BHSA was formed/incorporated as a nonprofit in the State of South Dakota in August of 2019 and then did receive its IRS 501(c)3 charity status in January of 2020. By becoming a nonprofit we are able to offer modest- to free lessons for students of all ages - while still providing excellent instructors, as well as offering music education outreach programs; which the private schools appreciate for accreditation and their own payroll purposes. Of course, we have our own expenses (payroll, rent, utilities, insurance, to name a few), so we do still have invoices, but as stated before, we aim to keep those as low as possible. Another beauty of being in the nonprofit sector is our ability to write and receive grants - these help to cover costs, start or sustain programs. A great example is a ukulele class for troubled youth we are currently working on implementing or the dream of beginning an instrument rental and maintenance program. We would not even be able to entertain these ideas without the ability to apply for grants. We are also able to receive tax deductible donations from individuals and businesses; these can be monetary donations or in-kind donations, allowing local individuals and businesses another way to support local arts, artists, and youth. 

After much thought and discussion with our bank, financial advisor, and Board of Directors, the decision was made to go with the ACH banking in an effort to reduce overhead costs. Also, by using ACH banking, we are able to receive our accounts payable in a timely manner (and pay our bills on time). Individuals can set up automatic payments if they so choose or continue to pay with cash or check. The old method we were using resulted in spending a gross amount of administrative hours calling clients with unpaid invoices, not to mention the horrendous fees we were paying using the credit card system, upwards of $700 per month. We certainly don't want the new system to be a barrier to anyone's music education! If you are uncomfortable with the ACH payment option, you can drop cash or check off at the office.

Spread the word! The larger we are, the more we can help the community! Other easy ways to help:

• Refer students to us! If you or have a student taking lessons this actually helps you, too! When you refer someone, and they stay for at least 6 months, you get a month of free lessons! 

• Help us scout for excellent instructors who share our dream of spreading music education! We are always on the hunt so we may grow and service our area the way it deserves!

• Participate in our fundraisers, put on by our Sustainability Group (SG)! Their challenge is to have one every month, and you never know what it will be! Marathons, family painting nights, eating out at some of the best restaurants in the area... The SG strive to make it about family togetherness, but they do host regular things like raffles, too! 

• Donate unused, new or used instruments in playable condition. We hand these out to people who want to play, but don't have the funds to rent or purchase.

• Sponsor a student. If you don't know of anyone, just ask us - we always have a list!

• Join our Membership! Each tier has its own perks!

• Shop SHOP2SUPPORT! A fun and easy way to get cool gear every musician (and their family!) needs!

Taking a break? We get it! To make sure our billing and invoicing is a smooth process, please submit a Suspension Form, at least 30 days in advance. Please know these are intended for two-weeks or longer breaks, and that you are essentially 'saving' your spot. We ask that you utilize the Make-Up Policy as much as possible, in an effort to keep it fair and considerate for both you and your instructor. We do understand life happens too! Emergencies and the like will be considered by our Executive Team, but are not promised. You can get these from your instructor or from the Front Desk Reception, in person or by clicking here.

Most of the time when we don't follow the RCAS calendar is to give our clients the most for their money. For instance, most holidays fall on Mondays; if we were to follow this the 2022-2023 year: Monday scheduled lessons would have received twenty-nine lessons while everyone else would have been given thirty-eight! Take the month of January 2023, the Monday scheduled lessons would get only three lessons that month while everyone else would get four or five. Those random holidays aren't always Monday, though! So always check with your teacher or the website calendar to be sure.

If the Executive Director decides to call an Inclement Weather Day (due to snow, extreme cold, flash flooding, etc.), the Instructors will attempt to contact you via phone and/or email, but remember all updates will be posted on our social media accounts. We highly encourage you to follow one of our socials, just to make sure you are always 'in the know'!

Absolutely not! We know life happens! We invoice monthly. We know finances are hitting us all hard these days, and breaking it up can help! Further, we believe in providing you the best music education possible, and sometimes that means making sure you have a good fit with your instructor. After all, even if they are an excellent teacher (and we know they are!) you wouldn't want to commit to a lengthy period of time if they weren't for you.

This is a tricky question! Some little ones are ready for lessons early, some when they are three or four - some not until much later! If you need a number put on it, we've found the age of five is pretty good, since this is the age of starting to sit still and learn information in a classroom-type setting - however, there are many factors to consider, so it is best to call and talk with us if you're unsure if your child would love lessons now, or if s/he should wait. If your child has ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome or another learning disability please call and we will talk through your child's educational needs, and how we can best serve.

​We haven't met a "too old" yet! We've found success with adults in their 60s, 70s and 80s.

Did you know: Learning a new instrument as an adult, whether you are in your 20s or your 80s, offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond mere musical proficiency. Numerous studies have shown that engaging in music education enhances cognitive abilities, providing a significant mental workout. For adults, playing an instrument can improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that older adults who took music lessons showed improved neural processing of speech sounds, which suggests that learning music can help maintain and even enhance cognitive functions that typically decline with age.

Beyond cognitive benefits, music education can have profound emotional and psychological effects. Playing an instrument has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of well-being and accomplishment. This is crucial for adults who may be dealing with the pressures of work, family, or retirement. Engaging in music can provide a creative outlet, offering a way to express emotions and alleviate mental strain. According to research from the American Psychological Association, engaging in musical activities can lower cortisol levels, which helps in reducing stress and improving overall mood.

Physically, learning an instrument can enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This is especially beneficial for older adults as it helps maintain dexterity and physical agility. For example, playing the piano or guitar requires precise movements and coordination, which can help keep the fingers nimble and the brain sharp. Additionally, breath control and lung capacity can be improved through singing or playing wind instruments, offering cardiovascular benefits and improving overall respiratory health.

We're talking overall well-being!!

Ultimately, it is your call - You know your body best!