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.
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.
Due to COVID-19 the below info may not be up-to-date, to view current online programming click here.
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.
MCA Musical Revue
Caroling
It’s not the holidays without a little caroling, Whether you are 10 or 110 you are invited to join us in song. During this casual event we will gather outside in song to sing through a list of holiday favorites (song booklet provided prior). Singers of all ages and experience levels are invited and should dress for the weather, as well as be prepared to sing while wearing a mask and observing social distancing guidelines.
Day/ Dates: UNFORTUNATELY THIS HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO COVID
Age: All Ages & Abilities welcome
Directors: Lindsy and Patrick O’Shea
Fees: No fee to participate
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).
Rehearsal Days/Times: Thursdays, 7:15-8:45pm
Under the Direction of: Dr. Patrick O'Shea
Ages: Adults (and ages 14-17 with consent of Director)
This program is currently on-hold due to COVID-19, but we hope to offer it in the future once again.
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
Age: Grades 6-12
Instructor: D. Gudmastad
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.
This program is currently on-hold due to COVID-19, but we hope to offer it in the future once again.
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).
Ages: 6–9 years
Instructor: L. Douglas
Class is limited to 6 participants
This program is currently on-hold due to COVID-19, but we hope to offer it in the future once again.
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
Ages: 18-Adult
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.
This program is currently on-hold due to COVID-19, but we hope to offer it in the future once again.
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!
New Jazz Improvisation Lessons
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is thrilled to welcome John Paulson to our music faculty. MCA is now accepting registrations for private jazz improvisation lessons for musicians in middle school through adult who want to lean how or improve their ability to improvise. Please read on below for a course description and to learn more about Dr. John Paulson.
MCA Accepting Submissions for 20-21 Reflections Program
For the third consecutive year MCA is a registered Northstar Minnesota PTA unit in good standing and any area youth in Preschool-Twelfth Grade is able to submit a work into the Reflections program now- Jan. 15, 2021 through MCA. In 2019-20 three MCA students placed at the state level and one even received an award of merit at the national level. Since 1969, the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Reflections program has encouraged students across the nation to explore their artistic talents. The PTA Reflections program is designed to promote cultural arts in schools, encouraging students to create works of art in visual arts, photography, literature, music, dance, film and special artist categories. The program is open to any area youth that has been an MCA student within the past year, as long as the student’s school does not have a PTA unit regardless if they attend a public, private, charter school or are home educated.
Never too old, Never too late.
Always wanted to learn an instrument, try your hand at painting, test out ballet shoes or perform on stage? Wish you’d tried the arts when you had a chance? You’re not too late. You are never too old to learn the arts.
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
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, our office hours are by appointment only.
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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