Folk Army | Guitar, Ukulele, Singing Lessons

Find your Folk at Folk Army.

Group of young females holding acoustic guitars

At Folk Army, girls of all ages gain and develop the skills they need to be supportive leaders, active local icons, and confident, passionate musicians.

Welcome, new recruits, to Folk Army — a brigade of singers, songwriters, and musicians taking their local communities by storm! Folk Army is a Stratford, Ontario-based program centred around community engagement and awareness through singing, instruments, and teamwork that strives to forge powerful relationships between music-loving girls of all ages.

Students of Folk Army will learn courage, empathy, cooperation, and musical ability from each other, their mentors, and Stratford’s own Juno-nominated singer-songwriter Dayna Manning, and will refine and develop each member’s abilities in a comforting, collaborative environment.

During their time in Folk Army’s platoon, students can earn stylish guitar badges for their efforts, incentivizing community involvement, compassion, and development of their musical abilities. Above all else, Folk Army is about having fun, building connections, and strengthening the confidence of each and every member alongside music, lifelong friends, and wise, passionate leaders.

Surrender to the song and become a Folk Army cadet today!

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Daycamp

A full week of crafts, friendship, wellness, and music, capped off with an explosive performance!

The best way to fully immerse yourself in the Folk Army experience is through our intensive, one-week day camp.

Folk Army soldiers will build friendships with fellow aspiring musicians, learn more about their community and environment, and receive mentorship from some of Ontario's most notable folk musicians.

Do you want to stake your claim in Folk Army’s Day Camp?

YES I DO!

COMING SOON: Folk Army Badges

a single, black treble clef on a blue background

Rise through the Folk Army Ranks (FAR) and take over your community!

Students of Folk Army have the opportunity to earn a variety of custom-made guitar strap badges specially designed to highlight their individual successes.

Badges are based on students' improvements in musical abilities, community involvement, engagement and outreach, mentorship, and all aspects of a well-rounded creative lifestyle.

Are you ready to go FAR with the Folk Army Badges?

YES I AM!

Folk Army Troopers

Young girl sitting and holding a guitar, while giving a thumbs up

Hayley Kuepfer, 12

Guitarist, Mentor, Performer, Class Rep

Being the smallest girl in her class hasn’t slowed Hayley down — she’s an accomplished public performer and the creator of the classic Folk Army tunes “I Love Tacos” and “Camouflage Kitty”. Folk Army has helped Hailey strengthen her bravery, develop her guitar skills, and put on a rocking performance at the Folk Army recital.

Young girl sitting and holding a ukulele while giving a "peace sign"

MadeNell McIntosh, 10

Ukulelist, Guitarist, Performer — As Featured on TVO Kids Backyard Beats

One of Folk Army’s boldest members, MadeNell has made a name for herself in her solo, duet, and group performances with Folk Army. Whether it be onstage, onscreen, or with family, MadeNell makes use of her charming presence and bravery to bring Folk Army’s message of friendship, togetherness, and musical ambition to her community.

Portrait of a Young girl smiling at the camera whilie holding a guitar with a flowery background behind her

Lauren Neilson, 15

Musician, Songwriter, Mentor, Performer

You might see Lauren onstage at some of Ontario’s most popular venues — she’s performed a mixture of covers and originally-written songs at the Stratford Festival, Stratford Art Gallery, and London, Ontario’s Grand Theatre, among others. Lauren is extremely passionate about the connections music can build, and loves teaching guitar to her fellow recruits.