Carry on the tradition and make music a companion for life!
If you believe that music, poetry and storytelling are essential forms of human expression that must be taught and passed forward to the next generation, you’re in the right place. Rooted in folk tradition we learn and play in small, friendly groups, master a repertoire of enduring folk songs, and write some new classics too. With a focus on learning to play by ear rather than reading sheets of music, we hope playing music will become your go to social pass time because when you learn to play an instrument, you have a companion for life.
“The School of Music at Caffe Lena is filled with the joy of people learning to play music together, as a social experience. My kids are learning songs written about the richness of everyday life; and their histories provide wonderful educational content. Caffe Lena has become a foundational piece of our homeschooling week.”
– C. Castle – parent & student
Youth Classes
Caffè Lena is a great place to learn, play, make friends and have fun–all through music! Whether it be our After School Folk Ensemble, Folk Club Kids, Music with Miss Deb, or Summer Camps, children from 18 months to teens can find a home in a music community rooted in the Folk Tradition.
With our extensive instrument library and available scholarships, every child has the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive and inclusive environment under the guidance of teachers who are experienced educators and active, working folk musicians.
ADULT CLASSES
Looking to learn a new instrument or sharpen your skills? Caffè Lena School of Music offers a variety of group and ensemble classes for all levels! Whether you’re interested in guitar, mandolin, upright bass, banjo, we’ve got you covered. Explore our ensemble classes in Irish Music, Bluegrass, and more, and connect with fellow musicians in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
ONLINE CLASSES
Some of the folk world’s best teachers, musicians from around the world have been coming together to teach banjo, fiddle, guitar, songwriting, percussive dance, voice and more! Each session consists of four weekly classes on ZOOM. These archives are now available for purchase separately. New classes and teachers are being added all the time!
ARCHIVE LIBRARY
Musicians from around the world have been coming together to learn banjo, fiddle, guitar, songwriting, percussive dance, and voice online with some of the folk world’s most beloved teachers. Each session consists of four weekly classes on ZOOM. Tech support provided for ease of joining the class. Each class is recorded and archived in a library that is yours to revisit “forever and a day”. The archives are also available for purchase separately. New classes and teachers are being added all the time.
The Joys of Jamming – Stephen C. Butler
I was very lucky to grow up in a time when people sang together in groups, with or without musical instruments. I believe it wasn’t until the mid-1980s when lightweight stereo headsets started covering both our ears that popular music became an individual pursuit. So, until that time songs were everywhere, and people listened and sang along. Read more >
January 19, 2024
Full scholarships, including instruments, are available for anyone in need.
“Caffè Lena School of Music has created a truly unique, virtual learning experience & community. It’s like sitting on the front porch learning tunes from a folk music master.”
– Jamaica Rafael, CA