About Band Aid School of Music
Band Aid School of Music is Austin’s premier performance-based music school, teaching hundreds of students from infant to adult. We are also a National Champion Rock Band School. Whatever instrument you or your child wish to play, odds are we teach it: Piano, Guitar, Drums, Band, Voice and Singing, Brass, Woodwinds & more all taught under one roof or online in your home!
Online Lessons
We know these are challenging times for families. That’s why this summer alone our experienced staff completed 5 separate training courses on giving the absolute best online lessons for you. Our virtual music lessons make learning fun and effective. We constantly strive to make lessons as powerful as possible while making a parent’s life easier.
We have more awards that any other music school in Austin.
Band Aid School of Music has won more awards than any other music school in the area. We are also Austin only National Champion Rock Band School. For years, we’ve been the school of choice for hundreds of families.
Students come from Barton Hills, Zilker, South Lamar, Travis Heights, Bouldin Creek, East Austin, South Austin, Tarrytown, Rollingwood, Westlake Hills, Lost Creek, Rob Roy, Davenport Ranch, Northwest Hills, Steiner Ranch, Bee Cave, Oak Hill, Sunset Valley, Buda, San Marcos, Circle C, and more love to study music at our state of the art facilities in South Austin and Westlake Hills.
Adult Student Feature on KXAN TV 36
Casey Campos is an adult student with Cerebral Palsy. Every day he beats the odds to create heartfelt and honest music with Band Aid’s founder James Mays. Watch Alyssa Goard’s story on Casey.
Get Started With Learning Your Favorite Instrument Today! All Ages & Skill Levels Welcome!
Piano, Guitar (Acoustic, Electric, Ukulele, Bass), Voice & Singing, Drums, Violin, Mandolin, Banjo, Band (Rock, Pop, Jazz, Country, Blues, Funk), Brass, Woodwinds, Infant & Toddler Classes, Audio Recording, Musical Theater, and more!
23 Benefits to becoming a Band Aid School of Music Student
1. Guitar, Voice, Singing, Piano, Drums, Bass, Banjo, Ukulele, Mandolin, Rock Band Classes in EACH location!
This saves our students time and money, as one family can take multiple instruments on the same day. Other studios offer multiple instruments, but we offer the most variety of music lessons in Austin, Texas for all of the most popular instruments: Electric & Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Voice, Singing, Drums, Violin, Banjo, Mandolin, Ukulele, Saxophone, Trumpet, Audio Recording, and more!
** ONLINE LESSONS NOW AVAILABLE! **
Enroll in music lessons with a Band Aid instructor directly into your home with our virtual lessons program!
2. Online Lessons for Guitar, Voice, Singing, Piano, Drums, Bass, Banjo, Ukulele, Mandolin, Saxophone, Brass, Violin and Rock Band Classes
Enroll in music lessons with a Band Aid instructor directly into your home with our virtual lessons program!
** ONLINE LESSONS NOW AVAILABLE! **
3. Austin’s #1 Performance-Based Music School
Our experience shows that students learn faster and have more fun when they are preparing for a performance. They’ll learn crucial life lessons like navigating feelings of excitement and healthy stress by getting up in front of others to play. Since our focus on performance is stronger than other music schools, our students perform at a higher level as a result. We are Austin’s only National Champion Rock Band School. Some copy our model, but no one does it quite like Band Aid. We have created safe and proven progressions that help students navigate the pressure of performing in small manageable steps, creating an experience of empowerment and pride for kids and adults alike.
Performance classes are held twice per semester where students perform for staff and other students. These classes are designed to help them learn to perform in a low-stress environment and to build a community of other artists and friends. Many of our students met their best musical friends in these classes. Parents and students agree that Performance Classes are some of their favorite learning experiences.
Public Performances are held year round for our rock bands and many advanced solo artists, and EVERYONE gets the opportunity to tread the boards on some of Austin’s most historic stages at our Student Showcases. Past event locations include: UTOPiAFest, SXSW, ACL Fest, Trail of Lights, Thinkery, Central Market, Antone’s, YMCA, Whole Foods, Parades, Pool Parties, House Parties, Friends of Friends Gallery Shows, Guitarnival, The Kids Are Alright Fest, Jam Fest, Wildflower Fest, Stubbs, Mohawk, North Door, Hole in the Wall, ABGB, Emo’s, Spiderhouse Ballroom, Whip In, Hills Cafe, The Belmont, Swan Dive, Kick-Butt Coffee, Strange Brew, The Back Room, One-2-One, Pecan Street Fest and more
4. Austin’s only National Champion Rock Band School
Since 2000, our Owner and Director James Mays has been building, teaching and empowering rock bands with the artistic skill and music business savvy to succeed. Our bands learn to cover the masters, write their own songs, record, play shows, manage the business of their band, learn how to book and produce their own shows. We are a conduit to great Austin programs like A Chance to Rock and Black Fret.
One of the student bands Mays formed in 2003 and taught for years, called After Math, entered a contest held at Disneyland called School Jam USA. They won Best Teen Band in America. They also won Best Teen Vocalist, Best Teen Guitarist, and Best Teen Bass Player. That milestone helped him clarify his vision for helping young musicians play in bands and giving them the skills to succeed in the music industry. So in 2009, Band Aid School of Music was born.
5. Highly qualified and dedicated teaching faculty in Austin
Band Aid teachers are super cool. Cool = loving, kind, artistic, creative, motivated, inclusive, great people in society, and those who make social change for the highest good.
All of Band Aid’s music teachers have university training, professional performance experience, or both. Our music teachers are dedicated to learning about your personal musical goals and helping you to achieve them. With at least two music teachers for almost every instrument, we are confident that we have the right teacher to meet your music needs.
In addition to their teaching credentials, our teachers have warm, inviting personalities and are dedicated to teaching you the style of music you want to learn in your music lesson. Our staff are not only world class musicians and teachers, they are outstanding people and gifted mentors for you and/or your children.
6. Band Aid sets the bar for teacher training in Austin Texas
No contemporary or rock n’ roll music school can match our Teacher Training Program. We have developed our own standard of training and effectiveness based on the National Core Arts Standards. Each of our [already qualified] teachers are continually challenging themselves to learn more efficient and effective ways to teach you and your children. Each year our staff re-certifies themselves as a Band Aid Teacher through teacher training, testing, and evaluation.
7. Wide range of music lesson times available seven days a week!
Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
8. A proven track record of excellence
Visit our testimonial page to see what our students are saying. Every year, aspiring music teachers start their own studio, and a year or two later it’s closed.
We have a proven track record since 2009 of offering quality music lessons in Austin, Texas year-round. Our full-time mission is empowering people to enjoy a lifelong love of music.
9. Austin’s premier Adult Rock Band Program
To our staff, these students are the bravest of all! It takes a lot of humility and courage to be an adult who is willing to put in the time to improve as a musician, get up in front of the world, and share their music.
Many of our Band Aid parents are accomplished in their fields and have always wanted to live the rock n’ roll dream of playing on stage. Band Aid has the most accomplished Adult Rock Band Program in Austin. Come join the fun!
10. State of the art recording services for students
At Band Aid School of Music, we know there’s more to being a musician than just playing gigs. That’s why we’ve built a recording studio in the school! Students in individual lessons and in our rock band program have the opportunity to record their songs to be released into the world.
Our staff will work with you to write, produce and record original music, giving our students the full range of experiences that come with being in the music industry.
11. A comfortable waiting area for parents
Instead of waiting in a music retail store showroom, our clients enjoy a spacious, professional waiting room with comfortable chairs, games, Wi-Fi, magazines and water service.
Or if you prefer you can sit in on your student’s lesson anytime you like.
12. Fully designed and sound proofed music lesson rooms
Our rooms are designed with everything you need for music lessons, including amps, stereos, drum kits, keyboards, pianos, stages, projectors, lighting, recording gear, visual lesson programs and more.
All you need to bring is your instrument. We’ve put in the time, energy and funds to make sure that our studio offers the best possible lesson experience.
Although no music school will have zero sound transfer between rooms, our South Austin location has been specifically designed with double sheet rock, green glue sound transfer reduction, air duct sound diversion, custom doors with double pain glass, and sound treatment to ensure each room provides the best acoustics and soundproofing available.
13. Live Stage Rooms
Stage performance, production and technology are also a big part of lessons at Band Aid School of Music. We have installed projectors and state of the art PA systems in all of our stage rooms. The monitors have cables that can attach to phones, iPods, iPads, or laptops. This allows students to have a modern and engaging lesson using music teaching apps, music software, projection, lighting, and more.
Our rock band program stage rooms are equipped with drums, amps, microphones, keyboards, sound boards, projectors, lighting and more – everything you need to produce a great show and feel like a professional. Feel free to “bring your own device” to your lesson in addition to your instrument! No other school in Austin offers this level of live music training.
14. Utilizing technology for fun, creative lessons
One of the things that has really set up apart is our focus on providing lessons that are fresh, new, and engaging. There are so many great teaching apps out there now that we are able to utilize in our lessons. By doing so, teachers are able to prevent our high-energy students from being bored during their lessons.
It can be a challenge to engage children or adults, but by integrating technology, such as teaching apps from the iTunes store, GarageBand, Logic, Pro Tools, you name it, we’re providing a cutting-edge lesson experience in the Austin and Westlake area.
15. All Inclusive Live Music Showcases
Every May and December, our students perform in legendary Austin venues. Past venues include: Stubbs, Mohawk, North Door, Hole in the Wall, ABGB, Emo’s, Spiderhouse Ballroom, Whip In, Hills Cafe, The Belmont, Swan Dive, Kick-Butt Coffee, Strange Brew, The Back Room, One-2-One, Pecan Street Fest, UTOPiAFest, SXSW, ACL Fest, Trail of Lights, and more.
For students who are ready, we even provide staff backing bands so those students can really feel what it’s like to play with the pros. It also makes an exciting show for the audience!
Every parent just wants to know how their child is doing, and if they are really progressing. The best way for a parent to understand if their investment in lessons is really worth it is to share in the joy of music at our showcases. Plus, you get to invite your friends and family to sing along!
16. Adult Student Showcases
Imagine yourself on stage sharing your music with family, friends, and fans…
For our adult students and rock bands, we provide performance opportunities via our showcases which happen every May and December. We keep our under-18 showcases separate from our adult showcases so that you can feel comfortable performing among your peers.
17. Professional office staff seven days a week to serve you
Many music studio desks are staffed by the teacher/owner or more commonly an answering machine. We have dedicated office staff who are available in our lobby, by email, phone and text to assist you when you need.
18. Located in South Austin and Westlake Hills
Due to its central location, Band Aid School of Music – South Austin is convenient to most areas of Austin. Close to this studio, you will find shopping, dining, and plenty of cool places to visit in “The 04” while your child is at their lesson with us. This location has students from Barton Hills, Zilker, South Lamar, Travis Heights, Bouldin Creek, East Austin, South Austin, Tarrytown, Rollingwood, Westlake Hills, Oak Hill, Sunset Valley, Buda, San Marcos, Circle C, and more.
Or enjoy chillin’ on the shaded patio at Band Aid School of Music @ Riverbend. This location is convenient to Westlake, Steiner Ranch, Rob Roy, Davenport Ranch, Lost Creek, Northwest Hills, North Burnet, North Austin, Round Rock and more.
19. Month-to-Month lessons
Band Aid School of Music does not require semester minimums for lessons. Every student here is on a month-to-month basis, so if you are ready to start, you have nothing to lose. We want students who truly want to be here, and we will not commit you to a long-term contract.
20. Early morning and lunch time lessons for homeschoolers, retirees, college students and working professionals
Since we are an innovative and one of the fastest-growing school in Austin, we are able to be a ‘full service’ music school. This allows us to offer lessons as early as 10:00 AM, and we see many students between the hours of 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. If you are a homeschool parent, retiree, college student or working professional who has a flexible schedule, take advantage of our early morning and lunch time lesson spots.
21. Year-Round events
Band Aid School of Music students get a chance to play in our showcases twice a year, and we don’t stop there. Our goal is to empower student musicians to gain industry experience, so we also offer gigs at local festivals, restaurants, museums, businesses and venues.
Past event locations include: UTOPiAFest, SXSW, ACL Fest, Trail of Lights, Thinkery, Central Market, YMCA, Whole Foods, Parades, Pool Parties, House Parties, Friends of Friends Gallery Shows, Guitarnival, The Kids Are Alright Fest, Jam Fest, Wildflower Fest, Stubbs, Mohawk, North Door, Hole in the Wall, ABGB, Emo’s, Spiderhouse Ballroom, Whip In, Hills Cafe, The Belmont, Swan Dive, Kick-Butt Coffee, Strange Brew, The Back Room, One-2-One, Pecan Street Fest and more.
22. Austin’s best camps and classes
We offer summer camps for ages 4-18. Little Rock Star Drum, Voice, Piano, and Guitar Camps. Rock Band Camps start at age 8. Legends of Voice and Guitar Camps. Improv Camp. Music Video Camp (YouTube, Instagram, Tik Tok). Classes include Guitar Class, Leading Ladies, Voice Class, Austin Drum Class, Music History, Songwriting, and Music Business.
23. Trophies, certificates, wristbands and awards to celebrate achievement
We pride ourselves on giving our students the opportunity to earn special awards (kids and teens love them!), wristbands, trophies, certificates and special access to cool shows for passing musical tests.
When our students have a test coming up, they practice more and feel accomplished, their parents are proud, their teachers are proud, and everybody wins. (Picture from back stage at Austin City Limits TV Taping, which is the longest running music show on earth)
Technologically Advanced Facilities
Our students enjoy over 4,000 sq. ft. of Austin’s most advanced music lesson rooms.
Each studio is soundproofed and stocked with everything our students need, from pianos, keyboards, and full drum kits with pads, to amps and stereos. Parents can sit in on their child’s lesson, watch through observation windows, or relax in our spacious and comfortable parent’s lounge with WiFi, magazines, toys for kids, and filtered water.
Meet the Director
I began earning my living as a musician at age 19 with my band Bob Popular, right here in Austin. We were a bit of a thing in the 80’s. The biggest show we played was around 6000 people. That’s where I put in my 10,000 hours. I played over 500 shows before the age of 21. I did study music and finance at UT, but my real music education was playing on 6th Street and for college parties, 3-5 nights a week.
After studying a bit of Opera in Italy I moved to New York to sharpen my skills as a songwriter, playing venues like CBGB’s and the Bitter End. My coolest venue ever was Carnegie Hall. I got to open for Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter. That was a life-changer. In New York and London I recorded my first few records with the help of some pretty legendary guys like Rob Fraboni, (Rolling Stones, The Band, Clapton, Joe Cocker) and Donald Fagen (Steely Dan). They showed me how to record and produce records. Donald let me use his studio from 10 pm to 8 am while no one else was there. Rob showed me how to get the right sound.
After moving back to Austin, my ex-wife Kate and I formed MRANDMRSMAYS. Our record in 2009 got a lot of radio play and was the thing that gave me the credibility to be asked to join The Recording Academy, so now I’m one of the people who votes on the Grammy’s. Along the way I produced SXSW music for 6 years, where I created SXSW Underage, a national showcase for young bands age 18 and under. That led to producing The Kids Are Alright Fest, Miami Music Festival and ACL Fest. I’ve also scored some videos for Nike, one that was debuted by Bono from U2, as the score for Nike’s Red Campaign.
As far as teaching goes, that’s something I grew up with. My mom is still a classical piano and voice teacher, so I’d hear her students practicing in my home most evenings. Everyone in my family plays and sings, so it was normal. I started teaching in the 90’s in NYC, and it kept growing when I moved back to Austin. One of the student bands I formed and taught for years, called After Math, entered a contest held at Disneyland, called School Jam USA, where they won Best Teen Band in America. They also won Best Teen Vocalist, Best Teen Guitarist and Best Teen Bass Player. That milestone helped me to clarify my vision for helping young musicians play in bands and giving those bands the skills to succeed in the music industry. So in 2009, Band Aid School of Music was born.
Being our student, means that you will perform on Austin’s biggest stages.
Every parent wants to know how their child is progressing. That’s why, twice a year, we present our Student Showcases held in one of Austin’s legendary music venues.
We also have student showcases throughout the year at local libraries, all-age venues, and festivals! Bring your family and friends to share in the fun.
Music Lessons: piano, guitar, voice, drums & more in Austin, TX
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Testimonials
“Band Aid is such an engaging and rewarding business and it was such a positive in my children’s lives! Nina is still playing a lot of electric and upright bass and Kyle just posted in a music store in Boulder trying to get with a band to play, but it’s hard of course right now. I’m just so happy they have music in their lives and have you to thank as being a “cheerleader “ for them.” – Heather N.
“Love the bandaid vibe. Such a great place to learn the skills— all the instruments, including voice— and develop music appreciation… more like passion! They have an approach I liken to Montessori, where instruction is student interest driven. Such a cool studio, and the regular stage performances are a gift for student and audience alike.” – Laurie G.
“My daughter is thoroughly enjoying her sessions and I am so thankful that she can continue to grow in her music during this crazy time. Its a great place of creativity and respite for her.” – Lisa S.
“I have been in the Adult Student program at Band Aid for several years now and absolutely love it! The staff are wonderful and deeply care about each student and their development as a musician. I have grown so much as a pianist, performer, and songwriter during my time there, and I now perform regularly around Austin. Special thanks go out to James, Claire, Kelli, Trevor, and Wes for all of their support. Band Aid has opened a whole new world to me and helped my dreams to become a reality – I am forever grateful and am so happy to be a part of the Band Aid family.” – Alexandria P.
“This is a great program that both my kids have participated in. Super supportive and positive vibe. Love the focus on playing live with others. The staff is comprised of fully legit young local musicians, all of whom love the kids as much as they love the music.” – Slade C.
Learn More About Band Aid School of Music:
Taking the first step is easy!
Lessons are first come, first served so contact us today to arrange your first lesson!
Sign up is easy and parent-friendly, with helpful staff online, in person or via phone seven days a week to serve you. Because we only offer lessons on a month-to-month basis, there are no large upfront payments, no complicated contracts, no annual material fees, and no semester minimums.
PRICING
$49 / 30 minutes
Lessons are available seven days a week and scheduled once a week.
Band Aid School of Music has a registration fee of $30 per student.
Highly Rated Lessons & Music School in Austin, Texas
Band Aid School of Music – South Austin is located at 2309 Thornton Road Suite E, Austin, TX, 78704, US. From Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) take Hotel Dr to TX-71 W/E Ben White Blvd and then continue on TX-71 W to W Ben White Blvd/W Texas Hwy 71 Service Rd. Take the exit toward S First St/Banister Ln from US-290 W and merge onto W Ben White Blvd/W Texas Hwy 71 Service Rd. Turn right onto S 1st St and then turn left onto W Oltorf St. Turn left onto Thornton Rd and [Band Aid School of Music – South Austin] will be on the left.
We’re open Everyday: 9AM to 9PM.
For additional questions, you can call us at (512) 730-0592 or you can find us on Yelp.
