Overview
Join us for Summer Piano for Adults, a class designed for adult piano students who already have some playing experience and want to build confidence, sharpen practical skills, and enjoy making music in a supportive group setting. The class welcomes a wide range of levels, from those who started playing recently to more experienced amateurs. The activities will be adapted to the students’ level and abilities.
Each section will combine playing, discussion, and hands-on exercises focused on technical and musicianship skills. Topics will include sight-reading strategies, efficient practice habits, chord reading, pedaling, music theory and history, technique, rhythm skills, and general musicianship.
Students will have opportunities to play pieces or excerpts for the group, try ensemble and duet activities, and work on common technical challenges. Students will also have an opportunity for supervised practice time. The class format and content are driven by the students’ individual needs and areas of interest, building confidence and musical enjoyment in a relaxed summer format.
Students may enroll in either section or both, for a more intensive summer piano experience.
Class materials and Lesson Book provided. Returning MCAA piano class students are asked to bring their Alfred Level 1 or Level 2 lesson books.
Program Details
Ages: 18+
Dates: Thursdays, July 16–August 20, 2026 (six weeks)
Section 1: 6–7 p.m.
Section 2: 7–8 p.m.
Tuition: $180
Location: Mason Community Arts Academy Building in Fairfax, Virginia
Registration
Section 1: 6–7 p.m.
Section 2: 7–8 p.m.
Program Faculty
Dr. Misha Tumanov
Academy Teaching Artist
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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 received his Doctoral degree at the University of Maryland, under Dr. Larissa Dedova, where he recorded 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.
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 fall or spring group classes.
- All students will receive a Welcome Letter via email at least 1 week before the class starts with all necessary details.
- Online registration closes Wednesday before the first class. For registrations received after this date, a $10 late registration fee may apply.
- For additional information, please contact the Academy at [email protected].