Overview
Designed specifically for homeschoolers, this eight-week course will help participants strengthen foundational musical skills while building community and social skills with other homeschooled students. Students will develop basic music literacy (note reading, rhythm identification), learn about music history, strengthen music appreciation, and participate in fun, group activities.
Course Objectives
- Students will learn to play and read notes on the treble and bass clef staves.
- Students will learn to play and read basic rhythms.
- Students will learn about different periods of music history and famous composers through “Composer of the Week” units.
- Students will learn to appreciate and identify different musical genres, instruments, and musical ensembles.
- Students will build community through participating in group activities that foster social and emotional learning and connection.
Program Details
Ages: 7–10
Dates: Mondays, 11–11:45 a.m.
September 28–November 16, 2026 (eight weeks)
Tuition: $180
Location: Mason Community Arts Academy Building in Fairfax, Virginia
Registration Opens July 1 at 9:00 a.m.
Program Faculty
Ariel Williams
Saxophone Teaching Artist
Coordinator of Programs and Operations,
Mason Community Arts Academy
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Ariel Williams is a music educator, saxophonist, and arts administrator based in the Northern Virginia area. She has been teaching saxophone at Mason Community Arts Academy since 2017 and runs various specialty group class programs at the Academy.
An experienced music educator, Ms. Williams has taught saxophone, band, chamber music, and music history at the collegiate and K-12 levels. She is the director of the Woodbridge Homeschool Band and serves on the administrative staff of MCAA as the Coordinator of Programs and Operations. Ms. Williams also frequently performs around the Northern Virginia area. She is a member of the Penumbra Saxophone Quartet, has performed with the Manassas Symphony Orchestra, and is a freelance musician in the area.
Ms. Williams received her Bachelor of Music Education from George Mason University, studying with Rick Parrell, and her Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, studying with Dr. Allison Adams.
In all her classes, Ms. Williams strives to create an atmosphere of inclusion that promotes creativity and self-expression. Students are encouraged to explore their own artistic goals and passions while learning foundational musical skills. Through learning musical techniques, students are able to access and express their personal creativity through music.
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].