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Acting Art Film & Video Music Publicity

Summer 2020 Highlights

 

Mason Community Arts Academy concluded its Summer Arts at Mason 2020 programming online with new records. Throughout the week, hundreds of students engaged in live-streamed classes, guest artist presentations, and one-on-one coaching with Mason faculty, industry professionals, and special guests. Some of the students participated from different time zones, logging on from the West Coast, and even from other countries. Here is a snapshot of Summer 2020 at the Academy:

  • 1023 participants in Summer Arts at Mason Online Programs
  • 74 online programs for all ages
  • 5 creative categories: acting, music, film & video, visual art, and teacher training
  • Students were streaming from 11 countries and 32 states, including District of Columbia
  • More than 100 faculty and guest artists teaching in at least one of the online programs
  • 70% of our teaching staff, guest artists, and program assistants are Mason faculty, students, and alumni
  • 306 students continued online private music lessons throughout summer
  • 1954 music lessons booked in summer 2020

We are extremely proud of our accomplishments and cannot thank enough to our students, families, faculty, and staff for their continuous support.

 

Looking Forward

This fall, the Academy offers 22 group classes in music, acting, and visual art for 18 months to adult. Some new additions include:

All classes will be held in a live-streamed, interactive format with supplemental materials or videos for more individualized learning.

 

Full Class List

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Music

Early Childhood Music Q&A

Do you ever catch your child making up their own songs, singing along to the radio station, or tapping on a plate with a fork? Introducing music to young children has many benefits to their cognitive development. Today, we invite our early childhood music teaching artist, Ms. JennaMarie Warfield, to share some of these positive impacts and to answer some questions about our new early childhood classes!

 

What’s your background in early childhood music education?
I’ve loved music since I started piano and music with my mom at 2 years old and when I was about 6 I attended the Peabody Conservatory Prep Program. Although I studied music performance, I wanted to teach in some form later in life, so I took extra courses in pedagogy and was trained in Kodály and Orff Schulwerk methods. I have been teaching students of all ages for 10 years, and in the last few years my focus has been on early childhood music. I am really excited to share my love of early childhood music with all of you and the Mason Community Arts Academy this year!

 

What do you enjoy the most about working with young children?
I love their creativity, spontaneousness, and their seemingly unending curiosity! Working with children keeps me on my toes and inspires me in so many ways.

 

 

What are the benefits of introducing music to young children?
There are so many benefits to introducing music at a young age. Researchers have shown that receiving a music education at a young age increases motor skills and coordination, supports language development, and improves concentration and memory. Students also build a foundation for fundamental math skills, discipline and teamwork, and self-confidence and self-esteem.

 

How does music help my child’s language development?
Many scientific studies have shown that learning music activates the same parts of the brain as learning languages. Learning and memorizing words to songs help build stronger connections to these parts of the brain. As the child gets older, they also start to learn how to express themselves through music, which not only helps with language and communication skills, but also helps with emotional development.

 

How are the classes structured?
Structure is important now more than ever. Each class will be formatted in the same way to create structure and so students know what to expect. The class will include interactive exercises such as “sharing time,” to work on communication, social skills, and have kids interact with kids their own age. There will be a Dropbox for any materials or song tracks that families may need for each class.

 

 

My child has a short attention span, what if they don’t stay still?
There are many benefits of these classes being offered online: They are in your own home, they are flexible, and they are fast paced. These classes are developed in a way to work on skills such as attention span, memory, and communication.

 

Do the music classes require parents to have any musical skills?
No, these classes are perfect for both parents and students that have little to no music experience! It is such a special experience to see parents learn along with their children!

 

What’s one advice you would give to parents at the end of these programs?
Remember that these classes are about exploration not perfection (for both the parent and the child). I encourage parents to allow their children to explore music in the world, whether it be banging on pots and pans in the kitchen, going outside and listening to the sounds of nature, or tinkering around on an old family piano. Exploration (not perfection) is so vital to developing the child’s love and appreciation of music!

 

 


About Ms. JennaMarie Warefield
Ms. Warfield is a flute performer and educator, who has more than a decade of teaching experience. She has an active private flute studio with students of all ages. Ms. Warfield is specializing in early childhood music education. Prior to teaching at the Academy, she has developed and taught classes in Montessori schools in the Northern Virginia area. She is certified for teaching Kodály and Orff Schulwerk methods, the most widely recognized teaching methods in K-12 music education.


 

Click HERE to learn more about our early childhood music classes.

Categories
Music

Contemporary Musician Hosts Songwriting Workshop

Do you love to sing? Have you ever written your own words or hummed a tune from your imagination? This summer, teenage musicians, ages 13-18, can transform their ideas into songs at the Singer/Songwriting Workshop Online (July 27-31). The workshop will provide a fun and supportive space for aspiring singers and songwriters to explore their creativity. They’ll also have a glimpse of the songwriting industry through the eyes of a professional musician and contemporary songwriter.

In this online workshop, students will spend the first part of each day developing music fundamentals: building chord progressions, song structures, pulse and rhythm, concept mapping, and the basics of music theory. Then, students will work individually with Thom Routon, program instructor and Mason’s Dewberry School of Music alumnus, to compose an original song from scratch.

“This workshop is for all students who love music,” said Mr. Routon, instructor of the workshop. “Whether they have written songs on their own, are looking to improve their writing, or have an idea stuck in their head, the workshop will kick start their journey as a songwriter.”

Thomas Routon, Songwriting LessonsA professional musician, songwriter, and sound engineer, Mr. Routon plays violin, mandolin, and acoustic guitar and performs live shows throughout the Northern Virginia area. In 2016 Mr. Routon released his debut EP “In the Earth,” featuring his creative work under the name Brother Kestrel.

With the belief that all ideas should be considered, Mr. Routon hopes to provide a welcoming environment for all songwriters to share their unique voices within the workshop. Students will expect to work collaboratively as active participants to provide feedback, suggestions, and encouragement.

“There is no such thing as a wrong answer!” said Mr. Routon. “I hope that this workshop will encourage students to express their sense of creativity and expand their knowledge of how music is made from start to finish.”

The workshop will be held in the week of July 27-21, and a virtual release party will welcome families and friends to hear the students’ creations on the last day of the workshop. For program details, including class schedule, technology requirements, and faculty biographies, visit Singer/Songwriting Workshop.

 

 

Full Camp List

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Music

Piano Academy Brings Musicians Together

Building a community-oriented program has always been the core of our Piano Academy. This summer, the Piano Academy is bringing an interactive learning community straight to students’ homes to continue this vision: creating rich musical experiences for students ages 8-18. While growing as musicians, they will also be supported by their peers as a community and have opportunities to connect with new musical friends!

Instrumental training for students who are taking private lessons can be isolating without peer interaction, especially during this particular time, when the students are taking virtual lessons at home. Program Director and Academy Teaching Artist Michelle Richardson is looking forward to creating a fun and interactive learning environment for the students. In the program, students will connect with other young pianists as well as professional piano teachers, through group class discussions, masterclasses, guided one-on-one instruction, and interactive activities.

 

 

She emphasized that the program will “allow piano students to see each other in a low-stress environment,” where they can share their musical learning with classmates and a new set of instructors who will add new perspectives to students’ piano study.

“Our pianists usually see other pianists at recitals or competitions, which are events where they are less likely to get to know one another,” explained Ms. Richardson, a soloist and chamber musician in the Washington, D.C. area. “We hope to provide the same social environment in years past where students can meet each other, meet new teachers, and expand their knowledge of piano.”

 

 

Throughout the week, students will learn several pieces of classical repertoire that are hidden gems and might be new those who are used to the traditional canon of piano pieces. Students will learn about composers from throughout musical history, including those who are traditionally neglected in performance – female composers and composers of color. Their significant contributions to the musical world will be brought into the light and given new life by Piano Academy students and faculty.

“Nowadays there are so many resources available about such a wide range of music and musicians,” said Ms. Richardson, a doctoral candidate at Mason, who teaches keyboard classes at the college level. “It’s up to teachers to make the extra effort to find them. I hope that these lecture classes also pique students’ interest in finding great music by lesser-known composers!”

In addition to technique and musical theory and history, students will learn tips and tricks for on-camera performance. As many music competitions use video auditions in their preliminary elimination, the Piano Academy instructors will teach students how to perform on a virtual screen and overcome their nerves.

 

 

Alongside Ms. Richardson, esteemed piano teaching artists Misha Tumanov and Faith Zúñiga are on the Piano Academy faculty. All three faculty members have large private piano studios at the Academy, and numerous students have competed in regional and national competitions. In fall 2019, five students from the studios of Ms. Richardson, Mr. Tumanov, and Ms. Zúñiga performed in a recital at Carnegie Hall along with dozens of young performers from Costa Rica.

The Piano Academy will run in the week of July 27-31 and August 3-7. Students must have at least two years of private lesson experience. For program details, including class schedule, technology requirements, and faculty backgrounds, visit Piano Academy (Ages 8-18).

 

 

Full Camp List

Categories
Music

Ethan Hemmings: Musical Leader

Ethan Hemmings is a violinist, musician, student leader, and future Shenandoah University Conservatory student. These are just a few ways to describe Hemmings, who is a graduating senior from Wakefield High School. Hemmings began private lessons with Claire Allen, Academy Teaching Artist in 2013, and joined her studio at the Academy in 2018.

Hemming’s passion for pursuing a career in music has been growing since he first picked up the violin in fourth grade in his elementary orchestra class at Patrick Henry Elementary School. In an interesting twist of fate, the teacher, Mrs. Estelle Roth, of that orchestra class was the same teacher who started Ms. Allen on her own violin journey a couple of decades earlier.

“As I was starting my teaching career, I reached out to my own first teacher for recommendations,” says Allen. “She connected me with Ethan, and I never could have imagined the journey we would go on over the next seven years. Teaching Ethan makes me feel closer to my own musical roots, and our experiences together have helped me grow as a teacher.”

 

 

Hemmings’ violin studies have led him to participate in a variety of exciting musical experiences, including his school orchestras, honors orchestras including the Arlington Junior and Senior Honors Orchestras, VBODA District 12 and Senior Regional Orchestras, recitals for the MusicLink Foundation, the Arlington Philharmonic’s Crescendo Program. He has also performed as a guest musician with the Arlington Philharmonic and the St. Olaf Orchestra. At Mason Community Arts Academy, he has been involved with Mason Strings Academy, the Music Recording Studio, and Violin Bootcamp – at which he met his new violin teacher, Akemi Takayama of Shenandoah Conservatory, at a masterclass.

Six years after starting violin in his elementary school orchestra, Hemmings returned – but this time as a guest artist, performing La Folia by Corelli for an awed class of younger students.

“I remember hearing one of the kids tell me after my performance say, ‘I want to be like you when I grow up’. Although some might see this as a cliché response, it reminded me that how I presented myself, how I played the music, and my general demeanor inspired that student to stick with arguably one of the hardest instruments to learn. It was a reminder that my love of music not only benefits myself when I listen to my playing, but also can make a person’s day brighter,” said Hemmings.

The inspiration felt by that elementary student is the same inspiration that he feels when he works with his teacher, Ms. Claire. When reflecting on his private music lessons, Hemmings said, “It’s not been easy so far, but she’s helped tremendously in helping navigate my interests and improving as a musician.”

 

 

“Ethan is one of my hardest working students,” said Allen. “He not only comes to lessons with assignments prepared, but with his own musical ideas and he isn’t afraid to challenge me as he shapes his own path. He has been such an inspiration and a role model in my studio. Recently, one of my younger students told me that her goal was to be ‘a stronger player.’ I asked her what she meant by that, and she said ‘I want to play like Ethan. I love his tone and his expression.’”

In addition to inspiring younger violinists, Ethan has also inspired and challenged his teacher. When choosing repertoire for his senior recital program, he asked her to help him find music that was written by black composers. “I was so glad when Ethan asked me to find repertoire by black composers for his recital,” said Allen. “It is so important for students to have composer role models who they can connect with, and at least some of which look like them.”

“I’m ashamed to say that I wasn’t teaching very many works by black composers, and I’m starting to do the work of expanding my awareness and educating myself about composers who have been neglected by history. One of the pieces Ethan is currently studying is a sonata by Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de St. Georges, who was a virtuoso violinist, composer, and conductor, as well as being a champion fencer and the leader of the first all-black regiment during the French Revolution. He’s written a remarkable body of work – symphonies, violin concertos, string quartets, sonatas – and I wish it was taught with equal weight alongside Mozart and Haydn. This music has passion, brilliance, and excitement. I’m grateful to be discovering it alongside Ethan, and I will continue to study and explore new works to teach all of my students.”

During Hemmings’ time at Wakefield High School, he has been not only a musical leader but a social justice one as well. He was involved in bringing Mental Health and Suicide Awareness events to his school, and during his junior year, Hemmings was selected to attend the Minority Student Achievement Network Conference in Boston.

After attending the conference, Hemmings and some fellow students hosted an event for Arlington Public School middle school students of color. The event for the middle school students focused on leadership, college preparation, and career readiness.

 

 

His love for violin and music comes from the same intention: be the change and make an impact not just to someone’s day, but to their lives. “Music is sonic expression, and I feel sometimes I’m able to tell my story or perspective in some shape or form through the music,” explained Hemmings.

“One of Ethan’s tremendous gifts is his ability to connect emotionally with his instrument and to channel that passion into music,” said Allen. “He’s dedicated to the technical elements of developing his craft, but I really see him come alive when he is focused on the artistic message of his music. I can’t wait to see how his musicality develops as he takes the next steps in his studies at Shenandoah Conservatory.”

Another inspiration for Hemmings is his good friend, Chris Tate, as a source of inspiration. He describes Tate as “a cellist, bassist, arranger, composer, producer, and overall great guy. He always is telling jokes and is consistently passionate in pursuing music. He embodies what I hope to be, a person who can take their craft seriously without taking myself too seriously.”

 

 

With the support from these musical inspirations and many other significant people, including his parents, who have encouraged and cheered him on from the beginning, Hemmings has grown stronger musically and achieved more in each stage of his growth. But, when he isn’t practicing his violin or studying music, you might find him on a run, reading, or watching a Star Wars movie.

For the future, Hemmings hopes to continue to be a performing violinist in a variety of musical environments and to make a difference to the world. His dreams include owning a recording studio in his hometown as a producer and creating a music-oriented youth-outreach program.

“I’ll see what happens, and plans constantly change as I experience more things and build relationships with the people I meet along the way,” Hemmings said. “I will take it day by day, focus on what I can do during the day, not what I can’t.”

The Academy will be closed for Spring Break beginning Monday, March 25 and will re-open on Monday, April 1. We will be operating with limited hours. For any urgent requests, please call 703-993-9889.

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