Overview
In this fun one-week introductory program, students will be introduced to the piano, musical notation, rhythm, fingering, and the musical alphabet through games and exercises. They will learn songs on the piano and perform in class groups. One part of the program time will be spent in the piano lab (one child per piano), and the other will be in an open classroom space where students will explore other musical activities through singing and movement. Students will be introduced to classical composers and different musical genres. Students are asked to bring a nut-free snack and water bottle.
NOTE: This program is for very beginner students and/or those who have never played piano before. Curriculum is repeated each week.
This program is a great starter course for our Piano Discoveries group classes, our Fall and Spring program with registration offered in the Fall.
Program Details
Ages: 6–8 and 7–9
Time: 9 a.m.–noon
Dates:
- Session 1 (ages 6–8): July 13–17, 2026
- Session 2 (ages 7–9): July 20–24, 2026
- Session 3 (ages 6–8): July 27–31, 2026
- Session 4 (ages 7–9): August 3–7, 2026
Tuition: $305
Location: Mason Community Arts Academy Building in Fairfax, Virginia
Registration
Session 1 (ages 6–8)
July 13–17
Session 2 (ages 7–9)
July 20–24
Session 3 (ages 6–8)
July 27–31
Session 4 (ages 7–9)
August 3–7
Program Faculty
Sessions 1 and 2
Carol Feather Martin
Academy Teaching Artist
Read More
Carol Feather Martin has taught private piano and organ lessons for more than four decades. Her style of teaching is to foster a love of music and a love of learning while adapting approaches that will best fit the learning style of the individual. As an instructor of piano, organ, and vocal ensembles and conductor of instrumental ensembles, Ms. Martin has assimilated a wealth of knowledge into her teaching style and has achieved success with beginners, avid amateurs, Ph.D. candidates as well as professional colleagues.
A native of North Carolina, Ms. Martin graduated from Oberlin Conservatory with a B.M. in Piano Performance and M.M. degrees in Organ Performance, Piano Chamber Music and Accompanying Performance from Catholic University. As organist and director of music and arts at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Arlington, Virginia, Ms. Martin works with all ages of singers, handbell ringers, and instrumentalists.
For 10 years, Ms. Martin was the artistic director of Virginia Bronze, an auditioned community handbell ensemble. Through the years, Her diverse musical tastes have served her well as she has arranged music and uniquely constructed programs for various ensembles and guest artists. Solo and chamber music recitals have taken her to many areas of the United States, Canada, and Germany. She is a champion of newly composed and American music as well as standard repertoire and transcriptions. She is a frequent clinician and consultant for professional music organizations.
In her free time, Ms. Martin enjoys reading, gardening, working crossword/jigsaw puzzles, designing and creating metal jewelry, biking, cross country skiing, and playing oboe in chamber ensembles.
Notes
- Mason Community Arts Academy reserves the right to use photographs or videos taken of participants during classes or programs for use in Academy publications and social media channels for promotional purposes only. See more about our Media Release Policy.
- Please note that group classes are subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not reached.
- Be sure to check our policies and procedures regarding registration, withdrawals, refunds, and more for summer group classes.
- All students will receive a Welcome Letter via email at least one week before the class starts with all necessary details.
- Tuition can be paid in full or split into a two-payment installment plan for a one-time $10 fee. Half of the total tuition is due at the time of registration with the remaining balance automatically charged on May 1. Registrations processed after May 1 require full tuition payment upfront. All registrations are subject to a $3.00 processing fee per receipt.
- Limited scholarship funds are available for families in need of financial assistance. To apply, please visit: https://masonacademy.gmu.edu/about-us/financial-aid/. For families in need of extended payment plan installment options, please contact the Academy at [email protected].
- For additional information, please contact the Academy at [email protected].
- For-credit programs only: A tuition refund minus a $125 cancelation fee will be given provided that notice is received by the Mason Community Arts Academy no later than one week before the program start date. No refunds will be granted after this date.