Folk music is music that is meant to be played and sung by everyone. You don't have to have special talents to participate. If you'd like to get together with others to sing or play musical instruments, or if you'd like lessons in playing a musical instrument, here are some links to get you started.

• The Pickin' and Singin' Gatherin': area folk music organization. Monthly meetings for people of all levels of experience and ability to sing and play instruments together. Publishes calendar of upcoming folk events. Organizes two small, family-oriented festivals per year.
• Old Songs: offers classes in a variety of folk instruments.
• Friends in Harmony: monthly singing gatherings in Rexford for people of varying abilities.
• Glenn Weiser: gives lessons in guitar, banjo, harmonica, mandolin, and fiddle. Books on guitar and harmonica.
• Fiddlers Tour: gathers Tuesdays in various locations to play acoustic instruments. From their site, click on "Local Jams" for a listing of other gatherings.
• Ashokan Fiddle and Dance Camps
• SaratogaMusic.com: find teachers to teach you how to play musical instruments, and open mics where you can try out your skills.