Piano Adventures Online

summer-piano

Summer 2020 registration is open!

Piano Adventures Online is an introductory class for the piano and an opportunity for students to meet virtually in a fun social setting! Each class will include games to get to know one another, a video tutorial of the days lesson, and piano activities relating to learning basic techniques of playing. Other activities include keyboard identification and an introduction to basic rhythm and music notation symbols. Following the video lesson, students will play short pieces for each other and receive teacher feedback. (Note: Parent involvement is highly encouraged.)

Piano students with advanced beginner, intermediate, or advanced skills should join our Piano Academy Online for ages 8-18.

Ages: 6 – 10
Dates: Mondays, June 29– July 20, 2020 (4 weeks)
Time: 9:00 – 10:00 am
Tuition: $125
Location: Zoom (Details provided in Welcome Letter)

Daily Schedule

9:00 am – 9:10 am

Morning Activities

9:10 am – 9:30 am

Video Lesson and Demos

9:30 am – 9:35 am

Reflections and Discussion

9:35 am – 9:55 am

Group Activities

9:55 am – 10:00 am

Closing Activities

Requirements

Computer, tablet, or smart phone with internet access and audio/video capabilities
Students are encouraged to set up their devices to allow instructors to view hands at the piano during lessons.

PROGRAM FACULTY

MichelleLaurent_headshot
Director/ Instructor: Michelle Richardson
Academy Teaching Artist
Read about Ms. Richardson

Michelle Richardson holds a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from George Mason University where she studied with Dr. Anna Balakerskaia. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Musical Arts degree, continuing her studies with Dr. Balakerskaia. Ms. Richardson is a sought after soloist, chamber musician, and accompanist in the Metro D.C. Area. Highlights of her solo and chamber performances include her solo debut with the George Mason Symphony Orchestra playing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, chamber recitals at the Lyceum in Alexandria, the “Music with the Angels” Concert series at the Church of the Holy City, Fairfax County “Spotlight on the Arts” festival, as well as at George Mason’s All-Steinway Concerts and ARTS By George series. In the summer of 2010, Ms. Richardson was invited to attend the Orfeo International Music Festival in Vipiteno, Italy. There, she was featured on multiple programs as a soloist and was a finalist in the Orfeo International Music Competition. In May of 2013, Ms. Richardson was a featured soloist in the GMU School of Music Honors Recital. Additionally, she is a frequent performer in area churches including Community of Faith United Methodist Church, Leesburg Community Church, Galilee United Methodist Church, and Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church. She is also a sought after accompanist for local recitals and student solo events.

In addition to her performing, Ms. Richardson has been an active teacher in the area for the last eight years. Along with her performance bachelor’s degree, she completed all the coursework toward a music education degree. In August of 2015, she was faculty on the Corcoran Chamber Music Institute (formerly known as the Summer Piano and Chamber Music Institute at George Washington University). She currently is adjunct faculty at George Mason University where she teaches keyboard classes throughout the year. She also is an active faculty member at the Mason Community Arts Academy at George Mason University, where she teaches at summer piano programs, group classes, and maintains a large piano studio of all ages throughout the year. She is experienced teaching all levels of piano and has prepared students for successful auditions to their top choice music schools with scholarships.

TESTIMONIALS

“My son had been hating piano lessons before camp. Piano camp changed all that. He came home every day from camp and said how much he loved it! He now loves the piano and wants to keep going! It’s all because of the wonderful teacher!” – Summer Piano Adventures 2018 Parent

See More Testimonials

“I loved how excited my son was after class and how happy he was to go back.” – Summer Piano Adventures 2017 Parent

Be sure to check our FAQs and policies and procedures regarding registration, withdrawals, refunds, curriculum, technology and more for summer programs.
All students will receive a Welcome Letter via email at least 1 week before the program starts with all necessary details including camp schedule, supply list, web links, etc.
For additional information, please contact the Academy at academy@gmu.edu.