Can families attend The Songbook Academy?

Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to enjoy the public events and performances during Academy week. Visit our events and accommodations page for more information about reserving tickets for public performances and taking advantage of family room blocks at area hotels. There will be brief opportunities around these events to visit with students on our main campus; however, please be mindful that students have busy schedules and will not have much time to visit before their next activity. Students are encouraged to immerse themselves fully in The Songbook Academy experience, so they are not permitted to leave campus for any meals or activities with family during the week after checking in on Saturday, July 12.
 

Where do students stay during the week?

Students are housed on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. A commercial bus service with certified drivers will transport the students to and from our campus each day. Learn more about Songbook Academy Housing.
 

What kind of adult supervision at the dorms at Butler?

Chaperones and staff will be on site at Butler University to greet students upon their arrival. There will be four adult chaperones staying on campus with the students for the duration of Academy Week. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the well-being of those who participate in The Songbook Academy. Introduction to the 2025 chaperones coming soon!
 

Can families visit the dorms during the week?

No.

Please note that due to safety protocols and campus procedures, visitors are not permitted to visit the dorms at Butler University under any circumstances. For this reason, please ensure students have double checked their packing list as we will not be able to accommodate drop-offs at the dorms. If dropping off supplies or forgotten items is needed, please reach out to SongbookAcademy@TheSongbook.org to coordinate drop-off at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
 

What does The Songbook Academy do for homesick students?

It is not uncommon for kids of all ages to miss home during their first day or two at The Songbook Academy, especially if they are on their first extended trip away from home. The Songbook Academy staff, chaperones, and program faculty are trained to identify when students are having difficulty and to help them enjoy their experience. We encourage parents to alert staff members and/or encourage their student to speak to a trusted staff or chaperone if they are struggling.

Can students leave their car on Butler's campus for the week?

Yes.

If a student drives to Academy week, parking is available free of charge for overnight participants in a conveniently located parking garage on campus. Students will not use their car during Academy week.
 

Are meals included and are there options for those with dietary restrictions?

All meals are included in the program fee.

Students will have the opportunity to indicate their dietary needs and restrictions in the Required Documents stage of the enrollment process. Entrée choices will always include a vegetarian/vegan option. Peanut allergy, gluten-free, lactose, and other restrictions can be accommodated. If you have highly specific dietary needs or allergies, please email documentation from your family physician to SongbookAcademy@TheSongbook.org by June 1, 2025.
 

Do students need spending money?

Students are provided with three full meals each day, along with a variety of healthy snacks throughout the week. No spending money is required for daily activities; however, students may choose to bring additional funds if they’d like to purchase The Songbook Academy merchandise or enjoy occasional late-night snacks.

Can students utilize food delivery services?

Yes, food may be delivered to the dorms only.

Students are not permitted to use DoorDash or other food delivery services while at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts campus in Carmel. However, evening food delivery to the dorms at Butler University is allowed, once students have returned to campus for the night. Please be respectful of your dormmates and chaperones when placing late-night orders.

Can students receive packages?

Yes.

If students wish to receive packages during the week, they may be shipped to:

The Songbook Academy
1 Carter Green
Carmel, IN 46032
Attn: [Student Name]

Please note that excessive package deliveries are strongly discouraged. We encourage students to arrive with everything they need for the week to limit disruptions. Packages will be distributed to students when they arrive to the dorms at Butler University at the end of the day.
 

How much downtime do students have?

Very little.

The week is jam-packed, and students' will have scheduled activities from 7:30 AM to 8 PM. (occasionally 9 PM) at night. These will be very long days, so please encourage your students to take care of themselves physically, vocally, and emotionally during the week. Our chaperones will also help with this, and our program staff ensures students are staying hydrated, eating solid meals, and taking breathers from time to time. That being said, it always helps for parent/guardians and loved ones to reinforce this message. If a student is feeling overwhelmed at any time, we encourage them to ask a chaperone or staff member for support.
  

What do I need to pack for my dorm and what clothes do I need for Songbook Academy week?

Great question! Visit our Packing list for more information on dorm amenities and recommended attire.
  

How do students communicate with their vocal coach or music director?

In order to maintain a professional and appropriate relationship with students, all communication between contracted faculty, mentors, and students will be managed through approved The Songbook Academy channels. If a student needs to communicate with their vocal coach or music director, please reach out to SongbookAcademy@thesongbook.org for assistance. Please note: Teaching artists will not communicate with students who are currently enrolled in the Songbook Academy via any personal social media sites.