Adult Guitar Level 2
Ages 18+
COVID Safety Guidelines: Mason Community Arts Academy follows all safety protocols required by George Mason University. Visit our COVID Safety Guidelines for more information.
Overview
This class is designed for those who have completed Level 1 and guitar players who want to continue their studies in a group setting. Using a pick, playing fingerstyle, playing and strumming chords, and using a repertoire of all musical styles makes this class fun for everyone. All are welcome!
For those who have taken Level 1 already, consult with the instructor about repeating Level 1 or moving to Level 2. If you are unsure about placement, contact Glen McCarthy at glenmccarthy@aol.com.
Ages: 18+
Dates: Mondays, 7:45 – 8:45 pm
February 13 – April 24, 2023 (10 weeks)
Skip Date: April 3, 2023
Tuition: $300
Location: Mason Community Arts Academy Building in Fairfax, VA
Requirements
- Students are required to bring their own guitar, nylon strings preferred. Lesson book and class materials provided.
- Mask & PPE Requirements—Masks are optional, but strongly recommended, for students and faculty in all programming. *See University Policy on Face Coverings for full details.
- COVID Vaccination: Schedule your vaccine today >>
Program Faculty

Glen McCarthy
Academy Teaching Artist
Language: English
Musical Styles: Classical, Pop, Jazz, Contemporary
Instruments: Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, and Ukulele
Specialized Skill Levels: All Guitar/Ukulele Levels
Affiliations: National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
Glen McCarthy teaches class guitar, required of all music education majors and guitar pedagogy at George Mason University. He has been a guest lecturer, clinician and adjudicator at festivals, conferences and workshops both nationally and internationally. He is the past chair of the National Association for Music Education Council for Guitar Education, the past chair of the American String Teachers Association Guitar-in-the-Schools Committee and director and clinician for Teaching Guitar Workshops.
He teaches guitar classes and private lessons at the Mason Community Arts Academy. His curriculum is different for each student, “Guitar is so multi-faceted. What a student wants to learn is the cue I need to develop that student’s potential.” He also teaches class guitar at the Hylton Center to Veterans and first responders.
Mr. McCarthy retired from Fairfax County, Virginia after 30 years at Robinson Secondary School where he developed a multi-level guitar program. Robinson was the first recipient of the Guitar & Accessories Marketing Association’s award to recognize innovative guitar programming in the United States. Under his direction, the Robinson Guitar Ensemble performed in numerous venues and was consistently awarded superior ratings at adjudicated festivals.
In 2014 from over 32,000 nominees the Grammy Foundation recognized Glen as one of the top ten music educators in the United States. He continues to perform in numerous venues and genres.
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 1 week before the class starts with all necessary details.
- Online registration closes 2 business days before the first class, however space may still be available. Please contact academy@gmu.edu for more information. A $10 late registration fee may apply.
- For additional information, please contact the Academy at academy@gmu.edu.