Butler University School of Music

04/22/2026

03/05/2026

Today, I hope you’ll join me in supporting our students by making a gift to the School of Music. For Day of Giving, 25 gifts will unlock an additional $5,000 in support thanks to an anonymous donor. Make your gift here: https://dayofgiving.butler.edu/giving-day/110551/department/110560

11/04/2025

09/16/2025

Calling all high school cellists - join us on October 11th for this free event featuring our new cello faculty member, Dr. Max Geissler! Spend the day working with Dr. Geissler and current Butler students, meeting other cello enthusiasts, and performing on the Schrott Center for the Arts stage. Click here to learn more: https://www.butler.edu/jordan-arts/undergraduate-programs/music/events-performances/cello-day/

05/08/2025

05/08/2025

Meet Jazz Camp Faculty Member, Chelsea Hughey!🥁

Chelsea Hughey is a jazz drummer, percussionist, and educator based in Indianapolis. She performs regularly at The Jazz Kitchen and Chatterbox Jazz Club, and has shared the stage with artists such as Steve Allee, Frank Glover, Dave Douglas, and Bob Malach. Chelsea holds degrees from Butler University, New Jersey City University, and Southern New Hampshire University, and currently teaches at Butler University, Marian University, and several local schools.

Register here! https://www.butlerartscenter.org/camps/jazz-camp/

05/02/2025

Butler University is pleased to welcome Dr. Max Geissler to the School of Music faculty as an Assistant Professor of Music, teaching Cello.

Dr. Geissler is a passionate and communicative cellist with broad musical interests spanning multiple genres and disciplines. Dr. Geissler is joining Butler from his previous appointment as Assistant Professor of Cello at East Tennessee State University and is a member of the new music ensemble Latitude 49. Kalmia Garden Music Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization Dr. Geissler founded and directs in Durham, CT, just celebrated its 12th season. Dr. Geissler has been presented at a multitude of festivals. He has shared the stage with celebrated musicians such as Lynn Harrell, Mathieu Herzog, Clive Greensmith, Mihaela Martin, and Frans Helmerson. Through his work with Latitude 49, Geissler premiered works by dozens of composers.

As a dedicated teacher, Dr. Geissler teaches regularly at festivals such as ENCORE Chamber Music Institute’s Summer Academy and the Tennessee Cello Workshop and has been in residence to perform and teach at schools including Oberlin Conservatory, Princeton University, Vanderbilt University, and many more. Dr. Geissler’s students have been accepted into top-tier festivals and degree programs and have earned prestigious awards in national and international competitions.

In 2024, Dr. Geissler received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, serving as Desmond Hoebig’s teaching assistant. Previously, Dr. Geissler earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan under the mentorship of Richard Aaron.

04/11/2025

For Immediate Release:

Butler University Announces Aaron Burkhart as Director of Athletic Bands

INDIANAPOLIS – Following an extensive national search, Butler University, the Jordan College of the Arts, and the School of Music are proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Aaron Burkhart as the next Director of Athletic Bands.
Mr. Burkhart distinguished himself among a highly competitive field of candidates through his deep knowledge of athletic band traditions, exceptional skills in arranging, and a strong foundation in public school music education—qualities that align perfectly with the values and strengths of our faculty.

Mr. Burkhart currently serves as the Director of Bands and Chair of the Performing Arts Department at Pike High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. In this role, he oversees all aspects of the school’s music, dance, and theatre programs and serves as the principal director for the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble 1, Pep Band, and Pit Orchestra. He also teaches AP Music Theory, IB Music, and supports multiple ensembles including the Freshman Band, Symphonic Band, and Marching Band.
Throughout his career, Mr. Burkhart has held key positions at Lincoln Middle School (2012–2015) and Eastern Greene Schools (2006–2010). His ensembles consistently earn Gold Ratings at ISSMA events and are recognized for their active engagement in the Pike community. A sought-after performer, clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator, Mr. Burkhart frequently works with organizations such as ISSMA, IBA, and IMEA, and has been a long-time collaborator with the Indiana University Athletic Bands.
His contributions to music education have been widely recognized. He was named Indiana Music Educator of the Year by the New World Youth Orchestras in 2017 and has been honored seven times as a Top 30 Influential Educator by Pike Township (2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, and twice in 2025). He holds professional memberships in IBA, JEN, IJEA, IMEA, and NAfME.
Mr. Burkhart earned both his Bachelor of Music Education (Instrumental) in 2006 and his Master of Music in Wind Conducting in 2012 from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he studied trombone with Carl Lenthe, conducting with Stephen W. Pratt, and jazz with David Baker, Pat Harbison, and Dr. Lissa May.

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Burkhart to the Butler University community as he brings his passion, artistry, and leadership to the next generation of Bulldog musicians.

Butler University Jordan College of the Arts
Butler University
Butler University Athletic Bands

04/10/2025