Classes & Programs

Music

MCA’s music division offers classes, workshops, master classes, ensembles, private lesson instruction, informal and formal concerts, community outreach performances and summer camps.

Programs include:

Private lesson instruction in cello, flute, violin, piano, voice, clarinet and all brass instruments.
Jazz Combos- featuring 3 combos for students in grades 6-12.
Master Classes with local and visiting artists.
Multi-arts Summer camps.
Teacher and parent workshops.

See our current catalog for more details.

Let MCA provide you and your child with fun and enriching music education!

Each year the MCA Music Division holds a variety of concerts open to the public. Performances include Fall & Winter Private Lesson Concerts and Jazz Combos performances. Winter 2018 performances will include: Guitar Master Class with Jeffrey Van on March 11, Jazz Combo performances on Feb. 28 & March 21,and MCA Spring Division Concert on March 28th. Please visit our Events Page for a full list of Music Division Concerts & other MCA events.

To inquire about instrumental private lessons, fill out a registration form that may be reached by clicking on the “inquire now” button or Register tab, including the questions about music background and interest and we will be in contact shortly. You may skip over the the credit card information and class enrollment sections.

Inquire Now!

Music Division Classes

Jazz Combos

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 and Winter 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 lessons- $72
8 lessons- $136
12 lessons- $180

Lesson dates and times: Arranged

Instructor and instrument

NEW! Drummin' up Fun

Use drums, other instruments and your body to tell stories and explore musical concepts in this fun week-long adventure camp. Friends and family will be invited to an informal showcase on the final day of camp.

Dates: Aug. 13-17 (Monday- Friday)

Time: Ages: 3-4, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Ages: 5-6, 10:45-11:45 p.m.

Price: $59, price includes a camp t-shirt

Pair with our Nutcracker Fairy Tale Camp and save $10, and daily snack provided between camps. Students will be asked to bring a water bottle each day. Includes camp t-shirt. Students must be potty-trained.

NEW! Short & Sweet Choir Experience

Do you love to sing? Do you love to be part of a group? Choral music is the best of both worlds! Come join us for a one-week
choir experience where we will help you build your own vocal skills and work with others to create amazing vocal art. We will finish the week with a brief showcase performance during the MCA Music Division Concert.

Date: Dec. 10-14

Time: 4:45pm-6:15 pm daily, performance during Friday, Dec. 14, MCA Music Division Concert, 7pm

Ages: Grades 3-8

Cost: $35 (includes performance t-shirt)

Instructor: L. O’Shea

This class is made possible thanks to the Slaggie Family Foundation.

Suzuki Guitar Pre- Twinkle Class

This unique class introduces families to the Suzuki classical guitar method. Intended for children ages 3 to 5 years old, the
parent/adult is given six weeks of instruction individually first to facilitate the child’s learning. Lots of games, activities, and delightful
songs make for an outstanding musical experience. Class size is four children and four adults. Thanks to a generous grant, MCA
has a limited number of guitars for elementary school aged children to use upon request.
Date: Sept. 11 - Nov. 27

Time: Tuesdays,10:30-11:30 or 11-Noon

Ages: 3-5 with an adult

Cost: $209 (per Child/Adult pair), includes guitar rental

Instructor: K. Klungtvedt

NEW! Family Fun with the Drum

We are excited to present this new music class for younger students with their adult! Drums and World music are a great way to
foster your child’s growth and creativity. We will use lots of games, songs, rhythms, and activities on a wide variety of instruments!
It’s fun with fundamentals! Come build skills that can last a lifetime.

Dates:

Fall 1: Tuesdays, Sept. 11 - Oct. 16

Fall 2: Oct. 23 - Nov. 27

Time: 5:30-6:15 pm

Ages: 3-8 with an adult

Cost: $48 per child, per session (adults attend free)

Instructor: K. Klungtvedt

Beginning Guitar

This class provides fundamental skills to students who are new to guitar and to others who want a more thorough grounding in the
basics. No guitar? No problem! Thanks to a generous grant funding, MCA has guitars for school aged children to use upon request.

Day: Saturdays, September 8- Oct. 13

Time: 11 am -11:50 am

Ages: 8 – Adult

Instructor: K. Klungtvedt

Fee: $65 (make it a family affair- register a child and a parent can attend for free)

Suzuki Guitar for 3-8 years

"The Suzuki Guitar Method", sometimes called the "Talent Education Method" teaches music to very young children in much the same way a child acquires language. It consists of daily listening, games and very very small weekly accomplishments. This program is a perfect way instilling the gift of music in young children and also creates an opportunity for a parent to bond with their child while teaching socialization skills, patience, persistence, community, respect, problem solving, and joyful participation. Our instructor, Kerry Klungtvedt, is a nationally registered Suzuki Teacher with many years of experience. The instructor, the parent and the student make up the "Suzuki Triangle". Each has a defined role. The instructor models beautiful tone and proper technique. The Parent facilitates the daily listening, the music games, review and provides a nurturing home environment. The student's role is to have fun learning! A brief and free informational meeting is set up with interested families and the instructor prior to registering to ensure that the Suzuki method is the right fit and explain the Suzuki Parent Education process. Learn more about the Suzuki Method

Day/Dates: As arranged by instructor and Suzuki family

Age: 3-8 years old with a parent

Instructor: K. Klungtvedt

Fee: Same as private lessons

*In Fall of 2018 a new Suzuki Class will be formed. Participation is very limited but guitars will be issued to both parents and children to use throughout the program. The Suzuki class program is for ages 4-6 and is comprised of a mix of parent only, parent & child, group and private lessons. Participation is very limited but guitars will be issued to both parents and children to use throughout the program.

Jazz Combos

Jazz combos help students learn the art of jazz in a small ensemble setting. The Jazz Combo session will provide basic instruction in jazz-related rhythm, tone, style, concept, listening skills, and improvisation. The ultimate goal of these ensembles is to give interested students the opportunity to study and perform jazz ensemble literature. The combos will pay at a variety community performances, TBA All musicians and instruments are welcome, but space is limited.

Day/Time: Tues. 6:30-7:30pm, Wed. 6:15-7:15pm, Wed. 7:15-8:15pm

Dates: Fall Semester: Sept. 4- Nov. 7

Age: Grades 6-12

Instructor: D. Gudmastad

Price: $99 (10 classes) Combo practice times are flexible and dependent on the needs of the members. Contact director with questions.

Click here to see MCA Jazz Combos in Action.

2018 Summer Camp Overview

Mini-Summer Dance Intensive- June 18- 29, 9am-4pm, Monday- Friday, ages 9+ (with approx. 3 years dance experience/ MCA Ballet Level II) Q & A about our Mini-SDI

Super Artist Multi-Arts Camp– June 25-29, Monday-Friday, 9:30am-10:45am, ages 3-5 & K-1st grade.

16th Annual Boarding Summer Dance Intensive (SDI)- NOW 3 WEEKS! July 8-28, ages 11-22, acceptance by in-person or video audition required. Q & A about our SDI.

Tap Camp- July 30-Aug. 3, 1pm-5pm, Monday- Friday.

Winona Arts Camp 2018: I Create- August 6-10, Monday- Friday, 9am-3:30pm, 1st-8th grade

NEW! Nutcracker Fairy Tale Camp- August, 13-17 Monday- Friday, 9:30-10:30am, ages 5 & 6 years & 10:45-11:45am, ages 3 & 4 years (pair with Drummin' up Fun for 2.25 hour drop off camp).

NEW! Drummin' up Fun Camp- August, 13-17 Monday- Friday, 9:30-10:30am, ages 3 & 4 years & 10:45-11:45am, ages 5 &6 years (pair with Drummin' up Fun for 2.25 hour drop off camp).

All of these camps will take place at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts home, The Valencia Arts Center. Please check back soon for more details on these camps, 2018 National Tap Dance Day Celebration workshops, stay strong classes, summer private lessons, spring dance classes, and Arts Camps at the YMCA by MCA staff.

For full camp descriptions Click Here.

After Jazz Combo rehearsals and performances my son feels fabulous! He is on cloud 9 after an evening of making music with his peers.

Parent of Jazz Combo Student

The MCA combos help me step out of my comfort zone and be with people outside my school. And I got to play a new instrument. There is no pressure to be awesome, just do the best you can.

Hannah

Jazz Combo Student

While attending the Winona Arts Camp I learned that I wasn’t shy after all!

Lucy

8 Year-old Student

Jazz music is alive and well at MCA

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) jazz combos are busy rehearsing for two upcoming community concerts that are free and open to the public. The public is invited to hear these talented young musicians on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. in the Academy Theatre in MN Conservatory for the Arts’ home, the Valencia Arts Center and on Sunday, November, 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Wellington’s Pub & Grill, 1429 W. Service Dr.

New Partnership with Riverway Learning Community

Riverway Learning Community and Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts excited to announce that they have formed a new partnership. Starting this fall Riverway students in Children’s House, E1 & E2 (Pre K- 6th grade) will have the opportunity explore music and reap the benefits during weekly visits to Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) home inside the Valencia Arts Center.

5 Reasons You Should Hand Drum

Hand drumming can be fun but science has also show that those who drum can experience some of the amazing mental and physical benefit. Here is just a short list of the benefits:

1. Drumming makes you happy. The act of drumming releases endorphins, and alpha brain waves, which help create general feelings of well-being and euphoria.

2. Increased confidence. Playing the drums requires confidence to play LOUD and relatively unapologetic, as students progress they learn skills and confidence to showcase them, helping them excel in many areas of their lives.

LOCATION

Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts
1164 West Howard (10th) Street
Winona, MN 55987

Phone: 507-453-5500
Fax: 507-453-5507

HOURS OF OPERATION

The MCA offices will be closed March 30-April 2nd, 2018

Monday - Tuesday
9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Wednesday
11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Thursday - Friday
9 a.m. - 3 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.