Summer Piano Academy for ages 10-18

Overview

Join us for an inspiring week of piano at the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music at George Mason University! The Mason Summer Piano Academy is a comprehensive music experience for dedicated and passionate piano students.

Students applying must have at least two years of private lessons and demonstrate playing ability at or above Mozart Sonata in C. All students must submit an application and video audition to be officially considered for the program.

Participants will receive:

Three 45-minute lessons. Each student will receive lessons with distinguished MSPA faculty throughout the week. Students are encouraged to bring in both performance-ready and new repertoire.
Guest masterclasses. Learn from world-class artists in a masterclass setting and be inspired by faculty performances. Masterclasses are open to the public and families are invited to attend at 2 p.m.each day.
Music theory and history. Dive into the rich world of music through our specially curated classes. The sessions cover various topics in music history and theory, offering insights into the evolution of piano music, understanding of music structures, practice techniques, and interpretation of different styles and composers.
Supervised practice time. Students will have assigned practice time on Steinway grand pianos at the Dewberry Family School of Music during the day. Students are expected to practice independently with faculty supervision. Alternative activities will be available for younger students for a portion of their assigned practice time.
On Campus Dining. Buffet-style lunch with allergy-friendly and vegan and vegetarian options is provided for all students at Southside Dining Hall on campus.
Concerts and Performances. Students will attend daily concerts and recitals at the Harris Theater featuring faculty and guest artists. All performances are open to the public and families are invited to attend at 4:30 p.m. each day.
Final recital. All students will perform in the final recital at the Harris Theatre on George Mason’s Fairfax campus. The recital is open to the public and family and friends and invited to attend.

Program Details

Ages: 10–18*
*Younger students may be considered based on audition and faculty assessment. Please email [email protected] for more information.

Dates: July 6–10, 2026

Time: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Tuition: $740

Location: George Mason Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building

Application

One audition video in one unedited take consisting of a performance of up to two pieces that best demonstrate your ability.
Both hands and face/profile must be visible at all times.

Early decision applications are due March 2, 2026 with decisions sent out March 9.

Regular application is due April 6, with decisions sent out April 13.

Application Coming January

Program Faculty

Dr. Misha Tumanov

Summer Piano Academy Director

Born in Ukraine, Misha Tumanov started his musical education in Costa Rica at the Instituto Superior de Artes and the Pre-College Program of the National University studying with Dr. Alexandr Sklioutovsky. After Mr. Tumanov graduated with honors from the National University at age seventeen, he continued his studies with Dr. Ray Kilburn at Ball State University, receiving a Master’s Degree and Artist Diploma in piano performance. Currently, Mr. Tumanov is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Maryland, under Dr. Larissa Dedova, where he is recording works of the early Soviet Avant-garde, including Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Myaskovsky, Feinberg, and Roslavets.

Mr. Tumanov has taught in the DC area since 2010. Previously, he taught at the National University of Costa Rica, the Instituto Superior de Artes, and Ball State (both private lessons and group classes). Mr. Tumanov has also taught group classes at George Mason University and the University of Maryland. He has been often invited back to Costa Rica to work with students preparing for competitions and major performances, most notably the International Competition of Slav Music 2009 and 2010, where the students received two Second Prizes and one Third Prize. Mr. Tumanov’s students have performed at the Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, as well as prominent local venues.

Mr. Tumanov’s experience as a teacher ranges from 4-year-old beginners to advanced adults. Mr. Tumanov is passionate about guiding his students to find their own artistic voice and discovering the joy of music.

Mr. Tumanov has participated in masterclasses with such distinguished pianists and teachers as Gyorgy Sandor, Alexander Braginsky, Alexander Kobrin, Jerome Rose, and Jonathan Biss. In 2006 he released a CD featuring works by Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Schumann, and Rachmaninov.

Mr. Tumanov is a frequent performer at festivals and conferences, both as a solo and collaborative pianist, including the International Double Reed Society conference, MTNA, Piano Technicians Guild, and Orfeo Music Festival in Italy. He has been a featured soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, the National and Youth Symphony Orchestras of Costa Rica, as well as the Ball State Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Tumanov has won numerous awards and competitions, including second place at the East-Central Division of the MTNA National Competition, the Indianapolis Matinee Musicale, and 1st Prize at the Pinault International Competition in New York.

In addition, Mr. Tumanov is the pianist/organist and Concert Series Coordinator at the United Christian Parish in Reston, VA.

Guest Artists

TBA

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 summer group classes.
All students will receive a Welcome Letter via email at least one week before the class starts with all necessary details.
Tuition can be paid in full or split into a two-payment installment plan for a one-time $10 fee. Half of the total tuition is due at the time of registration with the remaining balance automatically charged on May 1. Registrations processed after May 1 require full tuition payment upfront. All registrations are subject to a $3.00 processing fee per receipt.
Limited scholarship funds are available for families in need of financial assistance. To apply, please visit: https://masonacademy.gmu.edu/about-us/financial-aid/. For families in need of extended payment plan installment options, please contact the Academy at [email protected].
For additional information, please contact the Academy at [email protected].
For-credit programs only: A tuition refund minus a $125 cancelation fee will be given provided that notice is received by the Mason Community Arts Academy no later than one week before the program start date. No refunds will be granted after this date.