Why Study Here?

“Without reservation, I would recommend the Dewberry School of Music to prospective students. George Mason University prepared me to be the musician, teacher, and professional that I am today.” – BM Music Education
All Steinway School

The Dewberry School of Music is an All-Steinway School with Steinway grand pianos in each of our practice rooms and teaching studios. In total, students have access to a collection of 68 meticulously maintained Steinway pianos for practice and performance.  

“There is not enough space here to articulate my gratitude. The dedicated faculty at George Mason supported me, encouraged me, and provided me with a top-rate music education at the postgraduate level. Most importantly, my professors all modeled excellence in academics, musicianship, professionalism, leadership, and pedagogy. I have tried to carry this forward in my role as a conductor, educator, and administrator.” – DMA
Benefiactor, Sid Dewberry and Mason President shaking hands.
Nationally Accredited

Our nationally accredited school has recently received accolades from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) for our outstanding programs. Former George Mason President Ángel Cabrera shakes hands with major benefactor and long-time supporter, the late Sid Dewberry. In February 2020, the school was renamed the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music, in honor of the Dewberrys’ lifetime legacy of giving and generous support of the school. 

“George Mason enabled me to acquire a very broad musical background, and to explore key interests beyond the piano, including arranging and conducting. It provided me with many, many hands-on opportunities to do so, as well as the opportunity to make connections among many friends and supporters of the arts – connections that I will cherish for a lifetime.” – BM Performance
Director of the Dewberry School of music, Dr. Linda Monson, playing on the stage of the Center for the Arts
Exceptional Faculty

The combined experience of our world-class faculty in solo, chamber, symphonic, jazz, operatic, contemporary, and world music is extensive. Our faculty includes published composers and recognized scholars in musicology, theory, music education, pedagogy, and ethnomusicology. Dr. Linda Apple Monson is not just a renowned pianist in her own right but also the director of keyboard studies and director of the Dewberry School of Music. Read Dr. Monson's Letter of Welcome.

“Without George Mason, I would not be a music educator, [nor] have the performance opportunities that have come my way.” – BM Music Education
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Premier Facilities

From day one, our students perform on our magnificent stages such as the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the Science and Technology campus.

“[My] training as a conductor provided opportunities to learn, explore, and grow. That led directly to my success in my initial career as a band conductor in education and the military.” – MA Conducting
Music students Sophie, Byran, Dylan and Sophie welcome Michelle Obama during her visit to Mason, a close neighbor just to the south of the capital.
Proximity to our Nation’s Capital

Music students Sophie, Byran, Dylan and Sophie getting ready to welcome Michelle Obama during her visit to Mason, a close neighbor just to the south of the capital.

 

“[The Dewberry School of Music] showed me the work ethic that I needed to have to earn the success that I want.” – BM Music Education
Ladama Guest Artists at Mason
Guest Artists

Our students learn from some of the world’s most successful artists in masterclasses, workshops, and artist conversations. Latin powerhouse, Ladama, recently shared their love of music making with a music class.

“I am so glad that I made the choice to come to George Mason. George Mason is the top music education program in the DMV area.” – BM Music Education
Leonard Wekesa demonstrates an East African instrument to Mason students on study abroad trip
Global Perspective

Leonard Wekesa, a choral conductor from Nairobi, Kenya, demonstrates a native instrument called a nyatiti, to George Mason music students on an East Africa study abroad trip.

“I grew immensely as a musician at George Mason. My studies with the music faculty put me on the path to success in academia.” – MA Conducting
Mason Alum Vinnie Oppido is now a rising talent in Hollywood
Outstanding Career Prospects

Alumnus Vincent Oppido (MM Conducting 2010) is a rising talent in Hollywood. His music has been performed and recorded in Europe and Japan, and across the United States from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood scoring stages of Warner Brothers and Sony Pictures Studios. He even composed Mason’s alma mater, Patriot Pride. Here, he is at AIR Studios Lyndhurst, UK, recording the new Ident for a future Warhammer media.

“My experience at George Mason helped guide me to my [many] years of teaching students how to love music and to make great moments through music.” – BM Music Education, MM Performance