Category: Music

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!

 

The Kodály Teacher Training program at Mason has been a life-changing, transformative boost to K-12 music and choral teachers for many years. Using folk song materials and other curriculum endorsed by the Organization of American Kodály Educators, our faculty provide you with resources to help your students come alive as never before, with their singing improving dramatically by the end of year one!

The Kodály Level courses I, II and III are the core courses of Kodály Training. Participants are able to take one two-week level course per summer (with “For-Credit” and “Non-Credit options), with this year’s dates being July 16-27, 2018. Courses are packed full of information, hands-on experiential learning activities, homework assignments (pre-course assignments and on-site assignments), and a participant presentation on the final Friday. Participants who successfully complete Level III will receive an official Kodály Certificate from Mason.

 

 

“Kodály training makes your classroom teaching better and easier,” explained long-time Program Director and Mason faculty Robbin Marcus, “but more importantly, Kodály training improves your personal musicianship to a level you might not have thought possible in such a short time.”

Accompnaying Ms. Marcus, other faculty members include Vicki Dohrmann, along with Ginger Albertson and Beth Anne Young.  We also welcome Mason Kodály program alum Sarah Nalls Meadows who will be taking the baton from Ms. Ivy Rawlins Ward this year for the Solfege portion of the program. Learn more about the faculty

“Well, as Director of the Kodály program, there have been lots of interesting moments over the last 11 years!” Ms. Marcus stated. “One of the things I truly love to see each year is the bonding of the Levels students – participants come together to support each other, help each other, and cheer each other on throughout the two weeks. Last year during our program, we had two family deaths occur – and my father had passed away the week before the Kodály program began. The tenderness and kindness exhibited by the participants and the faculty toward all the bereaved was incredible, truly memorable, and simply beautiful to witness.”

“I love the last day!” exclaimed Ms. Marcus. “Participants and faculty come together to sing and share what we have been learning with our families and friends. It’s such a lovely culmination of the entire program.”

 

 

The program takes place on the Mason campus in Fairfax, VA, in the School of Music classrooms, with an on-site Bookstore provided by West Music. On-campus housing is also available (for a limited time). Spaces are limited – sign up now!

Alexander Technique and Brush Up Your Kodály supplemental courses also offered, July 9-13, 2018!

 

GET DETAILS AND REGISTER TODAY!

 

 

 

The Orff Schulwerk Certification Program at Mason has been offering all three Levels of K-8 music teacher training for over 30 years. The summer is a time to refresh and rejuvenate, and taking an Orff course will open up a world of new colleagues, provide great music to bring back to your students, and teach the skills in which to process, arrange, and compose pieces for the classroom!

Directed by Mason School of Music Professor and Orff specialist Joyce Stephansky, the Certification program runs for two weeks, July 16-27, and boasts a high level faculty, including Matt McCoy, Betsy Kipperman, Shoshanah Drake, John Crandall and Victoria Redfearn Cave. (Read More)

“Our typical day in an Orff Level class is broken into three parts: basic pedagogy, movement, and recorder,” explained Ms. Stephansky. “Several times throughout the two week course, participants from all three Levels get together to dance, and sing, and have a lot of fun! At the end of the two weeks, we celebrate with a luncheon and a final sharing presented to family and friends, where each Level performs a few pieces and stories that they have been working on throughout the course.”

At the end of the final sharing, those participants who have successfully completed Level III that summer are awarded their official Orff Certification, presented through the American Orff Schulwerk Association (AOSA).

 

 

“My favorite part of the Orff levels are the connection that I feel with the participants and faculty at Mason,” said Ms. Stephansky. “New participants are brought into the fold each year to this unique generational music group – it’s inspiring and comforting.”

Orff Schulwerk teaches participants how to approach teaching organically, from the smallest steps to the largest forms. This process approach is modeled throughout the levels and becomes dynamic when brought back to their classroom. Participants have the opportunity to improvise, arrange and compose, while reinforcing how to bring joy and creation to their own students.

 

 

“I can honestly say that Orff Schulwerk kept me in the music education profession,” confessed Ms. Stephansky. “After three years of teaching in a very needy school, I was burnt out and degraded. I knew if I did not change something in my teaching, I would not likely last another year. Luckily, I attended a local Mid-Atlantic Orff Chapter workshop, and I realized that was the kind of teacher I wanted to be. The next summer, I was registered for Level. I never regretted my decision, and I never looked back!”

Prior to the two-week Levels courses, Mason also presents a collection of one-week Supplemental courses, July 9-13.  Jim Solomon returns with his amazing percussion class, and new for this summer is a technology course taught by Manju Durairaj, aimed to help with the ever growing technology requirements that are expected of teachers, plus several other exciting options.

 

 

For music teachers looking to reimagine their classroom approach, refresh their teaching perspective, and “upgrade” their credentials, Orff at Mason is the place to be this summer!

 

On-campus housing is also available for this program!

 

GET DETAILS AND REGISTER TODAY!