Summer Arts Camps in Indianapolis: Music & Dance
Looking for summer music camps or dance camps for kids and teens in Indianapolis? Butler Community Arts School (BCAS) offers a variety of summer arts camps designed to ignite creativity, build skills, and inspire young artists. Whether your child is just starting out or ready to take their performance to the next level, our camps provide immersive, hands-on experiences in music and dance.
For over 20 years, BCAS has been a trusted provider of summer arts programming on Butler University’s campus. Our camps are led by experienced Teaching Artists from the Jordan College of the Arts—instructors who are passionate about nurturing young talent in a fun, supportive environment. From jazz and strings to rock and dance, there’s a camp for every interest and every age. Ready to find the perfect summer experience? Explore our summer music camps and dance camps for kids and teens below.
Who Our Summer Arts Camps Serve
BCAS summer arts camps are designed for kids and teens at every skill level—from beginners exploring music or dance for the first time to experienced young artists ready to refine their craft. Our camps welcome students in grades 2–12, with programs tailored to different age groups and experience levels.
Younger campers (grades 2–7) will find adventure-style camps that blend skill-building with creativity, play, and collaboration. Older students (grades 7–12) can dive into more focused, intensive programs that challenge them to grow as musicians and performers. Whether your child is just starting out or preparing for the next level of study, our summer arts camps in Indianapolis provide expert instruction, a supportive community, and the chance to make lasting memories.
What to Expect from BCAS Summer Arts Camps
BCAS summer arts camps give young musicians and dancers the chance to dive deep into their craft while having fun and making new friends. Our camps range from introductory programs for younger students to focused, skill-building experiences for teens ready to refine their technique. Campers will work with experienced Teaching Artists who bring passion, expertise, and encouragement to every session. Whether exploring jazz, strings, rock, or dance, students participate in hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and creative expression that builds confidence both on and off the stage. Each camp is designed to meet students where they are—whether they’re picking up an instrument for the first time or preparing for the next level of performance.
Located on Butler University’s Indianapolis campus, our summer arts camps provide a safe, welcoming environment with excellent facilities and a strong sense of community. It’s more than just a summer camp—it’s a place where young artists discover their potential.
Our Summer Music Camp Offerings
Jazz Camp
Designed for teen students entering grades 7–12, led by Dr. Matt Pivec and local jazz professionals, Jazz Camp is a weeklong, intensive jazz experience. Students dive into jazz improvisation, ensemble playing, and performance in a fun, immersive environment.
Strings Scholars Camp
Designed for young string players (violin, viola, cello, double bass) with at least one year of experience. This camp includes daily orchestra rehearsals, sectional coaching with Butler faculty and music majors, music theory, and college-style electives.
Strings Adventure Camp
For students with at least one year of strings study, this camp blends orchestra, sectionals, music theory, and games to maintain interest and provide attainable challenges. Our intent is to maintain interest, stimulate imagination, and provide attainable challenges.
Strings Bootcamp
A focused week of skill-building for string students (violin, viola, cello, bass) with basic note-reading and rhythm skills. This camp strengthens foundational abilities and prepares students for success at Strings Adventure Camp while exploring new techniques.
Chamber Music Camp
Best suited for students with at least three years of strings experience (violin, viola, cello, double bass, or piano). Participants engage in daily chamber ensemble rehearsals, technique classes, masterclasses, coaching, music theory, and electives.
Rock Band Adventure Camp
Young musicians form bands, build skills on guitar, keyboard, bass, or drums, and prepare for an end-of-week concert. Open to kids and teens of all levels, it's a week of learning, creating, and having a genuinely good time making music.
Piano Adventure Camp
For students with at least one year of piano study. Grouped by age and skill level, campers explore repertoire, ensemble playing, music theory, and games. Students should bring a favorite solo piece to share.
Percussion Camp
Open to all levels, students receive hands-on instruction in snare drum, drum set, timpani, mallets, world percussion, steel drums, and concert percussion, tailored to all skill levels beginner to advanced.
Bass Camp
For students with at least one year of upright bass experience. Includes daily stretching, technique classes, masterclasses, bass chamber ensembles, private lessons led by expert faculty, and a final concert.
Brass Camp
A dynamic week for brass players with at least one year of experience, led by Butler brass students and faculty. Includes masterclasses, ensemble rehearsals, and full brass choir sessions, culminating in a final concert.
Our Summer Dance Camp Offerings
Dance Adventure Camp
Open to all experience levels, this program explores a variety of classical dance styles, including ballet, jazz, and modern. Campers develop technique with barre work and foundational ballet terminology, learn to groove with body isolations and rhythm in jazz, explore movement through improvisation and dynamic spatial rhythms, and enhance flexibility and alignment with yoga and breathwork.
Hip Hop Camp
An interactive exploration of Hip Hop history, music, and culture—from lyricism and DJing to graffiti and breakdancing. Open to all, campers collaborate with industry professionals, local artists, and experts who share invaluable insights and techniques. This immersive experience embraces all facets of Hip Hop culture, including the importance of knowledge as a vehicle for social change.
FAQs About Summer Arts Camps in Indianapolis
Our summer arts camps serve students in grades 2–12, with programs tailored to different age groups and experience levels. Check individual camp listings for specific grade requirements.
All BCAS summer arts camps are held on Butler University’s campus in Indianapolis, providing a safe, central location with excellent facilities for music and dance education.
Required experience varies from camp to camp — some camps, like Rock Band Adventure and Dance Adventure Camp, are open to all experience levels. Others, like Strings Scholars Camp or Chamber Music Camp, require up to three years of prior study. Each camp listing includes experience requirements to help you choose the right fit.
String players and bassists should bring their own instruments while pianos and percussion instruments are provided at camp.
Most camps run for one week during the summer. Specific dates and session lengths are listed on each camp’s registration page.
Many of our camps conclude with a final performance or showcase where campers can share what they’ve learned with family and friends. Check your specific camp details for performance information.
You can browse all available camps on our website and register online. If you have questions or need help choosing the right camp, contact us at 317-940-5500 or bcas@butler.edu.