Philadelphia Folk School

VIRTUAL INSTRUMENT CLASSES!

Please note: Sign ups for all virtual classes will take place one week at a time. Classes will take place over Zoom, a free video-conferencing app! You’ll need to have a Zoom account available on your computer or device to participate in class. We will send you a link to join the class in Zoom half an hour prior to each class, and you will be able to join the class by clicking on that link.

VIRTUAL Intermediate Ukulele with Christopher Davis-Shannon

Tuesdays, 5-5:45pm

Getting beyond three chords. Take your ukulele a bit further as we dive into more complex songs and simple solo arrangements while expanding on the basics you learned in beginner class. Suitable for anyone that can strum confidently through easy songs without too much hesitation between chords.

VIRTUAL Advanced Ukulele with Christopher Davis-Shannon

Tuesdays, 6-6:45pm

Step up your uke game! In advanced uke we tackle chord melody and fingerstyle solo pieces ranging from classic Hawaiian songs to more contemporary material. In addition we will discuss the basics of music theory and how to apply it to your instrument. Each week we will break down new techniques to get your playing up to an expert level!

VIRTUAL Songwriting with Joe Mackovieki

Thursdays, 7-7:45pm

In songwriting group, our goal will be to awaken the writer within you. We will spend time each session looking into one aspect of or concept within the art of songwriting and creating chord patterns. We will also work with words and learn to edit lines into lyrics and lyrics into songs. There will be no critiquing, just guided drafting and crafting. Come with an open mind and learn something about how musicians put together their compositions and leave with lyrics of your own.

Instruments are welcome and will be used part of the time!

VIRTUAL Beginner Guitar with Joe Makoviecki

Thursdays, 8pm-8:45pm

Start your musical journey with the world’s most popular instrument! Have a guitar lying around but never really got around to learning your first chords? Look no further. Beginner guitar is just that, a primer for the new guitarist. We will begin with the parts of the guitar, how to care for and tune it, and how to hold it. We will get you started on the first handful of chords for your fretting hand, as well as the first strumming patterns for your other hand. All are welcome to begin their journey with the guitar.

Virtual Intermediate I Guitar with Joe Makoviecki

Thursdays, 5pm-5:45pm,

Play a little guitar but want to improve? In Intermediate guitar we will learn new and interesting chords, more complex strumming patterns from folk and blues music, and begin the basics of fingerpicking. We will work on strumming through some favorite folk, pop, and blues songs, as well as highlight skills the class requests. We will also begin working on major and minor scales, and the basics of “soloing”.

Virtual Intermediate II Guitar with Joe Makoviecki

Thursdays, 6pm-6:45pm,

A continuation of the skills of Intermediate I, we will continue learning minor and pentatonic (blues) scales, utilzing them in 12-bar blues and rock-n-roll formats. We will also play more difficult pieces and combine fingerpicking with strumming, as well as playing rhythm and lead in the same song. We will also work on blues, folk, and pop songs the class requests.

VIRTUAL Fiddling Demystified with Donna Hebert

Wednesdays, 5pm-6pm EDT, Beginning April 15th

Aimed at intermediate-advanced fiddlers and violinists and mandolin players but all are welcome.

Learn the language of theory a tune at a time — and never forget it. We’ll cover the three most common harmony styles in western fiddling, using classic fiddle tunes to illustrate them. We’ll play with rhythm riffs, harmony runs and work out individual backup strategies based on your own abilities. You’ll see your fingerboard more wholly as well as learn new rhythms and harmonies. Handouts include sheet music, chord charts, and mp3s, but all tunes are also taught by ear. Some knowledge of music theory is helpful but not required.

The Philadelphia Folksong Society is now offering numerous music related classes and workshops for children and adults of all ages through the newly established Philadelphia Folk School!

Our Beliefs & Vision

The Philadelphia Folk School believes that folk music is for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

The Philadelphia Folk School believes that everyone deserves music, confidence, and community.

The Philadelphia Folk School seeks to enhance Philadelphia and the surrounding areas by encouraging participation in traditional folk music and educating the public of its history through classes, workshops, and exhibitions, creating community connection, and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

New classes are being added all the time!

Please check back often, as we have moved into a new building and our organization is growing. We will be adding dozens of classes and workshops in the upcoming months. If there is a class or workshop you are interested in, but you do not see it on our list, please email phillyfolkschool@pfs.org to submit a request.

If you are interested in teaching or running a workshop, please fill out this form.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Early Childhood Music Education (0 – 4 years)
Youth Instrument Classes
Adult Instrument Classes
Voice Classes
Professional Development Workshops

Philadelphia Folk School FAQ

Q: WHAT IS THE PHILADELPHIA FOLK SCHOOL? 

A: The Philadelphia Folk School (or, Philly Folk School) is a community school founded by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, a 501c3 non-profit organization, to advance its mission of preserving the past, promoting the present, and securing the future of folk music and related forms of expression through education, presentation, and participation. 

In a nutshell: It’s a community school that teaches people of all ages how to play, sing, share, and come together around music.  

Q: WHERE IS THE PHILADELPHIA FOLK SCHOOL? HOW CAN I VISIT? 

A: The Folk School is in the new PFS venue, at 6156 Ridge Avenue in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia. 

PFS is generally open Mon-Fri, 9-5 and welcomes all to stop by. For a tour and to ensure opportunity to speak with someone about the school, venue, and upcoming events, call 215-247-1300 or email dhaney@pfs.org to make an appointment. 

Q: HOW DO CLASSES WORK?  

A: Classes are usually offered in 8-week sessions, meeting once per week, with savings for registering for all 8 at once. While most instrument classes are designed to lead students through an iterative process, others welcome drop-ins (Wee Folks and PB & Jammers, for example).  

Classes take place at PFS, in our newly-created second floor classrooms.  

Q: HOW DO I SIGN UP? 

A: Registration is available here at PFS.org, and during business hours via phone by calling the office at 215-247-1300, or by visiting the PFS office at 6156 Ridge Avenue. 

Q: WHO TEACHES AT THE PHILLY FOLK SCHOOL?  

A: The Philly Folk School is building a roster of talented, dedicated, and community-minded instructors. All Philly Folk School instructors are professional artists with a demonstrated track record of work in their field/genre/instrument; previous experience with instruction with recommendation; and a dedication to the mission of PFS and the School. 

All instructors working with our youngest folkies and youths have up-to-date Child Abuse History and FBI Criminal History clearance.  