• Piano (minimum age 5)
• Strings (minimum age 5)
• Ukulele (minimum age 5)
• Percussion (minimum age 7)
• Guitar (minimum age 7)
• Brass (minimum age 9)
• Woodwinds (minimum age 9)
• Composition (minimum age 9)
• Music Theory (minimum age 9)
• Voice (minimum age 12)

Our lesson placement process for new students begins December 15, 2025. Some students may receive their placement details after the new year. Lessons for those who registered early or are returning students will begin the week of January 12, 2026

Spring lessons will run January 12–April 24, 2026

These policies are implemented to ensure equitable treatment for all our students, allowing for flexibility while maintaining a clear structure for financial transactions and lesson attendance. We believe in fostering a positive and supportive learning environment, and these policies reflect our commitment to that principle.

For any inquiries or clarification regarding this policy, please contact our office at bcas@butler.edu or 317-940-5500

A new student is someone who has either never taken lessons at BCAS or who needs a new instructor.

The BCAS office will coordinate the start of lessons for new students. After the first lesson, scheduling will be arranged directly between the student and their teacher.

1. New student registers for lessons.
2. Based on the instrument type and scheduling availability, BCAS pairs the new student with a teacher.
3. BCAS confirms the proposed lesson time with the teacher.
4. Once the teacher confirms, BCAS confirms the lesson time with the new student/parent via email.
5. Once the new student confirms the lesson time, BCAS sets a start date and sends formal email with specific details about the start of lessons and general program information.
6. Lessons begin!

Allow for one to two business weeks of turnaround time between the date of registration and the start of lessons. Please note that there is a high volume of registrants around the time that registration opens each semester. Your patience is appreciated.

Returning students are those who already have a teacher at BCAS and plan to continue lessons with them in the new semester.

Returning students may resume lessons with their teachers as soon as they are registered for the new semester. Upon registration, please contact your lesson teacher directly to schedule your lesson time, as the BCAS office does not coordinate lessons for returning students.

At least one half of tuition is due prior to the start of the first lesson. Tuition is due in full by the following deadlines: Fall—November 1, Spring—April 1, Summer—July 1. Customizable payment plans are available as needed. Please email bcas@butler.edu to establish a payment plan. A $20 registration fee is required with each form submission.

• 30-minute lessons are $26 each
• 45-minute lessons are $38 each
• 60-minute lessons are $50 each

NOTE: Additional lessons can always be requested via email to bcas@butler.edu

At the Butler Community Arts School, we strive to ensure a transparent and fair policy for our students participating in our programs. Our account balance policy is designed to accommodate changes in scheduling while maintaining fairness and clarity.

Registration and lesson selection:

• Students are required to select the number of lessons they intend to take during each semester at the time of registration
• A table depicting the number of lessons that can fit based on the remaining weeks in the semester will be provided for easy reference during the registration process (see table below and in registration form).
• A $20 non-refundable registration fee is due at the time of registration. Lessons must be registered for prior to each semester – Fall, Spring, and Summer.
• For multiple students registering in a family: Only one registration fee is due per family, regardless of the number of students in a family. The registration form automatically charges a $20 registration fee, so it is best to register all students in a family in the same registration form so you do not get charged a fee more than once.

Unfinished lessons:

• Lessons that are not utilized within a semester will not roll over to the next semester.
• If not all originally registered lessons can be completed by the end of the semester, accounts will be prorated accordingly. Refunds will be issued for lessons paid for but not completed.

Refunds:

• In the event that a student overpays for lessons, the excess amount will be refunded.

• At least 24-hours advance notice must be given to the teacher in order to be offered a make-up lesson.
• All lessons missed by the instructor will be made up.
• If less than 24-hour notice of absence of the student is given, the student will be charged for the missed lesson.
  • Exceptions to the 24-hour notice policy are: inclement weather, a family emergency, car trouble, or student illness.
• No more than three lessons can be missed by a student within the 24-hour cancellation window. Teachers will not be required to make up any lessons beyond those three cancellations.