There’s no way around it, becoming a good pianist takes many hours of dedicated practice alone, weekly private lessons, and solo performances – a tried and true routine that can also be a bit lonely at times. Summer Piano Academy Director Michelle Richardson has designed a one-week program that provides students an exciting and refreshing break from the ordinary, filled with masterclasses, group activities and more!

Due to popular demand over the last two years, this summer we are offering two weekly options for the Piano Academy (July 30-August 3 and/or August 6-10) where students can register for either or both weeks. Michelle Richardson, a Mason alum and long-time member of the Mason Community Arts Academy piano faculty, has assembled a team of energetic piano instructors to assist her with coordinating the impressive matrix of lectures, private lessons, rehearsals, masterclasses, group social activities and performances that make up the week.

“Your child will have the most unique, amazing, enlightening, challenging, entertaining, and inspiring experience at our camp!” exclaimed Ms. Richardson. “They will leave with camp memories and experiences that will challenge them to be better players, encourage them to return to their regular practice routine with vigor and excitement, and spark their curiosity in new musical topics and avenues. In addition, they will be with like-minded peers, and make friendships that hopefully will extend beyond the camp weeks!”

A special feature of the program is the faculty lecture performances, which cover various musical topics including baroque period playing techniques (with a harpsichord demonstration), contemporary piano techniques (with a focus on 20th century composers and living composers), and chamber music and accompanying (with live demonstrations and guest instrumentalist performers). Following the lectures, students have the opportunity to have Q&A sessions with the teachers/ performers.

 

 

“I love the masterclasses, where students take turns playing for the group,” stated Ms. Richardson. “In addition to teacher feedback, we encourage students to interact and give feedback to one another. By the end of the week students are giving each other tips that they learned throughout the week! It’s exciting to see them apply their learning and help each other at the same time. I also love the ice breaker games, where we have time to be goofy and unwind from our work. I find that despite the introverted aspect of our instrument, if you gather a bunch of pianists together, we have some of the most hilarious times hanging out as a group!”

As a special treat, Mason School of Music Piano Professor Dr. Anna Balakerskaia will present a special masterclass on one of the camp days. Dr. Balakerskaia has a renowned performance career and has played with many of the world’s most famous professional artists.

To complete the week, students will prepare for and present a formal Saturday Piano Recital for family and friends in the Performing Arts Building on campus, which will include solo, duo and group pieces.

“The final recitals are always a wonderful culmination of the week,” said Ms. Richardson. “We have so many different levels of students, and everyone gathers together to support each other and play their best. We have so many proud teacher moments!”

 

 

With a wide range of students ages 8-18 from beginner (at least one year of private lessons required) to advanced, careful consideration is given to group placement, repertoire choices and activities. A maximum of 20 students are allowed for each week, so claim your spot as soon as possible.

 

GET DETAILS AND REGISTER TODAY!

 

For Mason alum and songwriter Thom Routon, being a musician is about writing good songs and getting them heard. At the Summer Singer/ Songwriter Workshop that he directs, teens get the opportunity to do just that!

At the workshop, July 23-27, students will learn the fundamental structures of “what makes a song a song.” Even if they have never performed with others before, they will learn the benefits of group creativity and creating something new and original together. Most importantly, students will have the opportunity to share their music with the world – well, starting with a small performance for family and friends!

“In addition to encouraging the creative energy that is so important to original songwriting, this year’s program will also focus on musicians and artists playing together and learning to communicate through music while performing as a duet or group,” explained Mr. Routon. “I may also be bringing in a few local musicians to perform and speak to the students.”

 

 

Along with the core songwriting curriculum, the performance aspect will also be explored. That’s where guest vocal/ performance coach Emi Eiting comes in. Utilizing her extensive experience on the stage and in the classroom, Ms. Eiting will guide the students into finding their own voice, using it in a healthy manner, and letting it be heard. Aside from singing, students come with all sorts of instrumental talents, including guitar, piano, percussion and more, which only add to the creative force. Stage presence and performance techniques will also be discussed.

“My personal favorite part of the program is watching the student artists support each other through constructive feedback, as well as being inclusive and helping each student find their own part in an ensemble,”  said Mr. Routon. “One standout memory from last year was when it was discovered that one student had written several different songs on their own before coming to the camp, but they were too shy to play them. The other students in the group were very encouraging, and they listened intently while the student performed each song. At the end they were so positively amazed with what the one student had written, and they were eager to provide constructive reviews to help the student perform better!”

 

 

Whether you want to write a full original song from start to finish, or complete a song idea that you already have, this workshop is for you. Plus, you will learn the fundamentals of performing in front of others to help make your music heard!

 

GET DETAILS AND REGISTER TODAY!