Philadelphia Folk School Classes & Workshops - Philadelphia Folksong Society

Philadelphia Folk School

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.  