Classes & Programs
MusicUpdate Regarding COVID-19
Learn MoreMCA’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.
- New Community Choir beginning in Fall 2019
- 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 three private lesson concerts and Jazz Combos performances. Additionally, MCA students often have other performance opportunities that come up at community events, nursing homes and more. 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.
Music Division Classes
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.
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).
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
NEW! Drummin' Your Summer Away
Use your hands and feet to feel the beat! Come explore the world of drumming and percussion in a fun and relaxed way. From hand drumming to percussion toys this class will give you a chance to experiment with music in a new way.
Day/Dates: Tuesdays, June 9-July 28 (8 weeks)
Time/Age:
5-6 p.m., 6-9 years
6-7 p.m., 10-13 years
Cost: $80
Instructor: Kayla Jannsen
Cinderella
Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre is back! Students ages 7-18 will be cast in the original musical production of “Cinderella,” a rock and roll version of the classic tale set in the 1950’s. Any student registered will be cast in this week-long production. All cast members are required to participate in the audition process on April 20 to determine their role. Cast members MUST be available for rehearsals Monday- Friday, 4-8:15 p.m. and performances on Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 25, at 2 p.m. Performances are in MCA’s Academy Theatre at the Valéncia Arts Center.
Day/Dates: Monday-Saturday, April 20- 25
Times: TBA (depends on role assigned, see time frames above)
Instructor(s): Professional Actors/Directors from Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre
Cast Member Price: $69
Ticket cost: $6 Adults & $5 Students (Tickets-on sale during MCA business hours April 20-25 and 1 hour prior to performances at the door. Cash or check only.)
Junie B. Jones Jr., The Musical
Join Junie B. on her first day of first grade, where many changes are in store: Junie's best friend Lucille has found new best friends -— and Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. While in Mr. Scary's class, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard — and she may need glasses. Add in a friendly cafeteria lady, an intense kickball tournament and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal," and first grade has never been more exciting.
Auditions: Sunday June 7th, 2020. Register for a 30 minute audition time slot. Students should prepare a 1 min. or less song from a Broadway musical (please bring sheet music) and be prepared to learn a short choreographic sequence. Ages 8+ will also be asked to read from a script provided.
Ages: Youth ages 6-18 are invited to audition
Rehearsals: Rehearsals will be dependent on size of role and age, typically rehearsals will take place between 6:30-8:30 pm during the week, weekend rehearsals possible. No absences between July 22- Aug. 2.
MCA Faculty: Directed by: Catherine Deysach, Musical Directed by: Lisa Douglas, Costumes by: Ruby Oian
Cast Member Price: $70 (there is no fee to audition, those cast pay a fee that covers instruction and costumes)
Performances: July 30-Aug. 2, MN Conservatory for the Arts, Academy Theatre inside the Valencia Arts Center.
Ticket cost: $10 Adults & $5 Students & Seniors
Winona Arts Camp 2020
Join MCA and Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) for the 6th annual integrated arts summer camp. Once again students will get to rank their class choice of visual and performing arts they want to explore, having the opportunity to be immersed in four subjects a day. From percussion and creative journaling to learning how to apply special effects stage make-up and ballet basics, there are plenty of options to satisfy the artist in everyone. Back by popular demand, there will be an all camp talent show on Friday morning and families are invited to attend a lively showcase at 3 pm on Friday afternoon. Once you have registered online or in-person, please fill out the class choice form.
Dates: August 3-7, M-F
Time: 9:00 am- 3:30 pm
Age: 1st - 8th grade
Price: $189 (Early Bird Special), $209 (after May 1), Fee includes camp t-shirt. Students will need to bring a lunch and water bottle daily.
Class choices for 2020 include: Special Effects Stage Make-up, Adventures in Acting, Recycled Art, Word Art, Exploring the Masters, Meet the Piano, Tap it Out, Ballet Basics, Intro to Contemporary Dance, Dance around the World Just Weave It, Percussion Jam, Songwriting, Sing Out, and Adventures in Acting. Class choice form.
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: Winter Semester: Jan. 7- March 18 (No class March 10 or 11)
Age: Grades 6-12
Instructor: D. Gudmastad
Price: $109 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.
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.
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
After Jazz Combo rehearsals and performances my son feels fabulous! He is on cloud 9 after an evening of making music with his peers.
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.
While attending the Winona Arts Camp I learned that I wasn’t shy after all!
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.
Meet MCA Online
The doors to our brick and mortar home, the Valencia Arts Center may be closed, however our dedicated staff and faculty are working hard to bring the arts, routine, and community right into your living room (or fill in the blank space in your dwelling). We hope that until we can meet again in-person that you will join us online.
What’s Happening in March at MCA
We are really MARCHING into spring at MCA. If the warmer weather has you excited about getting out of the house look no further than these exciting classes and performances happening at MCA in March & April. Also, check back soon for announcements about our May/June Session of dance & theatre classes and summer camps.
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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