Louisville Folk School

The Mission of the Louisville Folk School is to engage the folk music traditions of Kentuckians through education and performance, build on the rich cultural history of the bluegrass state, while creating community through the arts. Since 2015, Louisville Folk School has grown into a leading hub for folk and traditional music education in Greater Louisville, serving 10,000 people annually. As the only nonprofit in Kentucky offering year-round instruction in folk and traditional music, we preserve the state’s musical heritage while making it accessible, participatory, and relevant for new generations.

Group Classes + Private Lessons We offer 8-week group classes that focus on various folk and traditional sounds, with courses ranging from vocals to bluegrass fiddle to African drums. Private lessons offer one-on-one instruction for youth and adults seeking individualized study. Students come away from these classes with both the skill to play a new instrument and a community built on shared artistic experiences. Youth Programs LFS offers summer camps that immerse children in folk music, providing hands-on learning experiences that blend music with visual folk arts. Last year, we launched Sounds of Kentucky, a new after-school program for students in 4th and 5th grade. For one hour each week, students come together to learn to play folk and traditional instruments like the mandolin, banjo, and guitar. Together, these initiatives establish early and sustained pathways into the arts, helping young people build confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging through traditional music. Community Programs The Folk Musicians in Residence program invites folk musicians to visit Louisville, where they perform at one public concert and up to four elementary schools. During our Spring 2025 Concert Series, we presented four touring groups, who performed for more than 3,500 students. We regularly participate in community events like Pickin’ in Paristown and Forest Fest, and host our own workshops in community spaces like the Douglass Community Center and the Woodbine Chamber.