Teaching Scholars

Music outreach program in schools

Teaching Scholars: In-School Service Program

The Teaching Scholars program was introduced in Fall 2010 in partnership with Mason’s School of Music. Selected Mason music education majors were chosen as “Teaching Scholars”. These Scholars gained hands-on experiences working with school age children, grades 4-6, using faculty-directed curriculum in local elementary schools.

Through this program, elementary school children were given supplemental instruction to enrich their musical experiences, along with instruments provided through our Instruments in the Attic program to use and practice with during the school year. Instruction took place once a week in the selected school during after school hours. Experiences included direct instrumental teaching and other musical study such as improvisation, listening, and composition. Participating students were identified by the school’s music teachers and administration, based on a set of criteria that indicated significant barriers to quality arts education.

The Teaching Scholars also assisted with one Mason Fairfax Campus visit for the students each semester.  These field trips included attendance to a School of Music concert performance. Partnering schools assisted with the transportation logistics.

Learn more about our “International Teaching Scholars” initiative, a collaborative effort between Mason Community Arts Academy (formerly Potomac Art Academy), Mason’s School of Music and the Sistema Nacional de Educacion Musical (SiNEM) in Costa Rica!

Teaching Scholars in Action

“Taking part in the Teaching Scholars program has been a real treat of mine this year and I am delighted to have been able to share my love of music with such fine and deserving young musicians at Woodburn. The ability to witness musical progress and individual growth throughout my time at Woodburn was and continues to be a great reward and source of personal inspiration. Seeing students’ faces light up with joy and enthusiasm during each and every class was a powerful reminder of the importance of what music educators do on a daily basis. Music is a vital component of a complete and well-rounded education and I truly believe that the outreach work of the Potomac Arts Academy is changing the lives of countless students for the better.”

Vincent Prinzivalli, BM Music Education, Mason Class of 2012

We depend on donations to help fund this program.
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