teaching, renewal, and perpetuation of traditional music and folk arts.
The Folk School offers introductory through advanced level classes in guitar, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica, banjo, bass, dulcimer, and ensembles. These small group classes for adults and older teens meet once a week for an hour and 20 minutes and provide the comfort of learning in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. The Folk School gives you the opportunity to meet others who share your interests. Classes are small to allow for personal attention.
For beginning students, group classes offer you the freedom to try a new instrument in a relaxed environment and at a lower cost than private lessons. Our supportive teachers not only make learning music fun, but expose you to the history of American roots music to inform and inspire you. Classes can be repeated until you feel ready to move on.
For children, we are now offering Children's Fiddle Classes with an experienced children's music teacher.
Don't have an instrument? No problem, we will rent you one for your classes. We have guitars, banjos, fiddles, and mandolins available for rent.
For intermediate and advanced students, group and ensemble classes provide opportunities to enrich your skills and repertoire by playing with and learning from your fellow students and teacher. This contact is very important for continued growth as a musician. The Folk School connects you with other musicians through our group classes, jam sessions, and many special events.
Ensemble classes in Bluegrass and Old-time stringband music give you the opportunity to put your music skills to use in a band setting. Each week we learn new tunes and how to play as a band. Our Ensemble I class is perfect if you are ready to start playing with others, but don't have much experience doing so. Our excellent teachers make it easy!
Play more! Our Saturday jam sessions from 12:00 - 3:00pm on first and third Saturdays of each month are free and open to all students to play together, get extra help or just come by and listen.
Learn more! We have a growing Resource Library of books, videos, recordings, and magazines. Currently enrolled Folk School students may check out these resources at any time, free of charge.
