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
NEW! Kids Can Print
Get ready to explore the art of printmaking and monotypes. You will have the opportunity to learn the step by step process used to make an edition of prints or collection of monoprints.
Dates: Mondays, Jan. 6–20
Time/Ages: 4:30–5:30 p.m., grades 1–3
5:30–6:30 p.m., grades 4+
Cost: $ 59 (includes all supplies)
Instructor: B. Haupt
“Frozen” Dance and Art Adventure Workshop
There will be miles of smiles as students dance and craft their way through a magical journey unleashing their imaginations in this workshop centered around the movie “ Frozen” and perfectly timed to align with Winona’s Winter Carnival celebration and Frozen River Film Festival.
Day/Time: Saturday, Feb. 8th, 12:15 pm- 2:15 pm
Ages: Preschool (3-5 years) & K-2nd grade
Price: $19 (snack included)
Instructors: Location: R. Racki & A. Pelowski
Create a Comic Workshop
This workshop is in celebration of Free Comic Book Day (always the first Saturday in May). During the workshop, young artists will celebrate the art of comic books and learn how to create their very own comic. Drawing comics is a great way to promote literacy skills and an opportunity for kids to flex their creative muscles.
Date: Saturday, May 2
Time/Age: 9–10 a.m., grades K–2
10:15–11:45 a.m., grades 3–5
Noon–1:30 p.m., grades 6+
Cost: $15
Instructor: B. Haupt
Reflections Visual Arts Workshop
Come join MN PTA (Parent Teacher Association) Reflections Arts chair, Lori Ortega in an art class that will utilize the 2019-20 Reflections them, "Look Within." Express yourself through art! This hands-on, creative class, where each student will create their own art work.
2-Day Homeschool Workshop in celebration of Arts Education Week:
Day/Dates: Tuesday & Thurs, Sept. 10 & 12
Times & Ages: 10-11:30am, Grades K-8
Learn more about MCA's Homeschool Arts Enrichment Program.
Weekend Workshops:
Day/Dates: Saturday, Nov. 9
Times & Ages: 10-11:30 am, grades K-6
Instructor(s): Lori Ortega
Price: Free, but registration required
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.
NEW! Music Explorers
Come and explore music through singing, instrument play, and movement. We will experience steady beat, use symbolic music notation, improvise our own rhythms and melodies, and encounter music from around the world.
Day/Dates: Thursdays, Jan. 16-Feb. 27
Times: 9:30-10 a.m.
Ages: 4-7 years
Instructor(s): L. O'Shea
Cost: $33
NEW! Piano Discoveries I
Your child can begin his or her journey to a lifelong love of piano by joining us for this low–key, but engaging introductory group piano class. Students will have fun as they learn new songs and play games that will unlock musical skills such as notation, listening skills, proper posture, and hand placement. Basic reading ability and access to a keyboard or piano for practice is recommended for optimal success (Free use of pianos at MCA possible subject to availability). Session II is a continuation of session I, ideal for students who are continuing.
Day/Dates: Session I: Mondays, Jan. 13–March 2
Session II: March 16- May 11 (no class April 13)
Level/Time: 5–6 p.m.
Ages: 6–9 years
Cost: $155 (including textbook material)
Instructor: L. Douglas
Class is limited to 6 participants
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.
Day/Dates: Thursdays, Jan. 9 –March 12
Time: 5:15–5:45 p.m.
Ages: 18 mo.–3 years (by Jan. 1)
Cost: $76
Sample this class during our Free-4-All and Open House on Jan. 4th 2020. Free to participate, but registration required.
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.
Day/Dates: Fridays, Jan. 10–March 13 No class Feb .7)
Time: 5:30–6 p.m.
Ages: 3–5 years (by Jan. 1)
Cost: $72
Instructor: J. Dienger
Sample this class during our Free-4-All and Open House on Jan. 4th 2020. Free to participate, but registration required.
Boys in Motion Ages 3-4
Calling all super heroes, knights and future athletic stars, this dance class rocks! This class is specifically designed for young boys ages 3-4 years, to enhance athletic skills, flexibility, coordination and strength while also being introduced to ballet and contemporary dance.
Day/Dates: Thursdays, Jan. 9-March 12
Time: 4:00-4:30 pm
Age: 3-4 years (by Jan. 1)
Fee: $18
Instructor: J. Dienger
NEW! 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.
Day/Dates: Saturdays, Jan. 11- March 7 (No class Feb. 8)
Time: 9-9:30 a.m.
Age: 4-6 years (by Jan. 1)
Fee: $64
Instructor: J. Dienger
Pre-Ballet for 4 year-olds
Playful and engaging first steps into classical ballet.
Day/Dates: Mondays, Jan. 6-March 9
Time: 4:15-4:45 pm
Age: 4 (by Jan. 1)
Price: $80
Instructor: R. Ryan-Dahlgren
Sample this class during our Free-4-All and Open House on Jan. 4th 2020. Free to participate, but registration required.
Boys in Motion Ages 5-6
Calling all super heroes, knights and future athletic stars, this dance class rocks! This class is specifically designed for young boys ages 5-6 years, to enhance athletic skills, flexibility, coordination and strength while also being introduced to ballet and contemporary dance.
Day/Dates: Fridays, Jan.10-March 13 (No class Feb. 7)
Time: 6-6:30 pm
Age: 5-6 years (Jan. 1)
Fee: $18
Instructor: J. Dienger
Pre-Ballet for 5 year-olds
An imaginative, technique-based introduction to classical ballet perfect for your 5 year-old.
Day/Dates: Thursdays, Jan. 9-March 12
Time: 4:30-5:15 pm
Age: 5 (by Jan. 1)
Price: $90
Instructor: J. Dienger
Sample this class during our Free-4-All and Open House on Jan. 4th 2020. Free to participate, but registration required.
Irish I
Introduction to Irish Dance technique. Students will learn basic jig and reel steps, along with ceili dances.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, Jan. 8-March 11
Time: 5-5:45 pm
Age: 5 years & up
Price: $108
Instructor: A. Pelowski
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.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, Jan. 8-March 11
Time: 4:15-5:15 pm
Fee: $100
Age: 6 (by Jan. 1)
Instructor: R. Ryan-Dahlgren
Sample this class during our Free-4-All and Open House on Jan. 4th 2020. Free to participate, but registration required.
Beginning Hip Hop
Get ready to move to the beat in this fun introduction into the world of hip hop dance with music and moves just right for your age.
Day/Dates: Tuesday, Jan. 7–March 10
Time: 5:30–6:15 p.m.
Ages: 6–9 years
Cost: $90
Instructor: J. Dienger
MCA in partnership with the Winona YMCA this Summer & Fall
MCA is proud to be partnering once again with the Winona YMCA to offer more opportunities for local kids to explore the arts and get creative this year. Registration for these camp is through the Winona YMCA at: winonaymca.org
Thursdays, Jan. 17- March 7, MCA Dance Sampler, 4:15-5:00 pm, ages 6-9
Thursdays, Jan. 17- March 7, Adventures in Ballet- Frozen, 5:15-5:45 pm, ages 3-5 years
Click here for full Descriptions and more details or Click here to view the Winter 2019 Flyer
“Frozen” Dance and Art Adventure Workshop
There will be miles of smiles as students dance and craft their way through a magical journey unleashing their imaginations in this workshop centered around the movie “ Frozen” and perfectly timed to align with Winona’s Winter Carnival celebration and Frozen River Film Festival.
Day/Time: Saturday, Feb. 8th, 12:15 pm- 2:15 pm
Ages: Preschool (3-5 years) & K-2nd grade
Price: $19 (snack included)
Instructors: Location: R. Racki & A. Pelowski
Peanut Butter & Jelly Players
Children's imaginations will soar as they recreate storybook tales through dramatizations, music and dance. Each week your child will have fun using theatrical exercises. sing-a-longs and movement games as they prepare for a small performance on the last day of class where they will show off their newly-honed skills.
Day/Dates: Saturdays, Jan. 11- March 21 (No class Feb. 8)
Times: :45-10-15 am
Ages: 4-6 years
Instructor(s): C. Deysach
Cost: $80
Join us on Saturday, Jan. 4th for our 5th Annual Free-4-All to try this class out for free!
5th Annual MCA Free-4-All & Winter Open House on January 4th
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.
10:00–10:45 a.m.
My Grown-up and Me (18 mo.-3 years with adult) — J. Dienger (only 10–10:30 a.m.)
Irish (5+ years) — A. Pelowski
11:00–11:45 a.m.
Creative Movement (3–5 years) — J. Dienger (only 11–11:30 a.m. )
Ballet (7–13 years) — R. Ryan-Dahlgren
Noon–12:45 p.m.
Pre–Ballet (4–6 years) — R. Ryan-Dhalgren
Peanut Butter & Jelly Players (4–6 years) — C. Deysach
1:00–1:45 p.m.
Intro to Contemporary Dance (7–13 years) — J. Dienger
Balletone (14+ years) — R. Nehring
Date: Saturday, Jan. 5
Price: FREE
“Frozen” Dance and Art Adventure Workshop
There will be miles of smiles as students dance and craft their way through a magical journey unleashing their imaginations in this workshop centered around the movie “ Frozen” and perfectly timed to align with Winona’s Winter Carnival celebration and Frozen River Film Festival.
Day/Time: Saturday, Feb. 8th, 12:15 pm- 2:15 pm
Ages: Preschool (3-5 years) & K-2nd grade
Price: $19 (snack included)
Instructors: Location: R. Racki & A. Pelowski
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.
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.
Day/Dates: Thursdays, Jan. 9 –March 12
Time: 5:15–5:45 p.m.
Ages: 18 mo.–3 years (by Jan. 1)
Cost: $76
Sample this class during our Free-4-All and Open House on Jan. 4th 2020. Free to participate, but registration required.
5th Annual MCA Free-4-All & Winter Open House on January 4th
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.
10:00–10:45 a.m.
My Grown-up and Me (18 mo.-3 years with adult) — J. Dienger (only 10–10:30 a.m.)
Irish (5+ years) — A. Pelowski
11:00–11:45 a.m.
Creative Movement (3–5 years) — J. Dienger (only 11–11:30 a.m. )
Ballet (7–13 years) — R. Ryan-Dahlgren
Noon–12:45 p.m.
Pre–Ballet (4–6 years) — R. Ryan-Dhalgren
Peanut Butter & Jelly Players (4–6 years) — C. Deysach
1:00–1:45 p.m.
Intro to Contemporary Dance (7–13 years) — J. Dienger
Balletone (14+ years) — R. Nehring
Date: Saturday, Jan. 5
Price: FREE
LOCATION
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts
1164 West Howard (10th) Street
Winona, MN 55987
Phone: 507-453-5500
Fax: 507-453-5507
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Wednesday
9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday
10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday
9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Building and Galleria open during programming
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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