Folk School of St. Louis

Building community through traditional music and folk arts education since 1995

Traditional folk music instruments and students learning

Our Mission

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.

We believe that traditional music and folk arts are vital threads in the fabric of our cultural heritage. Through hands-on learning experiences, we create spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect with these timeless traditions while building lasting friendships and community bonds.

Featured Instrument Classes

Banjo instruction with traditional clawhammer technique

Banjo Classes

Learn traditional clawhammer and bluegrass banjo techniques from experienced instructors.

• Intro to Banjo
• Clawhammer Banjo I-III
• Bluegrass Banjo I-II

Fiddle and violin instruction in traditional American style

Fiddle Classes

Master the art of traditional American fiddle playing with our comprehensive program.

• Intro to Fiddle
• Old-Time Fiddle
• Bluegrass Fiddle
• Advanced Traditional Styles

Acoustic guitar fingerpicking and flatpicking instruction

Guitar Classes

From beginner basics to advanced fingerpicking and flatpicking techniques.

• Intro to Guitar
• Bluegrass Flatpicking
• Fingerstyle Guitar
• Swing Guitar

Featured News and Upcoming Events

Fingerstyle guitar workshop with instructor demonstrating technique

Introduction to Fingerstyle Guitar Workshop with Jim Renz

Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, 1 - 3 p.m.

Workshop Fee: $45

This two hour workshop is a basic introduction to the style of guitar variously called "fingerpicking", "thumb picking", "Travis", or "Cotten" picking. It can be heard in traditional and popular folk, country blues, and ragtime guitar, and is exemplified in the playing of performers as diverse as Merle Travis, Elizabeth Cotten, John Hurt, Doc Watson, John Fahey, Etta Baker, Dave Van Ronk, Joan Baez, Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Dylan, and Paul Simon.

This style utilizes the thumb and fingers of the right hand, along with left hand chords, to create a complete, solo sound. In its essence, the thumb of the right hand creates a steady bass pattern on the low strings of a chord, while the fingers of the right hand pick out patterns and melodies on the treble strings.

Community ensemble performing traditional folk music together

Building Community Through Music

At the Folk School of St. Louis, we believe that music has the power to bring people together. Our ensemble classes, jam sessions, and community events create opportunities for students to connect, collaborate, and share their love of traditional music.

Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced musician, you'll find a welcoming community of learners who share your passion for folk traditions. Join us for regular jam sessions, student showcases, and special events that celebrate the rich heritage of American folk music.

Community Programs Include:

Monthly jam sessions
Student showcase performances
Ensemble classes for all skill levels
Special workshops with visiting artists
Community forum and online resources