Overview
Summer Piano Explorations is an exciting new program for late beginner to intermediate level piano students!
During this week-long program, students will deepen their understanding of piano technique and musical expression in a positive, supportive environment.
Students will:
- Receive guided instruction on learning duets and playing with partners as well as receive guided practice time
- Engage in classes in music history, sight reading, rhythmic fundamentals, and other piano topics
- Enjoy fun musical activities designed to strengthen their sight reading and rhythmic fundamentals
- Learn about music history
- Study strategies for better practicing and self-evaluation
- Participate in other music-related activities and games
- Have optional evening performances by faculty and guests on-campus with the Mason Summer Piano Academy
- Perform a final sharing with parents, highlighting their week of study
At the end of the week, students will participate in a time of sharing which will include demonstrations of multiple activities and lessons learned during the week.
Prerequisites
This camp is designed for students with a minimum of one year of formal piano study (lessons, group classes, etc.) or equivalent. Students should be able to:
- Read and play treble and bass clef without writing in the notes
- Understand quarter, eighth, and half note rhythms
- Play left hand and right hand together in basic melody
- Be able to read and play at least one five-finger major scale and one five-finger minor scale
- Feel comfortable playing the following pieces
Program Details
Ages: 8–10
Dates: July 6–10, 2026
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuition: $605
Location: Mason Community Arts Academy Building in Fairfax, Virginia
Registration Deadline: June 1
Video Submission
After registration, all students must complete the Piano Explorations Video Submission Form including video requirements. Video Submissions are due no later than two weeks after registration:
- Please submit one video consisting of performances of two different pieces that best demonstrate your ability
- Both hands and face or profile must be visible at all times
- Pieces do not have to be memorized
Program Faculty
Carol Feather Martin
Academy Teaching Artist
Read More
Carol Feather Martin has taught private piano and organ lessons for more than four decades. Her style of teaching is to foster a love of music and a love of learning while adapting approaches that will best fit the learning style of the individual. As an instructor of piano, organ, and vocal ensembles and conductor of instrumental ensembles, Ms. Martin has assimilated a wealth of knowledge into her teaching style and has achieved success with beginners, avid amateurs, Ph.D. candidates as well as professional colleagues.
A native of North Carolina, Ms. Martin graduated from Oberlin Conservatory with a B.M. in Piano Performance and M.M. degrees in Organ Performance, Piano Chamber Music and Accompanying Performance from Catholic University. As organist and director of music and arts at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Arlington, Virginia, Ms. Martin works with all ages of singers, handbell ringers, and instrumentalists.
For 10 years, Ms. Martin was the artistic director of Virginia Bronze, an auditioned community handbell ensemble. Through the years, Her diverse musical tastes have served her well as she has arranged music and uniquely constructed programs for various ensembles and guest artists. Solo and chamber music recitals have taken her to many areas of the United States, Canada, and Germany. She is a champion of newly composed and American music as well as standard repertoire and transcriptions. She is a frequent clinician and consultant for professional music organizations.
In her free time, Ms. Martin enjoys reading, gardening, working crossword/jigsaw puzzles, designing and creating metal jewelry, biking, cross country skiing, and playing oboe in chamber ensembles.
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.