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. 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.
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!
What to do while you are in Winona
The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is so proud to call Winona home. Nestled between the bluffs along the mouth of the mighty Mississippi, Winona is both ascetically beautiful and buzzing with activity both indoors and out. Over the past couple decades Winona has experienced a renaissance that has transformed it into an arts destination. MCA is proud to contribute to the cultural scene through theatrical, musical, and pre-professional dance performances, dance classes, private music lessons, and even a summer dance intensive (SDI) which hosts students from around the nation.
Though this list is by no means exhaustive it should give you a few ideas of what you can do if you have a little time to kill in Winona while your child is in class, before or after a performance, or when you travel our way for our SDI.
Summer Here we come!!!
Do you have a child who ready to dance their day away or step into the spotlight? If the answer is yes, don’t look any further than MCA’s summer camp offerings with 5 unique camps, private music lessons, and a theatre production we have something for every kid aged 6 and up. Check out the camps below and then register to ensure you snag one of the remaining spots before they are gone. Participants will gain arts and life skills, build lasting friendships and have fun in an inclusive and COVID safe environment.
Add a little Music to your Summer
Summer is the perfect time to try a new instrument, explore a new style of playing, or maintain & grow what you learned in your lessons during the school year. MCA offers instruction for all ages in almost every instrument, including voice, piano, guitar, oboe, trumpet, percussion, saxophone, violin, cello and more. With the choice of registering for 4, 8 or 12 weeks of lessons and a talented faculty of nearly 30 music instructors, MCA will find the instructor and package that is perfect for you! Currently all private lessons are being held virtually, however beginning May 10th we are starting to welcome back private lesson students into the building, while still observing strict COVID measures including social distancing and masking.
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
May 10-June 20. Closed on Memorial Day.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, our office hours are limited to the following but subject to change:
Mondays: 3:30-7:00 pm
Tuesdays: 4:00-7:00 pm
Wednesdays: 3:30-6:30 pm
Thursdays: 3:30-6:45 pm
Fridays- Sundays: Closed, expect during events or classes
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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