Classes & Programs
Adult ProgramsWhether you’re exploring music for the first time, renewing your passion for dance, or continuing to develop your skills, you’ll find just what you’re looking for.
With a variety of programs, parent discounts, and college credit options Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts has something for everyone. Register Now for a Free Trial of any of our Adult Fitness Classes!
Let MCA help you stay fit and enrich your life through the arts. Want to try out a dance class for free? Join us for our annual Free-4-All event in Jan. or visit our event listings to see where we might be offering programs throughout the community. Also don’t forget to take advantage of our parent discounts and university student discounts.
Adult Fitness
Seeding Vitality Art Workshops
Adult Fitness & Dance Classes
NEW! Adult Modern
Drawing on various expressions and somatic techniques this class will focus on body alignment and awareness, full body expression and overall strengthening to establish a strong mind-body connection. Classwork will start with warm-up exercises in center and move into joyful and dynamic phrases across the floor as well as include structured improvisation.
Day/Dates: Tuesdays, May 12-June 9
Time: 7- 8 p.m.
Cost: $45
Age: Ages 14 & up
Instructor: R. Racki
Open Ballet
Experience the artistry of ballet while gaining flexibility, placement, strength, and fluidity in this ballet technique and conditioning class. All levels are welcome, no experience necessary.
Day/Dates:
Winter (B): Mondays, March 2–Apr. 27, $96 (No class Apr. 13)
Spring (A): Mondays, May 11–June 8,, $36 (No class May 25)
Age: Ages 14 & up
Instructor: A. Honecker-Sherman
MCA Punch Card Accepted
Barre
Are you ready for a new challenge? Make the time in your schedule for this high-energy, low-impact workout taught by a certified instructor. A unique combination of strength work and cardio intervals that will reshape your muscles while elevating your heart rate. You will leave stronger in both body and mind. Whether you have a limited or extensive background in dance, you will love this fast-moving, fun style of exercise. Attend twice a week for optimal results!
Day/Dates:
Winter (C): Tuesdays, March 3–Apr. 28, $72 (no class April 14)
Winter (D): Wednesdays, March 4–Apr. 29, $72 (no class April 15)
Spring (B):Thursdays, May 14- June 11, $45 (5 weeks)
Summer (A): Tuesdays, July 7-Aug.11, $72 (8 weeks)
Summer (B): Thursdays, July 9-Aug. 13, $72 (8 weeks)
Age: Ages 14 & up
Instructor: J. Dienger, M. Peterson, and A. Kline
MCA Punch Card Accepted for all Barre Classes
Yoga
Start your week off right with Yoga! Get ready to improve your flexibility and build strength as you move through yoga postures and relaxation exercises.
Fall (A): Mondays, Aug. 26-Oct.14 (no class Sept. 2), 7:00-8:00 pm, $63 (7 classes)
Fall (B): Mondays, Oct.21- Dec. 16 (no class Nov. 25), 7:00-8:00 pm, $72 (8 classes)
Age: Ages 14 & up
Instructor: Avin Honecker-Sherman
Adult Tap
Back by popular demand, Christine Martin will lead adults through this fun, rhythm-filled class. No experience necessary. An introduction to tap dance. All levels welcome, no experience necessary. Join us for a toe-tappin’, foot stompin’ good time! (Tap shoes in some sizes are available for loan)
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, April 1-May 27
Time: 6-7pm
Age: 14 and older
Fee: $81
Instructor: J. Baechle
*Punch card eligible, but regular attendance or past tap experience is recommend.
Progressing Ballet Technique
This class utilizes exercise balls and bands to develop muscle memory for increasing strength, stability, flexibility and range of motion for all dance genres, but is specifically designed for the demands of ballet technique. A small class size of only 8-10 ensures that each dancer has the benefit of personal corrections from the instructor. Dancers aged 12 and up are welcome, no experience necessary for the Beg/Int. class. No discounts may be applied to this class.
Beginning/ Intermediate Level: Wednesdays, May 13-June 10, 7-8 p.m.
Intermediate/Advanced Level: Wednesdays, May 13-June 10, 4:15-5:15 p.m.
Age: 12 years+
Fee: $45
Instructor: T. Schmidt, Licensed and Certified PBT Instructor
Adult Art Classes
Learn to Draw from Perspective
Explore art from a new perspective! Learn how to draw ONE and TWO point perspective! Want to learn how to design or draw your bedroom? Maybe draw a beautiful city view? Take this opportunity to enhance your drawing experience and learn how to create your own perspective drawing.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, March 11-April 1
Times & Ages: 4:30-5:30 (4-8th grade)
5:30-6:30pm (Ages 14+)
Fee: $29
Instructor: Grace Gillis, guided by MCA Faculty. Grace is an Education Major with an Art minor who is combining her love of education and the arts. She is looking forward to sharing her knowledge and skills with the community.
Virtual Arts for All Houston County Residents
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is excited to announce NEW virtual programming for both youth and adults in collaboration with Caledonia Public Library and Mainspring in June. Due to COVID-19, this collaborative group had to cancel in-person creative classes previously scheduled for spring and summer 2020. However, thanks to the dedication of funders and partners, we are excited to bring virtual creative and cultural classes to you at home! All of these events are FREE to Houston County residents, but registration is required.
This project is made possible with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the people of Minnesota for Library Legacy activities.
With beautiful bluffs, owls, and barn quilts, what's not to love about Houston County? Now is your chance to create mini-pictures of your favorite spots and features of your home. You will learn how to play with color, blending, and design during this one-of-a-kind class.
Pre-packaged materials for this class will be provided for free, thanks to our funders. Once registered, you will receive an email with details for curbside pick-up or delivery. Each registered participant will also receive access to a series of short adult mindful stretching and chair yoga videos created by Mainspring to enjoy at home.
Do you love to paint, draw, & sculpt? Youth ages 5-10 are invited to flex their creativity muscles while creating and connecting with others virtually. Each week you will explore new artistic materials and concepts. This session will focus on explorations with oil pastels and drawing techniques. Each participant will receive their very own home art kit including oil pastels, an artist pencil, special paper and more.
Pre-packed materials for this class will be provided for free, thanks to our funders. Once registered, you will receive an email with details for curbside pick-up or delivery. Registrants also receive a series of short downloadable youth yoga classes and Houston County Activity Book created by Mainspring.
Adult Music Programs
Valéncia Chorale
The Valéncia Chorale is a community mixed choir open to singers in the Winona area. Under the direction of Dr. Patrick O’Shea, the Valéncia Chorale explores music of a wide range of periods and genres, presenting two season concerts per year in the beautiful Chapel of St. Mary of the Angels or other area venues. Singers are expected to complete a placement audition, which may be done following registration. Prior choral experience and music reading ability are helpful, but not required. The ensemble rehearses once weekly on Thursdays, 7:15 to 8:45 inside the recital hall inside the Valéncia Arts Center (MCA's home).
Dates: Winter session rehearsals begin Jan. 16
Rehearsal Days/Times: Thursdays, 7:15-8:45pm
Performance Day: The Concert Scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2020 has been postponed due to the COVID-19, a new date is TBD.
Under the Direction of: Dr. Patrick O'Shea
Ages: Adults (and ages 14-17 with consent of Director)
Cost: $40 for Winter participation
Class Piano for Adults: Keyboard Musicianship Level I
Have you always wanted to learn to play the piano? Here is your chance to enjoy a low–stress introduction to the keyboard! This course is designed for students who have never taken piano lessons or have taken lessons a long time ago. The training in this class intends to create musical experiences that will enhance your keyboard playing skills and also your life. The only prerequisites are that you wish to learn and want to have fun in our brand new, state-of-the-art piano lab.
Date: Jan. 14-March 3, 8 weeks
Day and Time: Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Ages: 18-Adult
Fee: $152 (textbook not included)*
Instructor: L. Mechell
* Textbook for Keyboard Musicianship Level I,II, and III is purchased by participant and used for all three levels: Keyboard Fundamentals for Adult Beginners," Seventh edition by James Lyke, Denise Edwards, Geoffrey Haydon, Ronald Chioldi, and Lee Evans 2017. ISBN: 978-1-60904-503-6, published by Stripes Publishing Company.
Class Piano for Adults: Keyboard Musicianship Levels II & III
Once you complete Keyboard Musicianship I or II, pick up exactly where you left off to continue your musical journey! These classes are designed for students who wish to continue developing their keyboard skills at the next level.
Date: Jan. 14-March 3, 8 weeks
Day and Time: Level II: 1–2 p.m., Level III: noon–1 p.m.
Ages: 18-Adult
Fee: $152 (textbook not included)*
Instructor: L. Mechell
* Textbook for Keyboard Musicianship Level I,II, and III is purchased by participant and used for all three levels: Keyboard Fundamentals for Adult Beginners," Seventh edition by James Lyke, Denise Edwards, Geoffrey Haydon, Ronald Chioldi, and Lee Evans 2017. ISBN: 978-1-60904-503-6, published by Stripes Publishing Company.
Private Lessons
MCA offers private lessons for all ages and abilities! Our experienced teaching artists prepare students for a lifetime enjoyment of music.
Private lessons are offered year-round. Instruction available in flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, violin, cello, guitar, bass. piano, percussion, and voice. Students will be expected to purchase method books the instructor feels best address the student’s needs. Students have the opportunity to perform during MCA’s annual fall, winter and summer concerts and other performance opportunities based upon instructor recommendations. Some instruments such as the violin, guitar and piano are better suited for young students, if you have a young child who is interested in learning an instrument please contact us at 507-453-5500 for more information or by filling out a registration form indicating an instrument of interest. Many instruments are also being offered online during the COVID-19 Outbreak.
- 4, 30 minute lessons- $76
- 8, 30 minute lessons- $144
- 12, 30 minute lessons- $204
45 minute and 1 hour lessons may be arranged for more advanced students.
Lesson dates and times: Arranged between MCA instructor and student/family.
Music & Discounts
University Student Dance Connection
If you are currently enrolled in a university or college, present your student I.D. when registering and receive a 50% discount off your total MCA dance tuition. Not applicable for private music or dance lessons.
Adult Arts Wellness Discount
Parents who have a child/children enrolled at MCA may enjoy any of our adult course offerings at a reduced fee of $20. This is limited to one class per parent during the semester in which the student is also registered.
University Credit
A variety of upper level dance credits including Ballet III-VI, Jazz III/IV, Tap III/IV and Modern III/IV may be taken for University credit by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota students. Students in their junior and senior years of high school who participate in Post Secondary Education option may also take selected MCA classes for Saint Mary’s University credit. Visit their website for more information about courses and SMUMN Dance program.
Family Programs
With busy work and school schedules we know it can be hard to find time to do things as a family so in addition to producing a variety of music, theatre and dance performances for you and your family to enjoy we have four classes that will help families make memories, get creative and learn together. Below are descriptions of our Family Classes, but you may also want to check out our Events listing to find out about #MCAontheGo events & performances out in the community.
It’s time to Shim Sham!!!
In honor of National Tap Dance Day, join MCA instructor Christine Martin, among others, as we celebrate this historic event on Sunday, May 31st at 6:30 pm. Our virtual celebration from home will include dancing the Shim Sham Shimmy on screen together, a mini Tap jam with improvisation, and Tap trivia with prizes!
Creative Aging Art in a Box Class
MCA is so excited to be continuing to offer unique programs geared towards adults ages 55+. During this home based class, each participant will get a package of supplies to create with over the 8-week period as well as guided lesson plans. However, unlike other DIY (Do-it-Yourself) art kits, students be sending and receiving postcards from other area residents and receiving check-ins by the instructor. Registrations can expect to learn new artistic techniques, be encouraged to set aside time to be creative, and feel more connected to others during this challenging time. Please see the description below for class details.
Virtual Music Division Concert
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) invites you to join us on Friday, May 29th at 6:30 pm on our Facebook Page or You Tube Channel as we premiere our first ever virtual Music Division Concert. The concert will feature instrumentals and vocalist of all ages who have studied music at MCA since Fall 2019. A couple of MCA instructors will even perform.
LOCATION & CONTACT
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts
1164 West Howard (10th) Street
Winona, MN 55987
Phone: 507-453-5500
Fax: 507-453-5507
E-Mail: mca@smumn.edu
HOURS
All in-person MCA programs and performances are cancelled through May 8, 2020 in a response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Phone calls and emails will be responded to during this time.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
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