Overview
The Chamber Music Collaborative is an exciting chamber music opportunity for intermediate to early advanced middle and high school string players and pianists to partner in small ensembles and experience making music together. Participants will be grouped into duets or small ensembles and receive music appropriate for their abilities based on age and skill level. Students will be expected to practice and prepare their parts outside of rehearsals with support from their private lesson instructors.
Guided by experienced coaches through weekly one-hour coaching sessions, students will participate in group activities that promote teamwork and focus on building the skills that bring ensembles to life including rhythmic accuracy, strengthening listening skills, exploring musical expression, and learning how to communicate and collaborate through music. Students will grow as musicians while having fun in a supportive and inspiring environment.
The program culminates in a final performance during MCAA’s student recital weekend at George Mason University.
Requirements:
- Registration is available to the following instrumentalists: strings (violin, viola, cello, bass) and piano
- Piano students must have completed all 5 levels of the Faber Piano Adventures or the equivalent.
- String students must have completed Suzuki Level 4 or the equivalent.
- Students must have a strong sense of steady rhythm and facile note reading skills.
- Students’ private instructors will receive a brief recommendation form from the Academy to complete before September 15.
Program Details
Ages: 10–18
Dates: Thursdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
October 1–December 10, 2026 (10 weeks)
Skip Dates: November 26
Tuition: $395
$10 discount code available for current MCAA students, email the academy for more information
Registration Deadline: September 15
Performance Dates: MCAA student recital weekend: Saturday, December 12 or Sunday December 13, day and time TBD.
Location: Mason Community Arts Academy Building in Fairfax, Virginia
Program Faculty
Carol Feather Martin
Piano Teaching Artist
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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.
Zachary Whitaker
Cello Teaching Artist
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Zachary Whitaker graduated from the Shenandoah Conservatory with a B.M. in Cello Performance and later received a Masters of Music in Cello Performance from George Mason University. Throughout Zachary’s cello career, he has had the opportunity to perform with musicians such as Robert deMaine, Amit Peled, Nurit Bar-Josef, and film composer Hans Zimmer. In addition, Zachary has extensive performance experience with numerous ensembles, including the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, the McLean Orchestra, and the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra where he served as their principal cellist. He is also a Performance Member with the Friday Morning Music Club.
During his summers, Zachary has attended the Eastern Music Festival, the National Music Festival, and in 2017 was a fellow with the National Orchestral Institute and Festival. Zachary has also attended Magic Mountain Music Farm, where he studied under Burton Kaplan.
Zachary has been teaching privately since 2012, and enjoys working with students of all ages and skill levels.
Notes
- 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 fall or spring group classes.
- All students will receive a Welcome Letter via email at least one week before the class starts with all necessary details.
- Online registration closes two business days before the first class, however space may still be available. Please contact [email protected] for more information. A $10 late registration fee may apply.
- For additional information, please contact the Academy at [email protected].