Old Town School of Folk Music focuses on enrollment to keep Lincoln Park building

Spring 2019

Old Town School of Folk Music focuses on enrollment to keep Lincoln Park building

April 24, 2019

By Nadia Adams
Medill Reports

The Old Town School of Folk music is focusing on increasing enrollment to keep the doors open at its Lincoln Park location.

In October of last year, the school’s board of directors voted to put the property at 909 W. Armitage on the market for sale. This decision caused discord between the board and the community of people who teach and take classes at the school.

The Old Town School of Folk Music location at 909 W. Armitage Ave.(Courtesy The Old Town School of Folk Music) — The Old Town School of Folk Music location at 909 W. Armitage Ave. (Courtesy The Old Town School of Folk Music)

A coalition of students and teachers cited the building’s history and importance to the school as they petitioned the board of directors to stop the sale. They promised to help build enrollment to put the school in a better financial position.

In March, the board voted in their favor, and classes continue at the Armitage location.

Photo at top: Dill Costa leads a class in Brazilian Dance at the Old Town School of Folk Music. She is one of several teachers and students who are pushing for better enrollment to help the school’s financial situation. (Nadia Adams/MEDILL)