Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Premier Music Education Destination in Indianapolis
Bongo Boy Music has been dedicated to music education in Indianapolis since 2003. Our mission is to provide top-tier instruction in a creative, professional environment that nurtures musical growth for students of all ages and skill levels. With instructors boasting decades of combined experience, we offer personalized lesson plans tailored to individual needs, covering instruments, voice, music production, and songwriting. Our faculty focuses exclusively on teaching, ensuring undivided attention during lessons while our office team handles scheduling and payments.We specialize in college audition preparation, having helped students gain admission to prestigious institutions like Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and Berklee School of Music. Beyond technical skills, we emphasize musical foundation development and creative expression, believing every student deserves expert guidance to achieve their goals. Our facility hosts drum circles, wellness programs, and virtual rhythm events, making music accessible and transformative for diverse communities.
Services
Private Music Lessons
Drum Circles
Music Production
Songwriting Sessions
Wellness Programs
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- Our instructors have decades of experience teaching all music styles and instruments.
- We offer specialized college audition preparation with live video recording capabilities.
- Personalized lesson plans focus on individual student needs and musical goals.
- We combine music education with wellness programs for holistic development.
- Flexible scheduling includes virtual options and community rhythm events.
What people say
Fantastic instructors
Professional facility
College preparation success
Fun drum circles
Patient teachers
Services
Private Music Lessons
We offer personalized 30-60 minute lessons for all instruments and voice. Our experienced instructors create customized lesson plans to develop technical skills and musical creativity. Students benefit from focused one-on-one instruction with professionals who have decades of teaching experience.
Drum Circles
Community drumming sessions for schools, senior centers, and corporate teams. These interactive events promote teamwork through rhythmic patterns while providing stress relief and social connection. No experience required - all participants receive hands-on guidance with provided instruments.
Music Production
60-minute sessions covering recording techniques, loop creation, and song arrangement. Students learn to use professional software and equipment to produce original music. Ideal for aspiring producers or musicians preparing college audition portfolios with industry-standard recordings.
Wellness Programs
Evidence-based drumming programs for stress reduction and emotional expression. Designed for seniors, special needs groups, and support communities, these sessions use rhythm to enhance physical coordination, social connection, and mental well-being through guided therapeutic activities.
School Workshops
Customizable music curriculum for pre-K to elementary students. Combines rhythm training with social-emotional learning through drumming, singing, and movement activities. Aligns with state standards in music, math, and geography while promoting creativity and classroom cooperation.
People
Ed Gaus
President/Founder
Ed Gaus established Bongo Boy Music in 2003 after decades of professional drumming experience. He specializes in percussion instruction and music production, having worked with artists like John Prine and REMO Inc. His innovative teaching methods have helped students gain admission to top music schools.
Lisa Colleen
Director of Recreational Music
Lisa Colleen develops wellness programs and drum circles that combine music with therapeutic benefits. With certifications in Health RHYTHMS and Rhythm 4 Regulation, she creates inclusive music experiences for diverse groups including senior communities and educational institutions.
Shaan France
Drum/Percussion Instructor
Shaan France brings contemporary drumming expertise to students, focusing on modern techniques and performance preparation. He contributes to the school's reputation for producing technically skilled musicians through personalized instruction and real-world application guidance.
Valerie Berthiaume
Office Manager
Valerie Berthiaume manages scheduling and operations, ensuring smooth administrative support for instructors and students. Her organizational skills maintain the school's professional environment while allowing teachers to focus exclusively on instruction.
Ben Phelps
Drum/Percussion Instructor
Ben Phelps offers mentorship in drumming techniques and musical development. His student-centered approach creates engaging lessons that balance technical training with creative expression, helping students achieve both personal and professional musical goals.
Questions
What music lesson options are available for beginners?
We offer private lessons for all instruments and voice starting at age 4. No prior experience needed - our instructors create customized plans for beginners at any age.
Do you provide college audition preparation?
Yes, we offer specialized college audition coaching including live video recording sessions. Our students have gained admission to top schools like Berklee and Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
What wellness programs do you offer?
We provide drumming-based wellness programs for seniors, special needs groups, and support communities. These evidence-based sessions reduce stress and improve social connection through rhythmic activities.
Are virtual music lessons available?
Yes, we offer virtual rhythm events and music production sessions via Zoom or Skype. These online options work for local students or international participants seeking our expertise.
How do I schedule a trial lesson?
Call our office manager at 317-595-9065 to schedule a free trial lesson. We'll match you with an appropriate instructor based on your musical interests and experience level.
What payment options do you accept?
We accept credit and debit card payments in person or over the phone. Payment plans include bi-monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual options arranged through our office manager.
