Overview
This one-week guitar workshop is for beginners, and those with beginner level experience, ages 10–18 who are interested in learning the basics of guitar. Guided by Mason Community Arts Academy Teaching Artists through daily masterclasses, special topics, and private lessons, students will split into age groups to learn music theory, guitar notation forms, how to play melodies and songs, strum chords, and play together as an ensemble. This is a perfect camp for students to learn to love the guitar and prepare for individual lessons or a school guitar program.
Tuition includes one 30-minute private lesson and all class materials. Students must bring their own acoustic guitar (nylon strings recommended), a nut-free snack and lunch, and a water bottle.
Program Details
Ages: 10–18
Dates: June 29–July 3, 2026
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuition: $495
Location: Mason Community Arts Academy Building in Fairfax, Virginia
Program Faculty
Brian Slaymaker
Instructor and Academy Teaching Artist
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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 eleven, 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.
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.