Mason Community Arts Academy

An Incubator for Future Music Talent 

Named “Best Summer Camps 2020, 2021 and 2022,” by Northern Virginia Magazine

Mason Community Arts Academy is the community arts education division of George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. The Academy brings enriching arts instruction to the community through inspiring and innovative lessons, classes and summer programs in music, theater, visual arts, and film & video, which are open to all ages and levels.  

Children are introduced to music from as young as 3.5 years old through the Young Musicians Prep class progressing to the Young Musicians Class for 5-6 years olds, which is then a great stepping stone for learning a musical instrument through the beginning classes for piano, violin, and cello. The hope is that these classes ignite a lifelong love of music in these young people. Some even go on to enroll in a Music degree at Mason.

Mason Faculty Engage With Future Musicians 

Named “Best Summer Camps 2020, 2021 and 2022,” by Northern Virginia Magazine, the Academy also offers inclusive, engaging university-quality summer music camps and programs including instrumental, band, vocal and choral. Students connect with esteemed Mason faculty and teaching artists for lectures, masterclasses, guest performances, private lessons, clinics, and audition workshops. 

Adults Grow Here Too 

The Academy also offers programs focused on teacher education and enrichment. Additionally, extensive outreach programs in music and theater have been established to reach under-resourced populations both in our area and abroad. Among the many outreach programs are:

Instruments in the Attic Gotcha Day, Spring 2022
In April, 2022, local music teachers joined Mason Community Arts Academy staff at Day Violins for a special Instruments in the Attic Gotcha Day, hosted by Day Violins owner and MCAA Board Member Jenna Day. Luthier Ben Jones-Hayes lead a string instrument repair workshop for the teachers followed by a Q&A, and the teachers were also able to take away previously repaired instruments to give to their students in need.

The Academy is a Vital Part of the College of Visual and Performing Arts

Anthony Maiello and Soo Han conducting at Mason
Conducting Symposium with the Greats!
Learn more about summer programs.

Two outstanding Mason professors held a conducting seminar for adults in June 2022 as part of the Mason Academy's 'Summer Arts at Mason.' Dr. Anthony Maiello, professor of instrumental conducting (left) and Dr. Soo Han, director of Orchestral Studies, focused on conducting technique, score study, rehearsal skills and other special topics. Guest presenters included retired Commander/Conductor of the internationally renowned U.S. Air Force Band, Symphony Orchestra, and Singing Sergeants, Colonel Arnald Gabriel and  composer/conductor Mark Camphouse. Participants had the opportunity to conduct, observe other conductors and special guest clinicians, and participate in group score study sessions and discussions. 

Summer Musical Theater Intensive
Budding vocalists sharpen their skills in this rigorous and fun musical theater program.
Summer Piano Adventures Camp
Students are introduced from a young age to the piano, musical notation, rhythm, fingering, and the musical alphabet.
Mason Summer Brass Academy
Young musicians get to play in brass duos, trios, quartets, and large ensembles.
Mason High School Strings Institute
Advanced violin, viola, cello, and bass players work with renowned string artists and pedagogues.