Beginner Guitar Teen Camp

Guitar students at summer camp

Summer 2021 registration now open!

COVID Safety Guideline: Please be assured that all in-person programs will follow strict safety protocols required by George Mason University and are subject to pivoting to all virtual platforms if health and safety conditions warrant. Required protocols will include masks, physical distancing, daily health checks, and more. Please visit our COVID Safety Guidelines for all in-person programs. We will be routinely updating the information as it evolves. Stay informed by visiting our website and looking out for email alerts and other Academy communications.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This one-week workshop for beginners will cover the basics of guitar playing and prepare students for individual lessons or a school guitar program. Guided by Mason Community Arts Academy Teaching Artists, students will learn guitar notation forms, how to play melodies, and strum chords. An acoustic guitar (nylon strings recommended) is required.

Ages: 13 – 18
Dates: July 19 – 23, 2021
Times: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (M-F)
Tuition: $250
Location: Mason Community Arts Academy Building in Fairfax, VA
*After Care not available

Requirements

CDC Recommended Face Mask
An acoustic guitar (nylon strings recommended)
Writing supplies: pencils, pens, notebooks

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PROGRAM FACULTY

Brian Slaymaker, Guitar Lessons
Instructor: Brian Slaymaker
Academy Teaching Artist
Read about Mr. Slaymaker

For Brian Slaymaker the love of music came naturally. As a child of two professional musicians, he was exposed to music of all styles and genres. Mr. Slaymaker studied piano with his mother, but his passion soon became guitar.

At the age of 11, Brian began studying guitar privately. His teachers were Jeff Ponder and Dr. Kevin Vigil. After extensive involvement performing in rock bands, Mr. Slaymaker chose to pursue an education in classical music. He holds a Bachelor of Music Degree magna cum laude in Classical Guitar Performance from George Mason University. Mr. Slaymaker has performed in masterclasses with internationally known guitarists Pepe Romero, Carlos Barbosa-lima, Carlos Perez, and Roland Dyens. At GMU, Mr. Slaymakern was a student of Professor Larry Snitzler. In addition to teaching Mr. Slaymaker is an active performer in the Washington, D.C. Metro area.

Mr. Slaymaker’s teaching range includes classical guitar, bass guitar, electric guitar, and steel-string guitar. His lessons consist of fundamentals of technique, music reading skills, music theory, and study of repertoire. Selections may be either those Mr. Slaymaker introduces or student requests. This strong foundation in fundamentals will enable the student to excel in any style their musical interests may lead. Individual creativity is always encouraged.

TESTIMONIALS

“I like learning to read music and the exposure to different types of music” – Beginner Guitar Summer Camp 2020 Participant

“My daughter loved everything about the program. The time of the class is perfect.” – Beginner Guitar Summer Camp 2020 Parent

“I really appreciated the half-day nature of the program, the book as part of the package, the one-on-one time between student and teacher, and the performance at the end.” – Beginner Guitar Summer Camp 2017 Parent

Be sure to check our FAQs and policies and procedures regarding registration, safety protocols, 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 drop off, pick up, what to bring, etc. Feel free to contact the Academy office with questions at academy@gmu.edu.
Questions about parking on campus? Find answers here.