The Old Town School Music Store, Chicago, IL
Explore the Old Town School Music Store: A Chicago Institution Sharing the Magic of Hokema Kalimbas
At We Play Well Together, we're always honored to collaborate with music stores that bring heart, history, and craftsmanship to their communities. One such standout is the Old Town School Music Store in Chicago — a cornerstone of the city's musical life since 1957.
As part of the renowned Old Town School of Folk Music, this store has grown from a humble student resource into one of the NAMM Top 100 music stores in the world. Known for its carefully curated selection and deep local roots, it's a place where musicians, educators, and sound explorers discover instruments that truly inspire — including our beloved Hokema Kalimbas.
We caught up with their team to learn more about their story, their customers, and what makes the kalimba such a beautiful addition to this iconic space.
1. Can you tell us a little about your store?
The Old Town School Music Store is one of the oldest continuously operating music stores in the Chicago area, opened as part of the Old Town School of Folk Music in 1957. What began as a resource for student rentals and instrument purchases has grown into one of the NAMM Top 100 music stores in the world and a top seller on Reverb — making both Chicago and the broader country a more musical and inspired place every day.
2. What makes your store unique compared to larger retailers?
We're a fairly intimate store space, which means we curate carefully — selecting the best instruments at each price point rather than stocking everything. That selectiveness has earned us a genuine reputation, both in Chicago and nationally, as the place to find a hand-selected acoustic instrument whether your budget is $500 or $5,000.
Because we're staffed by Chicago musicians, we also make a point of carrying instruments from regional and local luthiers — like Robinson Guitars in Evanston, IL, Claseman Guitars out of Minnesota, and Michigan-based Northfield Instruments. We're also big fans of Pisgah Banjos, sustainably handcrafted in Asheville, North Carolina.
3. Why did you decide to carry Hokema Kalimbas in your store?
Hokema kalimbas first caught our attention because of how beautifully and simply they're designed. They're a joy to hold, and their tone is balanced and full. The ability to plug into an amplifier or effects pedals — or even play alongside a friend — is just icing on the cake.
4. What has been the customer reaction? Any favorite stories?
Hokema kalimbas have found a clear role in our shop as "step-up" instruments — perfect for customers upgrading from an entry-level kalimba or looking for something beautifully designed to keep in their living space or studio. We've sold several to Chicago-based musicians and recording engineers who use the Elektro model as a "wild card" instrument in the control room, adding unexpected flavor and depth to recordings.
5. Do you or your customers have a favorite Hokema instrument?
The Elektro is an easy shop favorite. Customers love hearing it run through effects pedals or amplifiers — it opens up a whole new world of sonic possibilities.
6. Who are your typical customers?
We have a wonderfully varied customer base: parents of young students, local and touring musicians, older beginners, and music professionals like sound healers and therapists. The kalimba tends to resonate across all of them.
7. What advice would you give to someone new to sound healing or intuitive sound exploration?
Equip yourself with enough basic knowledge to make intentional creative decisions — rather than just stumbling into something that sounds good — so you can explore the directions that truly inspire you. The kalimba is such a visual instrument that people quickly develop a sense of pattern, rhythm, and melody, and start making real art.
Where to find The Old Town School Music Store:
Lincoln Square neighborhood — 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
Instagram: @oldtownschoolmusicstore
Facebook: Old Town School Music Store
YouTube: youtube.com/oldtownschoolmusicstore
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