Classes & Programs
MusicMCA’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.
- 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! Homeschool Music Encounters
Whether you’ve taken years of piano lessons or you’re brand new to studying music, you will delight in making music with others during this engaging general music class. Get ready to sing, use body percussion and play classroom instruments while working to understand music notation, performing works of others, and creating your own tunes.
Day/Dates: Thursdays, Jan. 16-Feb. 27
Times: 10-11 a.m.
Ages: 8-14 years
Instructor(s): L. O'Shea
Cost: $52
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
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: Fall Concert: Thursday, Nov. 21, Winter Concert: Friday, April 17
Under the Direction of: Dr. Patrick O'Shea
Ages: Adults (and ages 14-17 with consent of Director)
Cost: $40 for Winter participation
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.
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.
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!
Recorder Choir at Riverway
Each week a handful of Riverway Learning Community Students have a special opportunity to participate in a Recorder Choir. The Choir is directed by Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) instructor, Lisa Douglas right on-site at Riverway. Riverway Learning Community is a tuition free charter school in Winona that values the arts, but until fall of 2018 when it began partnering with MCA had no formal music instruction in it’s curriculum. Now thanks to support from the Winona Hims and a Walmart Giving Grant MCA is able to provide a group of 4th-6th graders the opportunity to dive even deeper into music.
Area Youth Invited to join the Cast of Cinderella
Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre will be back for the fifth consecutive year at Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Area students ages 7-18 are invited to join the cast of “Cinderella.” This original rock and roll musical version set in the 1950’s is fun for all age ages. Any student registered will be cast in this week-long production. No prior theatre experience is required. 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.
Join us and make music at The Playground
Children ages 4-7 years old are invited to join us on Thursday, Jan. 9th, 9:30am-10am at The Playground, Winona’s indoor park for an engaging music class. The class will be led by Minnesota Conservatory for Arts (MCA), new Music Explorers class instructor, Lindsy O’Shea.
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
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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