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Programs and Activities for Toddlers & Kids – Up to 7 Years

Early Childhood Programs

Looking for fun, arts-oriented activities for your baby, toddler, or young child? The Potomac Arts Academy in Fairfax, VA offers a wide range of interactive classes covering music, movement, and art.

Semester: Spring 2012 (mid/February to mid/May)

Click Here To Register! Fall 2012 registration coming soon!

CLASSES FOR TODDLERS 16 MO. - 3 YRS. :

  • SING, DANCE, CREATE! : Tuesdays, 10:45AM-11:30AM, start Feb 14
    CLOSED 02/14/12
    ARTISTIC ANIMALS! Join us on an artistic, musical and dancing adventure on the farm! Visit with horses, cows, silly pigs, friendly dogs, and other friends as we travel around the farm and fields in song and story. Children will spend time investigating how animals sound and move in this creative and playful class. Through a combination of teacher and self directed activities, we will work to develop rhythmic, listening, movement, and singing skills. In addition, we'll explore various fine art projects through hands-on work with color, shape and form in different art media and techniques. The Potomac Arts Academy is dedicated to utilizing the arts as an enjoyable and effective educational tool. Our early childhood programs are specifically designed to be both arts intensive and well rounded. Note: A caregiver must be present for the entirety of this program.
    Teacher: Kathy Preisinger COST: $185 + $10 supply fee (10 classes)
    02/14, 02/21, 02/28, 03/06, 03/20, 03/27, 04/10, 04/17, 04/24, 05/01,*
    *05/08 reserved for Make Up Day due to inclement weather, etc.
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  • SING, DANCE, CREATE! : Tuesdays, 5:45PM-6:30PM, start Feb 14
    CLOSED 02/14/12
    Same as above
    Teacher: Beth Frook COST: $185 + $10 supply fee (10 classes)
    02/14, 02/21, 02/28, 03/06, 03/20, 03/27, 04/10, 04/17, 04/24, 05/01,*
    *05/08 reserved for Make Up Day due to inclement weather, etc.
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CLASSES FOR PRESCHOOL 3 YRS. - 5 YRS. :

  • SING, DANCE, CREATE!: Tuesdays, 9:45AM-10:30AM, start Feb 14
    CLOSED 02/14/12
    ARTISTIC ANIMALS! Join us on an artistic, musical and dancing adventure on the farm! Visit with horses, cows, silly pigs, friendly dogs, and other friends as we travel around the farm and fields in song and story. Children will spend time investigating how animals sound and move in this creative and playful class. Through a combination of teacher and self directed activities, we will work to develop rhythmic, listening, movement, and singing skills. In addition, we'll explore various fine art projects through hands-on work with color, shape and form in different art media and techniques. The Potomac Arts Academy is dedicated to utilizing the arts as an enjoyable and effective educational tool. Our early childhood programs are specifically designed to be both arts intensive and well rounded. Note: A caregiver must be present for the last 10 minutes of this program.
    Teacher: Kathy Preisinger COST: $185 + $10 supply fee (10 classes)
    02/14, 02/21, 02/28, 03/06, 03/20, 03/27, 04/10, 04/17, 04/24, 05/01,*
    *05/08 reserved for Make Up Day due to inclement weather, etc.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------
  • SING, DANCE, CREATE!: Tuesdays, 6:45PM-7:30PM, start Feb 14
    Same as above
    Teacher: Beth Frook COST: $185 + $10 supply fee (10 classes)
    02/14, 02/21, 02/28, 03/06, 03/20, 03/27, 04/10, 04/17, 04/24, 05/01,*
    *05/08 reserved for Make Up Day due to inclement weather, etc.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------

CLASSES FOR YOUNG KIDS 4 YRS. - 7 YRS. :

  • MUSIC SAMPLER/Ages 4-7: Thursdays, 5:30PM-6:15PM, start Feb 16
    Explore musical possibilities for your child! Our 10 week program is an ideal way to allow your child to explore a wide variety of musical offerings in a fun and relaxed setting. Participants will learn the basics of general music while exploring strings, piano and rhythm. Instruments will be provided for each session, giving every participant a chance to experience, explore and learn about music. Just come and play!
    (Piano 4 weeks, Strings 4 weeks, Rhythm through percussion 2 weeks)
    Teacher: Rebecca Lewis COST: $285 (10 classes)
    02/16, 02/23, 03/01, 03/08, 03/22, 03/29, 04/12, 04/19, 04/26, 05/03,*
    *05/10 reserved for Make Up Day due to inclement weather, etc.
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  • Beg. Strings 1/ Ages 4-7: Mondays, 4:30PM-5:15PM, start Feb 13
    Begin your kids on a symphonic journey through life! Beginning Strings is a course for students ages 4-7. In this class, students will learn the basic set-up of the violin, how to play songs in a group setting, and become familiar with the viola and cello. By the end of the session, students will be able to perform simple melodies on their instruments. A parent is required to attend, participate, and practice with their child outside of class. Instrument purchase/rental recommendations will be provided. This class will use a combination of both traditional and Suzuki methods of instruction.
    Teacher: Rebecca Lewis COST: $285 (10 classes)
    02/13, 02/20, 02/27, 03/05, 03/19, 03/26, 04/09, 04/16, 04/23, 04/30,*
    *05/07 reserved for Make Up Day due to inclement weather, etc
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  • Beg. Strings 2/ Ages 4-7: Tuesdays, 4:30PM-5:15PM, start Feb 14
    CLOSED 02/14/12
    Continuation of Beginning Strings 1 (or with instructor's permission)
    Teacher: Rebecca Lewis COST: $285 (10 classes)
    02/14, 02/21, 02/28, 03/06, 03/20, 03/27, 04/10, 04/17,*, 05/01, 05/08
    *04/24 reserved for Make Up Day due to inclement weather, etc.
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  • Art Adventures/Ages 4-7:Saturdays, 11:30AM-12:45PM, start Feb 18
    Instill in your children a love for art and storytelling by having them explore their imaginations to create faraway lands and fantastical creatures in various 2D and 3D media! Week by week, they will bring their imaginary worlds to life in drawings, paintings, collages, and sculptures, while also learning the elements and principles of art. *IMPORTANT: The Supply Fee covers basic materials to participate in the class (handed out on the first day). Additional supplies may be needed/desired. The instructor will provide a list of these materials, and students can either purchase these items or bring their own.
    Teacher:Briton Camphouse COST: $285 + $30 supply fee (10 classes)
    02/18, 02/25, 03/03, 03/10, 03/24, 03/31, 04/14, 04/21, 04/28, 05/05,*
    *05/12 reserved for Make Up Day due to inclement weather, etc.
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  • Piano Classes starting from Age 6 SEE PIANO CLASSES
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I'M REGISTERED! NOW WHAT DO I DO? CLICK HERE

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de Laski building at Mason
RECITALS: (optional)
Potomac students 4 years and older are encouraged to perform in the Fall and/or Spring recital on the GMU campus. The recital is held in the wonderful deLaski Performing Arts space (equipped with a Steinway concert grand piano). Friends and family are welcome to attend the recital, which is free and open to the public- followed by light refreshments. After all of your hard work during the semester, come and show your talents! There is NO recital fee for participation.
Spring 2012 Recital Date: May 12th & 13th

Digital Piano LabLOCATION:
All of our Early Childhood Classes (except for "Art Adventures"*) take place at the Potomac Arts Academy building, less than a mile from GMU campus on Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax VA. Parking is free.

Our address:
4260 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030

GET DIRECTIONS!
* "Art Adventures" takes place in the School of Art & Design building on the Mason campus.

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TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL / MUSIC & MOVEMENT TEACHERS:

Kathy Preisinger Kathy Preisinger of Little Hands Little Hands

Hello, I teach Early Childhood Music & Movement. Click here to read more about me!
Kathy Preisinger has been teaching Little Hands classes since 1997, and teaches studio flute and recorder lessons. Kathy is Master Certified (Level 3) in Orff Schulwerk from the GMU Potomac Arts Academy and has been a valuable contributing member of the writing teams of several early-childhood programs of curricula for Kindermusik International and Little Hands. She received her Bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University, and a Master's degree from Southern Methodist University, both in Music Performance. She has maintained teaching studios in Texas, California, and Alabama.
Email Kathy Preisinger

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Beth Frook Beth Frook of Little Hands Little Hands

Hello, I teach Early Childhood Music & Movement. Click here to read more about me!
Beth Frook is the Director of "Little Hands", an award-winning program offering music and movement classes to children and families in the Greater Washington DC area. Beth taught the first Little Hands Kindermusik classes in 1993. In 2000, Beth was awarded "Maestro" status by Kindermusik International, signifying her as director of one of the top studio programs in the country. Beth has a BA from George Washington University along with vocal and piano training. She has Level I Orff Schulwerk certification and is a member of the NAEYC.  She has been active on National and local Boards of several early childhood music associations, as well as presented at conventions and seminars for music educators and early childhood teachers nationally and in the EU. Ms. Frook has been instrumental in bringing to life Potomac's Early Childhood arts intensive programs. Beth loves making music with children and parents!
Email Beth Frook

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MUSIC AND ART TEACHERS FOR YOUNG KIDS:

Ina Mirtcheva Ina Mirtcheva

Hello, I teach Piano Class for Kids, Teens, and Adults. Click here to read more about me!
Ina Radeva Mirtcheva started playing the piano when she was five years old. From 1st to 9th grade, she attended L. Pipkov Music School in Sofia, Bulgaria studying piano with K. Karadimchev. In 1998, she moved with her family to the United States and was part of the honors program at Levine School of Music in Washington DC. Ms. Mirtcheva earned her Bachelors and Masters of Music in Piano Performance from George Mason University, studying piano with Dr. Anna Balakerskaia. She earned a second Masters in Instrumental Collaborative Piano at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where she had a full graduate scholarship and assistantship and studied piano and chamber music with James Tocco and Sandra Rivers. Currently she is back at George Mason where she is teaching and taking classes towards a Doctorate in Musical Arts, and is performing in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Ina also teaches Private Piano Lessons for Potomac.
Email Ina Mirtcheva

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Rebecca Lewis Rebecca Lewis

Hi, I teach Beginning Strings for Kids. Click here to read more about me!
Rebecca Lewis received her Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Penn State University in 2010. Rebecca has worked in the West Shore School District at Newberry and Fishing Creek Elementary schools as a general music teacher and choral director. She is currently working on her Masters Degree at George Mason University studying Viola Pedagogy. While living in Maryland and Pennsylvania, Rebecca studied with viola teachers, Sally Grobani, Pamela DeWall, Dr. Robert Lau, Dr. Timothy Deighton, Penn State University, and currently with Professor Nancy Thomas, George Mason University. Rebecca is also trained in Suzuki books 1-3. She has participated in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association orchestra festivals, the Wednesday Club Youth Chamber Orchestra, and Shippensburg University-Community Orchestra. During Rebecca's years at Penn State, she played in the Philharmonic Orchestra and viola ensemble. Currently, Rebecca is principal violist of the George Mason Symphony Orchestra. Rebecca loves teaching children how to find joy in playing string instruments
Email Rebecca Lewis

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Briton Camphouse Briton Camphouse

Hello, I teach Visual Art classes for Kids and Teens. Click here to read more about me!
Briton Camphouse lives in Washington DC and works at the Corcoran College of Art + Design. Briton earned her Bachelor's degree as a double major in Art and Art History, and she recently graduated with a Masters in Arts Management from George Mason University. She is Curator of the Buchanan Partners Art Gallery at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. Briton finds inspiration in nature and captures the beauty of the landscape through pencil drawings and paintings. Along with exploring the outdoors, she has a passion for studying the history of art and exploring techniques and creativity of past and present artists.
Email Briton Camphouse

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