Programs & Classes
Youth ProgramsThe Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is a full service arts conservatory that provides quality arts education in music, theatre, dance and visual art. Information about inspiring, nurturing and non-competitive programs specifically designed for children aged 6 and up are listed below.
Art | Dance | Music | Theatre | Family Programs
All Art Classes
Art | Dance | Music | Theatre | Family Programs
Colored Pencil Techniques
Did you know that there are a multitude of special techniques that can be applied using colored pencils? Creating highlights, shading, blending, shapes, and more. Each week will explore a new topic, techniques and artist(s). Participants who are interested will be invited to exchange postcards with classmates featuring their artwork.
Suggested class supplies: set of colored pencils (24 colors or more is ideal), sketch book, pencil (an ebony pencil is ideal), eraser, black felt-tip or fine liner pen, & straight edge (such as a 12 in. ruler). Optional extra supplies: colorless bending pencil, blending stump (tortillon), & gel pens. For postcard mailing: you will need card stock, recycled materials or premade postcards, (3"x5" or 4"x6") and postcard stamps which are .36 per stamp.
Doodle Club
Join Miss. Lisa and other MCA community members virtually for a live and interactive art session. Each week students will have a chance to unwind from their day as they explore using shapes, lines and patterns to create new doodle designs. Come create and even relax the mind with us.
Students will just need a device enabled with Wi-Fi, white 8 1/2 x 11 typing paper, pencil, eraser and fine line felt tip black pen. Additionally, colored pencils or markers can be used to enhance creations, but are not required. Please make sure to enroll in this class at least 4 hours prior to class start time to ensure you get the Zoom link in time.
This class is free, however if you are find value in this program, our MCA Moments and want to help ensure MCA is able to continue to offer engaging programming during these challenging times and beyond, please consider making a donation if you are able.
Mystery Art Kit
Sick of hearing “I’m Bored”? We have just the cure… our MCA Mystery Art Kits will inspire and provide hours of unplugged entertainment. No two kits are the same and they are designed with the student’s age in mind. Order yours today and let the adventure begin! Each unique kit will contain:
- One set of coloring supplies such as oil pastels, colored pencils, paint, watercolor pencils, crayons or markers
- One binding material such as elmer’s glue, mod podge, glue stick, or masking tape
- A variety of surfaces to create on such as a postcard, book mark, artist paper, exclusive coloring pages created by MCA staff, and or construction paper.
- An art challenge guide created by MCA art faculty to help spark the artist within
- Other surprise items such as model magic, stickers, DIY masks, or props
- Links to previously recorded MCA visual art classes (if you have purchased a kit, here is the link to the password protected special access site.)
- Invitation to share photos of your creations to be featured on MCA’s social media
Dates: Available Aug. 1- Dec. 15 (self-paced)
Instructors: Self-paced booklet with 8 creative challenges created by Brianna Haupt and access to recordings of previously recorded MCA Art Classes.
Fees: In-person $24 (at-home art kit with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US)
2021 PTA Reflections
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. Every March since 2016 the walls of Galleria Valéncia have been adorned with all of the Minnesota state winners visual arts division of the Minnesota State PTA Reflections program. For the third consecutive year MCA is now 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. 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. In 2020 MCA has two students state winners and one national winner.
Submission Deadline: Now through Jan. 15, 2021
Ages: Preschool- 12th grade
Categories: Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Music, Dance, Film & Special Artist
Price: Free
Spotlight Players
Fight off the winter doldrums and get ready to step into the spotlight while starring in a virtual play. Young actors have the opportunity to perform in an original play written by Saint Mary’s University Alumni, Daniel Collette. Additionally, you will also learn fun acting warm-ups, games, and performance techniques that every actor should know.
Rehearsals: Thursdays, Jan.7- Feb. 4th, Private Coaching the week of Feb. 8
Time: 5:30-6:30 PM (time may vary a bit depending on role assigned)
Online Premiere: 2/20/21, 6pm on MCA's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel
Ages: 2nd-5th grade
Director: Ahnika Lexvold
Location: Online via Zoom
Fee: $59
MCA Musical Revue
Musical Theatre Dance (Ages 6-9)
Unleash your creative side while dancing to new and classic songs from the Broadway stage. Dancers will work on perfecting dance technique while bringing a character to life.
Students will just need a little space to move freely, and a device enabled with Wi-Fi. We will be using Zoom and will enable cameras so if students wish to be able to interact with the instructor and other students, otherwise families can choose to not share their image. We recommend students wear dance apparel and shoes if they have them and have a water bottle near by to set them up for success.
Day/Dates: Mondays, Dec. 7, 14, Jan. 4 & 11
Time: 3-3:45 PM
Age: 6-9 years
Location: Online via Zoom
Price: $21 (4 classes, 3 hours)
Instructor: C. Full
Musical Theatre Dance (Ages 10+)
Unleash your creative side while dancing to new and classic songs from the Broadway stage. Dancers will work on perfecting dance technique while bringing a character to life.
Students will just need a little space to move freely, and a device enabled with Wi-Fi. We will be using Zoom and will enable cameras so if students wish to be able to interact with the instructor and other students, otherwise families can choose to not share their image. We recommend students wear dance apparel and shoes if they have them and have a water bottle near by to set them up for success.
Day/Dates: Mondays, Dec. 7, 14, Jan. 4 & 11
Time: 4-5 PM
Age: 10+ years
Location: Online via Zoom
Price: $28 (4 classes, 4 hours)
Instructor: C. Full
All Dance Classes
Art | Dance | Music | Theatre | Family Programs
Below are all of the age based dance classes that do not require placement by instructor. Dancers who have 1-2 years of experience in a style of dance should contact our office 507-453-5500 and we are happy to help place you in the right class or suggest the right level(s) to trial.
Ballet I/II A
This basic ballet class meant for MCA levels I- IIA to do from their home. This is also open to new students ages 7+. Students will just need a little space, a chair or railing to use as a ballet barre, and a device enabled with Wi-Fi. We will be using Zoom and will enable cameras so if students wish to be able to interact with the instructor and other students, otherwise families can choose to not share their image. We recommend students wear dance apparel and shoes if they have them and have a water bottle near by to set them up for success.
Day/Dates: Mondays, Jan. 25-Apr. 19
Time: 5-6 p.m.
Age: 7+ (by Jan. 1)
Price: $91 (13 weeks, 13 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom
Instructor: R. Ryan
Musical Theatre Dance (Ages 6-9)
Unleash your creative side while dancing to new and classic songs from the Broadway stage. Dancers will work on perfecting dance technique while bringing a character to life.
Students will just need a little space to move freely, and a device enabled with Wi-Fi. We will be using Zoom and will enable cameras so if students wish to be able to interact with the instructor and other students, otherwise families can choose to not share their image. We recommend students wear dance apparel and shoes if they have them and have a water bottle near by to set them up for success.
Day/Dates: Mondays, Dec. 7, 14, Jan. 4 & 11
Time: 3-3:45 PM
Age: 6-9 years
Location: Online via Zoom
Price: $21 (4 classes, 3 hours)
Instructor: C. Full
Musical Theatre Dance (Ages 10+)
Unleash your creative side while dancing to new and classic songs from the Broadway stage. Dancers will work on perfecting dance technique while bringing a character to life.
Students will just need a little space to move freely, and a device enabled with Wi-Fi. We will be using Zoom and will enable cameras so if students wish to be able to interact with the instructor and other students, otherwise families can choose to not share their image. We recommend students wear dance apparel and shoes if they have them and have a water bottle near by to set them up for success.
Day/Dates: Mondays, Dec. 7, 14, Jan. 4 & 11
Time: 4-5 PM
Age: 10+ years
Location: Online via Zoom
Price: $28 (4 classes, 4 hours)
Instructor: C. Full
Beginning Hip Hop
Get ready to move to the beat in this fun introduction into the world of hip hop dance with music and moves just right for your age. These classes are a perfect way to add a little cardio into your week in a fun and safe way from the comfort of your own home. No experience necessary.
Students will just need a little space and a device enabled with Wi-Fi. We will be using Zoom and will enable cameras so if students wish to be able to interact with the instructor and other students, otherwise families can choose to not share their image. We recommend students wear sneakers if they have them and have a water bottle near by to set them up for success.
Day/Dates: Tuesdays, Jan. 26- Apr. 20
Time: 2:15-3:00 PM
Ages: 6+ years
Cost: $78 (13 weeks, 9.75 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom
Instructor: Carter Full
Hip Hop I/II
This is an introduction to movement influenced by hip hop music from across the globe including breaking, popping, locking, and standard hip hop tricks and jumps that can be safely executed from the comfort of your own home.
Students will just need a little space and a device enabled with Wi-Fi. We will be using Zoom and will enable cameras so if students wish to be able to interact with the instructor and other students, otherwise families can choose to not share their image. We recommend students wear sneakers if they have them and have a water bottle near by to set them up for success.
Day/Dates: Tuesdays, Jan. 26- Apr. 20
Time: 3:15-4:00 PM
Ages: 10+ years
Cost: $78 (13 weeks, 9.75 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom
Instructor: Carter Full
Tap II
An intermediate level of rhythm tap technique. Students will be introduced to exercises and concepts to increase articulation of sounds, musicality, sequencing abilities, and expand the student’s tap vocabulary. *
Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.
Students joining via Zoom will just need a space with a floor that is safe for tapping on (MCA has tap boards which can be checked out), and a device enabled with Wi-Fi. We will be using Zoom and will enable cameras so if students wish to be able to interact with the instructor and other students, otherwise families can choose to not share their image. We recommend students wear dance apparel and shoes if they have them and have a water bottle near by to set them up for success.
Day/Dates: Tuesdays, Jan. 26-Apr. 20
Time: 4:15-5:15 PM
Age: N/A, placement by instructor
Fee: In-person $91, Online: $104 (13 weeks, 13 hours)
Limited number of tap boards available to use for a deposit. Locally produced tap boards available for purchase through MCA. Tap shoes available in most sizes available through our tap shoe lending program.
Ballet II B/ III
Fast beginning- Intermediate level of classical ballet.
Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.
Students joining via Zoom will just need a little space, a chair or railing to use as a ballet barre, and a device enabled with Wi-Fi. We will be using Zoom and will enable cameras so if students wish to be able to interact with the instructor and other students, otherwise families can choose to not share their image. We recommend students wear dance apparel and shoes if they have them and have a water bottle near by to set them up for success.
Stay Strong Session:
Day & Dates: Mondays, Dec. 7, 14, Jan. 4 & 11
Time: 5:45-7 PM
Age: Placement by Instructor
Instructor: R. Ryan
Fees: Online: $40 (4 weeks, 5 hours real-time Zoom, also include access to on-demand library of Ballet classes Nov. 22- Jan. 24)
Winter Session:
Day & Dates: Thursdays, Jan. 28-Apr. 22 (No class Apr. 1st)
Times: 6:30-7:45 PM
Price: $150 In-person, Online: $125 (12 weeks/ 15 hours)
Location: At MCA or Online via Zoom
Instructors: R. Ryan
2020 Summer Camp Overview
Junior Training Program for Dancers- June 15-26, 9am-4pm, Monday- Friday, ages 9+ (with approx. 3 years dance experience/ MCA Ballet Level II) Q & A about our Junior Training Program.
Young Dancer Intensive– June 22-26, Monday-Friday, 1-4 pm, ages 6-9 years
17th Annual Boarding Summer Dance Intensive (SDI)- July 5-25, ages 11-22, acceptance by in-person or video audition required. Q & A about our SDI.
Winona Arts Camp 2020- August 3-7, Monday- Friday, 9am-3:30pm, 1st-8th grade
Nutcracker Fairy Tale Camp- August, 10-14, Monday- Friday, 9:00-11:00 am, ages 3-5 years & K-1st grade
Tap Camp- Aug. 10-14, 11:30 am-1:30 pm (beg- 2 years tap experience), 1:30-5:30pm (Int. & Adv. tap experience and 11+), Monday- Friday, ages 5+ .
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, 2020 National Tap Dance Day Celebration workshops, stay strong classes, summer private lessons, spring dance classes, and Arts Camps at the YMCA by MCA staff.
2021 PTA Reflections
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. Every March since 2016 the walls of Galleria Valéncia have been adorned with all of the Minnesota state winners visual arts division of the Minnesota State PTA Reflections program. For the third consecutive year MCA is now 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. 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. In 2020 MCA has two students state winners and one national winner.
Submission Deadline: Now through Jan. 15, 2021
Ages: Preschool- 12th grade
Categories: Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Music, Dance, Film & Special Artist
Price: Free
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
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 limited to the following but subject to change:
Mondays: 4:15-7:15 pm
Tuesdays: 3:45-6:30 pm
Wednesdays: 4:15-6:45 pm
Thursdays: 4:15-6:45 pm
Fridays: 4:15-6:45 pm
Saturdays: 9:30am- 1:15 pm
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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