Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts / Classes & Programs
Early Childhood ProgramsAges 6 and under
MCA is the best place to give your child a great start in the arts.
Because our instructors are so in-tune with the developmental stages and needs of children of this age your child will leave each class with a bounce in their step and eagerly return each week. MCA instructors know just how to strike just the right chord between creating fun, playful learning, and building a solid foundation in the arts. Children as young as 18 months old may start exploring the magical world of dance along with a special grown-up in their life in our “My Grown-up & Me” class.
See the handy chart below to help you decide which class is right for your child or click on the division below to explore offerings that are specifically designed for students ages 6 and under.
Art | Dance | Music | Theatre | Family Programs
Mindful Moves and Artful Journaling Camp
Kids will love this camp that infuses creative journaling, movement, yoga, and mindfulness. Campers will explore their senses as they create, listen to music, build their sensory awareness, while they enjoy the sunshine during this outdoor program. Parents will also breathe a little easier knowing that their kids are learning new tricks to regulate their emotions, build positive self-image and ways to explore with new art materials. Campers will be required to follow MCA’s COVID Code of Conduct.
Day/ Dates: Monday-Friday, Aug. 2-6
Time: 9am-12pm
Ages: 6-12 years (separated in groups)
Instructors: Megan Peterson & Brianna Haupt
Location: Outside Valencia Arts Center (moved inside if inclement weather)
Fee: $129*
* Campers will need to bring a mask, towel or yoga mat, water bottle, and snack daily.
Everything Art Kit
This inclusive kit has everything you need to get started creating on your own. If you want a want to dive a little deeper you can access previously recorded MCA art lessons to learn about blending and creating with oil pastels, perspective drawing, colored pencil techniques, doodling word art and more. This kit is perfect for all ages, but is a perfect addition to a homeschooling curriculum.
What's included (colors or brands may vary): 24 oil pastels, 12 colored pencils, masking tape, washi tape, pencil sharpener, ebony pencil, tortillion (blending stub), eraser, black fineliner pen, 2 gel pens, 12 piece watercolor pan, paint brush, 10 pieces of paper of different textured and colored paper (including a blank postcard and bookmarks), tip sheets and link for access to pre-recorded MCA classes
Instructors: access to recordings of previously recorded MCA Art Classes
Fees: $29 (at-home art kit with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12per order, kits can be mailed anywhere in the US)
Mystery Art Kit
Sick of hearing “I’m Bored”? We have just the cure… our MCA Mystery Art Kits will inspire and provide hours of unplugged entertainment. No two kits are the same and they are designed with the student’s age in mind. Order yours today and let the adventure begin! Each unique kit will contain:
- One set of coloring supplies such as oil pastels, colored pencils, paint, watercolor pencils, crayons or markers
- One binding material such as elmer’s glue, mod podge, glue stick, or masking tape
- A variety of surfaces to create on such as a postcard, book mark, artist paper, exclusive coloring pages created by MCA staff, and or construction paper.
- An art challenge guide created by MCA art faculty to help spark the artist within
- Other surprise items such as model magic, stickers, DIY masks, or props
- Links to previously recorded MCA visual art classes (if you have purchased a kit, here is the link to the password protected special access site.)
- Invitation to share photos of your creations to be featured on MCA’s social media
Dates: Available Aug. 1- Dec. 15 (self-paced)
Instructors: Self-paced booklet with 8 creative challenges created by Brianna Haupt and access to recordings of previously recorded MCA Art Classes.
Fees: In-person $24 (at-home art kit with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US)
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. Virtual and in-person lessons are available.
- 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.
My Grown up & Me
Does your child love to move? Children ages 18 months to 3 years are invited to explore a new environment and connect with a special grown-up in their life. This class will stimulate coordination, balance, and listening skills and will be filled with smiles to last a lifetime! Grown-ups attending will be asked to participate along with their child.
Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, Sept. 1-Nov. 3
Time: 3:30-4:00 p.m.
Ages: 18 mo.–3 years (by Aug. 1)
Cost: $80
Instructor: Jessica Dienger
Creative Movement
Children will look forward to class each week as they creatively explore the world of movement while also gaining dance foundations such as balance and spatial awareness.
Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, Sept. 1-Nov. 3
Time: 4-4:30 p.m.
Ages: 3–5 years (by Aug. 1)
Cost: $80
Instructor: Jessica Dienger
Dance Adventures
Do you have a little one who loves to twist and spin and dance around the room? If so, they will love this sampler class, which is a blend of creative movement, ballet technique and games. Students will love expressing themselves through movement, gaining knowledge of different dance forms, and benefiting from moving in space with others.
Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.
Day/Dates: Tuesdays, Aug. 31-Nov. 16
Times: Section A: 4-4:30pm
Section B: 4:30-5pm
Age: 4-6 years (by Aug 1)
Location: Inside Valencia Arts Center
Fee: $80
Instructor: Jenn Bechle
Pre-Ballet for 4 year-olds
Playful and engaging first steps into classical ballet. Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.
Day/Dates: Thursdays, Sept. 30-Nov. 4 (No class Oct. 7)
Time: 4-4:30 pm
Age: 4 (by Aug 1)
Price: $48
Instructor: Rachael Ryan
Pre-Ballet for 5 year-olds
An imaginative, technique-based introduction to classical ballet perfect for your 5 year-old. Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.
Day/Dates: Thursdays, Sept. 30-Nov. 4 (No class Oct. 7)
Time: 4:30-5:15 pm
Age: 5 (by Aug. 1)
Price: $48
Instructor: Rachael Ryan
Beginning Ballet
Continued introduction to classical ballet. Designed to build coordination, strength and body awareness through a range of creative techniques perfect for your 6 year-old. Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.
Day/Dates: Thursdays, Sept. 30-Nov. 4 (No class Oct. 7)
Time: 5:30 -6:30pm
Fee: $52
Age: 6 (by Aug. 1)
Instructor: Rachael Ryan
Fee: $54
New to Ballet? We know that finding dancewear can be hard in our area, but please don't worry. Thanks to donations we are happy to offer families gentled used dancewear to families in need. Please contact our office to inquire at: mca@smumn.edu.
Tap for Kids
An introduction to the fundamentals of tap dance for youth ages 5-7. Students will engage in rhythm games and tap exercises through this fun, rhythm filled class.
Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.
Day/Dates: Mondays, Aug. 30-Nov. 1 (No class Sept. 6)
Time: 4:30-5:15 p.m.
Age: Ages 5-7 (by Aug. 1)
Location: Inside the Valencia Arts Center
Instructor: Avin Honecker-Sherman
Fee: $81
.Tap shoes available in most sizes available through our free tap shoe lending program.
Irish I
Introduction to Irish Dance technique. Students will learn basic jig and reel steps, along with ceili dances.
Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.
Day/Dates: Thursdays, Sept. 2- Nov. 4
Time: 4:15-5:00 p.m.
Age: 6 years & up
Price: $90
Instructor: Alanna Pelowski
Dance Me a Story
Are you ready to step on stage? Then you will love this camp. During this one week experience you will work with classmates to tell a story using ballet, creative movement, and theatre. Participants will even have the opportunity to craft their own costumes and design scenery in preparations for an informal outdoor performance on the last day of camp for friends and family. Campers (and friends and family on the last day) will be required to follow MCA’s COVID Code of Conduct.
Day/ Dates: Monday-Friday, June 21-25
Time: 1-4pm
Ages: 6-9
Location: Outside & inside Valencia Arts Center
Instructors: Rachael Ryan & Caitilin McCoy
Fee:$129 *
* Campers will need to bring a mask, towel or sit-upon, water bottle, and snack daily.
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 4 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.
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
OFFICE HOURS
Fall 2021 Hours (Aug. 31-Nov. 5)
Monday- Thursday- 8am-6:30pm
Friday- 8am-3pm
Saturday- 8:45am-1pm
Closed Sept. 6, 2021
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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