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.
Arts for All Ages @ Caledonia Public Library
MCA is thrilled to be partnering with the Caledonia Public Library to bring a variety of arts opportunities to the Caledonia Community during 2020. This project is made possible with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the people of Minnesota for Library Legacy activities. All programs will be free to participate, however pre-registration through the Caledonia Public Library for the 8-week classes is requested due to limited class size. More details will be available soon on the Caledonia Public Library website.
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.
- 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.
The First Driftless Dance Festival
We are so excited that The Driftless Dance Festival will be happening in Winona, March 27-29, 2020. This new Festival is presented by the Page Series. As a partner Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is so excited to be providing workshop space inside the Valencia Arts Center and to have a dancers performing in the local dance showcase on Sunday. Three of our instructors will be leading workshops: Raina Racki will be leading Hula, Alanna Pelowski will be teaching basic Irish, and Tammy Schmidt will be leading a 2 hour intermediate/advanced Ballet Class that also doubles as an audition for the 2020 Summer Dance Intensive and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Dance Scholarship. Additionally, MCA alumni will be involved; Renée Copeland will be teaching Yorchha and Jarod Boltjes will be performing with James Sewell Ballet.
Join us and make music at The Playground
Children ages 4-7 years old are invited to join us on Thursday, Jan. 9th, 9:30am-10am at The Playground, Winona’s indoor park for an engaging music class. The class will be led by Minnesota Conservatory for Arts (MCA), new Music Explorers class instructor, Lindsy O’Shea.
5th Annual Free-4-All
Have you been waiting for just the right time to check out one of our classes? The wait is now over, MCA is having a Free-4-All… a day of free classes on Jan. 4, 2020, for the whole family! This event will feature classes for both youth and adults — so bring some friends and try a class or two. All classes are free. Space is limited so preregistration is recommended online, by phone or in person. This year you can try out new classes including our youth contemporary dance class and Balletone, our new adult fitness class!
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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