Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Music Education Center in Indianapolis
Founded in 2003, Bongo Boy Music has established itself as Indianapolis' premier destination for comprehensive music education. Our experienced instructors specialize in personalized lesson plans tailored to students of all ages and skill levels, offering instruction in over 15 instruments including voice, music production, and songwriting. We maintain a professional environment where educators focus exclusively on teaching, while our dedicated office staff handles scheduling and administrative tasks. Our graduates have gained admission to prestigious institutions like Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and Berklee School of Music, with many pursuing successful music careers. We provide specialized preparation for college auditions and professional performances, including live video recording capabilities.Our facility accommodates both recreational learners and aspiring professionals, with flexible scheduling options and a proven track record of musical development. We emphasize continuous improvement through regular performance opportunities and technical refinement, helping students overcome creative plateaus and technical challenges. Our unique approach combines technical mastery with artistic expression, fostering both musical proficiency and personal growth. The school maintains strong industry connections and regularly hosts master classes with renowned musicians. We offer free trial lessons to demonstrate our commitment to quality music education.
Services
Private Music Lessons
Music Production
Songwriting Sessions
Drum Circles
Wellness Programs
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized lesson plans tailored to individual learning goals
- Our instructors have decades of combined teaching and professional performance experience
- We provide specialized college audition preparation with live recording capabilities
- Our facility focuses exclusively on music education with dedicated teaching spaces
- We maintain a proven track record of student admissions to top music programs
What people say
Professional staff
Expert instructors
College preparation success
Engaging programs
Transformative experiences
Services
Private Music Lessons
Our private lessons offer personalized instruction for students of all ages and skill levels. With over 15 instrument options including drums, guitar, piano, and strings, our experienced instructors create customized lesson plans to meet individual goals. Whether preparing for college auditions or learning for recreation, our focused teaching approach helps students develop technical proficiency and artistic expression while building confidence through regular performance opportunities.
Music Production
Our music production sessions provide hands-on experience with professional recording equipment and software. Students learn songwriting, recording techniques, and digital audio workstation operation in a fully equipped studio environment. This service caters to aspiring producers and songwriters looking to create professional-quality recordings, with options for both beginners exploring music creation and advanced students developing their production skills for industry careers.
Drum Circles
These interactive drumming sessions promote team building and stress relief through collaborative rhythm-making. Participants of all skill levels use provided instruments to create synchronized musical experiences that enhance communication and foster community. The program benefits corporate teams, school groups, and wellness communities through engaging activities that develop rhythmic coordination and social connection in a supportive environment.
Wellness Programs
Our wellness programs use drumming and rhythm activities to support mental and physical health. Designed for seniors, special needs groups, and stress-relief seekers, these sessions combine movement and music to reduce anxiety while improving cognitive function. The therapeutic approach incorporates evidence-based protocols that promote emotional expression and social interaction through accessible rhythmic exercises that require no prior musical experience.
School Programs
We deliver curriculum-aligned music education programs for schools and community organizations. Our workshops integrate rhythm and movement with academic concepts in math, geography, and language arts while developing social-emotional skills. Programs include grade-level drum circles, artist residencies, and teacher training sessions that enhance classroom learning through interactive musical experiences designed to engage students and support educational standards.
People
Ed Gaus
President/Owner
Ed Gaus founded Bongo Boy Music in 2003, bringing decades of drumming expertise and music education experience. A respected instructor and music producer, he has helped students gain admission to top music programs while developing innovative teaching methods. His industry connections include collaborations with renowned musicians and educational institutions.
Lisa Colleen
Director of Recreational Music
Lisa Colleen specializes in rhythmic wellness programs and educational curriculum development. With expertise in drum circle facilitation and music therapy applications, she creates engaging programs for schools, senior communities, and wellness groups. Her work combines music education with social-emotional development through evidence-based rhythmic activities.
Valerie Berthiaume
Office Manager
Valerie Berthiaume manages scheduling and administrative operations at Bongo Boy Music. She ensures smooth coordination between instructors and students while maintaining the school's organizational systems. Her support enables teachers to focus exclusively on delivering quality music instruction.
Questions
What music lesson options do you offer?
We provide private lessons for over 15 instruments, voice training, and music production sessions with experienced instructors.
Do you offer music production training?
Yes, we offer 60-minute music production sessions with professional equipment and software for songwriting and recording.
Are there group music activities available?
We offer drum circles, school workshops, and wellness programs that combine music with team building and social interaction.
How do you support college music program applicants?
We provide specialized audition preparation including live video recording and portfolio development for music school admissions.
What wellness programs do you provide?
Our rhythmic wellness programs use drumming and music activities for stress reduction, social connection, and cognitive development.
What are your lesson pricing options?
Private lessons start at $30 for 30 minutes, with 60-minute sessions at $60, including music production instruction.
