The folk music tradition

Although our teachers, classes and performers offer a variety of musical genres, we are particularly focused on creating and fostering cultural enrichment through folk music. As a result, many of our classes celebrate the folk music tradition, and we produce concerts and events that bring folk music to the community.

Encouraging the making of music

In an era where people too often allow the “experts” to do it for them, we offer a friendly, encouraging place in which people of all ages and backgrounds can discover, learn and play music themselves—both individually and as a group.

To accomplish our goals, we offer affordable access to music and teachers. We provide teachers comfortable spaces in which to work with students. And we give both non-professional and professional musicians numerous opportunities to play and perform.

We also make instruments available to all by creating an instrument lending library, managing an instrument rental program, and acting as an agency that collects and distributes playable instruments to people who otherwise couldn’t afford them.

Welcoming diversity

We are dedicated to the inclusion of diverse cultures in the students we teach, the communities we serve, the artists we present, and the audiences we attract. We provide a venue in which all people can engage in the universal benefits of music regardless of their age, race, color, gender, ability, religion, education, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Bringing music-making to the schools and community

We act as a sustainable agency for the arts in that we provide children with a connection to music that Portland schools no longer provide.

For the public at large, we also act as a comprehensive, reliable source of information about music-related organizations, performers and networks.

Collecting and preserving traditions

One of our most important benefits is that we collect musical oral histories from people within our community. Because such histories also include information about heritage, culture and personal stories, they offer a way to pass folk traditions across generations and cultures. They also strengthen and build community.

In the future, we will establish a museum of folk instruments and artifacts that reflect the culture, traditions and exploration of folk music.