Mason Community Arts Academy of GMU 4260 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030

"We attended the piano camp every year since 2017. It was great the first time we attended, and we've seen the organization getting more efficient and also the teachers getting more comfortable working with little children over the years (they are, after all, college professors!). The number of children joining the camp has been growing year over year. It has always been a joyful experience seeing those young musicians showing their variety of talents and confidence at the final recital every year. Definitely recommend this camp to all aspiring young musicians in the DMV area!"

"Our six year old just completed the group Violin Beginnings Level 1 and 2 classes with Claire Allen and we have been SO pleased with the experience! Violin is a challenging instrument that requires a strong foundation, and providing that kind of foundation to 4-6 year olds is no small task. The class curriculum is incredibly thoughtful and well tailored to this age range - our daughter has both enjoyed the experience and learned so much, and we really appreciate the focus on form, routine practice, and other basics while still keeping things fun for the child. We loved the slow build of skills and the little songs used to teach students things like the different strings or encourage them to practice things like their bow hold. Also appreciated the introduction to a diverse range of composers and violinists by featuring one per week. We have deep respect for how Claire works with these young students - she strikes a great balance between holding families to a high standard of committment and practice while also recognizing that life happens and kids are kids - they want to move and sing and be silly. All in all, we're really grateful to have found this program and would highly recommend it for those looking to begin a committed but fun and child-appropriate violin journey!"

"My son has studied violin with Ms. Claire for over 7 years, starting when he was still in pre school. As a violinist myself, I sought to find a teacher who was kind but firm, who would focus on a strong foundation, but would be flexible enough to work with a young child. Ms. Claire is a perfect mix of these things. She is patient but has high standards, and has made sure my son masters topics both physically and musically before moving forward. Her teaching repertoire includes both traditional Suzuki but also music from women and minority composers. Her manner of introducing new pieces includes art and storytelling, truly engaging students in each new piece. Students in Ms. Claire's studio perform multiple times per semester in solo and group capacities. They are given the opportunity to develop relationships with other students who are at all different points in their musical journeys, and learn what it means to play in a group, learning from each other. Aside from being a teacher, Ms. Claire is an extraordinary violinist, and we have had the opportunity to hear her play in groups and as a soloist around the area. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a violin teacher."

"We’ve been with Mason Academy for 5 years and love it. Our older daughter started violin at the Academy when she was five. Her sister is now taking piano classes there. Ms. Hannah is an excellent violin teacher. She sets high expectations while makes lessons enjoyable. Office staff is very friendly, helpful and responsive. My daughter also enjoyed the supplemental group classes and summer camps there. They run wonderful recital weekends twice a year. We’re lucky to have found the Academy."

"I have been very pleased with my daughter's experience learning violin at the Academy. Her teacher, Hannah Price, is so dedicated and has thoughtfully tailored lessons to my daughter's unique challenges/strengths, presenting material in a manner that is interesting and effective. Ms. Price does a skillful job pushing my daughter just the right amount for where she's at and prioritizing issues to address. My daughter is learning so much, not just about technique/musicality, but also about accurate self-assessment. I also benefitted from attending a special event sponsored by the Academy on how parents can support their children in their practice, which was a cool bonus that provided a lot of valuable information. In addition, the administration is easy to work with and the recitals are very well-organized."