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
May the 4th be with you....Create a Comic Workshop
Island Style
Come join us on a journey to the Pacific rim where you will make new friends as you dance stories with your hands and feet, drum island beats, craft your own lei and much more during this artistic and imaginative adventure. Families are invited to an open house at 10:15 am on the last day of camp.
Dates: August 12-16, M-F
Time: 9:30-11:30 am
Ages: Preschool (3-5 years) & K-1st grade (students must be potty-trained)
Price: $69, fee includes a camp t-shirt
2019 Summer Camp Overview
Junior Training Program for Dancers- June 17- 28, 9am-4pm, Monday- Friday, ages 9+ (with approx. 3 years dance experience/ MCA Ballet Level II) Q & A about our Junior Training Program.
NEW! Young Dancer Intensive– June 24-28, Monday-Friday, 1-4 pm, ages 6-9 years
17th Annual Boarding Summer Dance Intensive (SDI)- July 7-27, ages 11-22, acceptance by in-person or video audition required. Q & A about our SDI.
Tap Camp- July 29-Aug. 2, 1pm-5pm (Int./Adv. dancers), 3pm-5pm (beg-2 years tap experience), Monday- Friday, ages 6+ .
Winona Arts Camp 2019- August 5-9, Monday- Friday, 9am-3:30pm, 1st-8th grade
NEW! Island Style- August, 12-16 Monday- Friday, 9:30-11:30am, ages 3-5 years & K-1st grade
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, 2019 National Tap Dance Day Celebration workshops, stay strong classes, summer private lessons, spring dance classes, and Arts Camps at the YMCA by MCA staff.
Beauty and the Beast
Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre is back! Students ages 7-18 will be cast in the original musical production of “Beauty and the Beast,” a tale about an unjust prince, a gypsy curse, and a young girl who sees beyond appearances. Any student registered will be cast in this week-long production. All cast members are required to participate in the audition process on April 22 to determine their role. Cast members MUST be available for rehearsals Monday- Friday, 4-8:15 p.m. and performances on Friday, April 26, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 27, at 2 p.m. Performances are in MCA’s Academy Theatre at the Valéncia Arts Center.
Day/Dates: Monday-Saturday, April 22- 27
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 22-27 and 1 hour prior to performances at the door. Cash or check only.)
Audition Experts
Ready to audition? Learn how to present yourself in an audition. Create a resume, find monologues that showcase your talents and practice cold reading. Leave this class with an audition portfolio and the confidence to be ready to tackle any audition!
Day/Dates: Thursdays, March 21-April 11
Times & Ages: 4:30-5:30pm- Ages 10-13
Instructor(s): C. Deysach
Cost: $36
Adventures in Acting
Your imagination will run wild as you explore the magical world of theatre. Play acting games, learn how to conquer stage fright and
how to think quick on your feet. You will even prepare a short scene to present to your friends and family on the last day of class.
Day/Dates: Thursdays, May 9 - June 13 (six weeks)
Times: 4-5 p.m.
Ages: 8-12
Instructor(s): C. Deysach
Cost: $54
Winona Arts Camp 2019
Join MCA and Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) for the 5th 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 puppet creation and creative journaling to learning chords on a guitar, 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 5-9, M-F
Time: 9:00 am- 3:30 pm
Age: 1st - 8th grade
Price: $199, Fee includes camp t-shirt. Students will need to bring a lunch and water bottle daily.
Class choices for 2019 include: Creative Journaling, Puppet Making, Stain Glass Techniques, Just Weave it, Guitar Star, Recorder Karate, The Monologue Challenge, Acting Up, Musical Theatre Dance, Dance Me a Story, Dance Around the World, and Intro to Hip Hop. Short class descriptions can be found on the class choice form.
Island Style
Come join us on a journey to the Pacific rim where you will make new friends as you dance stories with your hands and feet, drum island beats, craft your own lei and much more during this artistic and imaginative adventure. Families are invited to an open house at 10:15 am on the last day of camp.
Dates: August 12-16, M-F
Time: 9:30-11:30 am
Ages: Preschool (3-5 years) & K-1st grade (students must be potty-trained)
Price: $69, fee includes a camp t-shirt
2019 Summer Camp Overview
Junior Training Program for Dancers- June 17- 28, 9am-4pm, Monday- Friday, ages 9+ (with approx. 3 years dance experience/ MCA Ballet Level II) Q & A about our Junior Training Program.
NEW! Young Dancer Intensive– June 24-28, Monday-Friday, 1-4 pm, ages 6-9 years
17th Annual Boarding Summer Dance Intensive (SDI)- July 7-27, ages 11-22, acceptance by in-person or video audition required. Q & A about our SDI.
Tap Camp- July 29-Aug. 2, 1pm-5pm (Int./Adv. dancers), 3pm-5pm (beg-2 years tap experience), Monday- Friday, ages 6+ .
Winona Arts Camp 2019- August 5-9, Monday- Friday, 9am-3:30pm, 1st-8th grade
NEW! Island Style- August, 12-16 Monday- Friday, 9:30-11:30am, ages 3-5 years & K-1st grade
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, 2019 National Tap Dance Day Celebration workshops, stay strong classes, summer private lessons, spring dance classes, and Arts Camps at the YMCA by MCA staff.
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.
2019 Summer Camp Overview
Junior Training Program for Dancers- June 17- 28, 9am-4pm, Monday- Friday, ages 9+ (with approx. 3 years dance experience/ MCA Ballet Level II) Q & A about our Junior Training Program.
NEW! Young Dancer Intensive– June 24-28, Monday-Friday, 1-4 pm, ages 6-9 years
17th Annual Boarding Summer Dance Intensive (SDI)- July 7-27, ages 11-22, acceptance by in-person or video audition required. Q & A about our SDI.
Tap Camp- July 29-Aug. 2, 1pm-5pm (Int./Adv. dancers), 3pm-5pm (beg-2 years tap experience), Monday- Friday, ages 6+ .
Winona Arts Camp 2019- August 5-9, Monday- Friday, 9am-3:30pm, 1st-8th grade
NEW! Island Style- August, 12-16 Monday- Friday, 9:30-11:30am, ages 3-5 years & K-1st grade
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, 2019 National Tap Dance Day Celebration workshops, stay strong classes, summer private lessons, spring dance classes, and Arts Camps at the YMCA by MCA staff.
National Tap Dance Day workshops
Each class will include tap technique, warm-ups, and rehearsals to learn a choreographed piece to be performed at MCA’s National Tap Dance Day (NTDD) celebration in the Academy Theatre on Sunday, June 2, at 3 p.m. Each year tap celebrations are held in honor of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson’s birthday. Don’t miss this exciting performance opportunity!
Dates: Classes April 29- June 1, Rehearsal and performance Sunday, June 2, 3 p.m.
Days, times and levels: See Below
Tap for Kids- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5-6 p.m. $120 + $12 for T-shirt (ages 6+ ), C. Deysach
Tap I- Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m. & Saturdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $120 + $12 for T-shirt (ages 6 years and up ), C. Martin
Tap II/III- Saturdays, 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. $120 + $12 for T-shirt , C. Martin
Tap IV & V- Fridays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $120 + $12 for T-shirt, J. Dienger
Adult Tap- See Adult Fitness Section
Dancers will wear MCA Tapper Shirts, new ones can be purchased for $12 in the office.
*Please don't let the lack of tap shoes be a barrier, we have a tap shoes that can be borrowed in most sizes, just ask our office. New to MCA? No problem, please contact our office so we may help you choose the right level for you.
Winona Arts Camp 2019
Join MCA and Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) for the 5th 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 puppet creation and creative journaling to learning chords on a guitar, 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 5-9, M-F
Time: 9:00 am- 3:30 pm
Age: 1st - 8th grade
Price: $199, Fee includes camp t-shirt. Students will need to bring a lunch and water bottle daily.
Class choices for 2019 include: Creative Journaling, Puppet Making, Stain Glass Techniques, Just Weave it, Guitar Star, Recorder Karate, The Monologue Challenge, Acting Up, Musical Theatre Dance, Dance Me a Story, Dance Around the World, and Intro to Hip Hop. Short class descriptions can be found on the class choice form.
Ballet I
Beginning classical ballet basics, including the introduction of barre work.
Day/Dates: Mondays, Aug. 26-Nov. 11 (No class Sept. 2)
Time: 4:30-5:30 pm
Age: 7 years+ (by 8/1/19)
Price: $109
Instructor: R. Ryan-Dahlgren
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.
Day/Dates: Tuesdays, Aug. 27- Nov.12
Time: 6-6:45 pm
Age: 6-9 years
Price: $108
Instructor: J. Dienger
NEW! Beginning Contemporary
This is a beginning study of contemporary dance, an expressive dance genre that combines elements of modern, jazz, and classical ballet. In addition to exploring dance technique, dancers will also focus on initiation for movement and emotional intent behind each combination.
Day/Time: Thursdays, May 9-13
Time: 4-5 pm
Ages: 10+
Price: $57 (6 classes)
Instructor: J. Dienger
Modern I
If your young one enjoys jumping, falling, spinning, rolling and going upside down than this is the venue for them! In this dynamic and expressive class we will lay the foundation to learn various modern dance techniques while also exploring basic movement principles and concepts through improvisation.
Day/Dates: Saturdays, Sept. 7-Nov. 16
Time: 12:15-1 pm
Age: 7+ years, by 8/1/19
Price: $99
Instructor: B. Mosser
Boys in Motion Ages 5-6
Calling all super heroes, knights and future athletic stars, this dance class rocks! This class is specifically designed for young boys ages 5-6 years, to enhance athletic skills, flexibility, coordination and strength while also being introduced to ballet and contemporary dance.
Day/Dates: Fridays, Aug. 30-Nov. 15 (No class Sept. 20)
Time: 5-5:30 pm
Age: 5-6 years (by 8/1/19)
Fee: $18
Instructor: J. Dienger
Irish I
Introduction to Irish Dance technique. Students will learn basic jig and reel steps, along with ceili dances.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, Aug. 28-Nov. 13
Time: 5-5:45 pm
Age: 5 years & up
Price: $108
Instructor: A. Pelowski
Boys Dance Sampler (Newly Restructured Class)
This high energy class is just for boys and will enhance their strength, flexibility and athletic skills. This class will use traditional exercises and games to explore classical and contemporary dance disciplines such as hip hop, ballet, modern, and jazz. All experience levels welcome.
Day/Dates: Thursdays, Aug. 29- Nov. 14 (No class Sept. 19 or Oct. 31)
Age: 7-12
Time: 6:15-7:00 pm
Fee: $18
Instructor: J. Dienger
Try it out for free during our Fall Open House on Saturday, Aug. 24, 11:15-11:45 am
(pre-registration on-line or in-person recommended)
NEW! Young Dancer Intensive
Do you dance in your dreams and everywhere you go? Grab your dancing shoes and get ready to spin and soar. We will start each day off with ballet to build a strong dance foundation, then explore a “genre of the day” class including jazz, modern, or hip hop and end the day with a creative class such as costume design or acting to ignite your imagination and performance skills. No dance experience necessary.
Dates: June 24-28, M-F
Time: 1-4 pm
Age: 6-9 years
Fee: $119, Fee includes a camp t-shirt. Students will need to bring a snack and water bottle daily.
TAP CAMP
Join us for an exciting week of rhythm! TAP CAMP will include classes in tap technique, repertory, improvisation, body percussion, music theory and concepts for the tap dancer, tap history, and tap in films. TAP CAMP will hold new challenges for beginning, intermediate, and advanced tappers.
Dancers should bring a water bottle and snack each day. An informal demonstration for family and friends will be held on Friday, Aug. 2nd at 5:00 pm followed by a potluck pizza party! Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, come on dancers, it's TAP CAMP time!
Dates: July 29-Aug.2, M-F
Time & Ages: Tap for Kids and Tap I: 3:00-5:00 pm (ages 6+, no experience- 2 years experience)
Tap II-V: 1:00 - 5:00 pm (Intermediate & advanced Tap Dancers ages 11+ or MCA Tap levels II-V. Tappers will participate in a placement class on day one.)
Fee: Tap for Kids and Tap I: $99
Tap II-V: $189
*Fees include camp t-shirt.
Island Style
Come join us on a journey to the Pacific rim where you will make new friends as you dance stories with your hands and feet, drum island beats, craft your own lei and much more during this artistic and imaginative adventure. Families are invited to an open house at 10:15 am on the last day of camp.
Dates: August 12-16, M-F
Time: 9:30-11:30 am
Ages: Preschool (3-5 years) & K-1st grade (students must be potty-trained)
Price: $69, fee includes a camp t-shirt
MCA Classes in collaboration with Winona YMCA
Fall Dance Classes at YMCA
Wednesdays, Sept. 11–Oct.23
Ballet Adventures: Pride Rock 5:30–6 pm, ages 3–5 years
My Grown-up & Me 6:15–6:45 pm, ages 18 mo.–3 years with a grown-up
Wednesdays, Nov. 6–Dec. 18
Ballet: Nutcracker 5:30–6 pm, ages 3–5 years
My Grown-up & Me 6:15–6:45 pm, ages 18 mo.–3 years with a grown-up
Instructor: J. Dienger
Click Here to see full descriptions of YMCA Programs and how to register
Dance Repertory Company
In addition to dance classes, an exciting part of learning experience for MCA students is performance opportunities. Students may audition for MCA's pre-professional performing ensemble, the Dance Repertory Company (DRC), or MCA's junior performing troupe, Dance Repertory Company II. DRC produces two production annually. Biannually DRC presents a full-length production of the traditional holiday classic The Nutcracker.
Important Upcoming DRC & DRC II Dates
DRC II Winter Show Case Auditions: Sept. 7th, 2019 at MCA, beginning- intermediate dancers 5-13 years-old invited to audition for ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and hip hop pieces. Performances: Friday, Dec. 6- Sunday, Dec. 8.
DRC Annual Spring Dance Concert Performances: April 11-13 at the Page Theatre on the Saint Mary's University Campus
Next MCA Nutcracker will be in 2020.
For more information about auditioning for DRC, ordering tickets or past productions click here.
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 lessons- $72
- 8 lessons- $136
- 12 lessons- $180
Lesson dates and times: Arranged
NEW! Short & Sweet Choir Experience
Do you love to sing? Do you love to be part of a group? Choral music is the best of both worlds! Come join us for a one-week choir experience where we will help you build your own vocal skills and work with others to create amazing vocal art. We will finish the week with a brief showcase performance during the MCA Music Division Concert. Learn more about this program and why singing in a choir is great for kids!
Date: April 29-May 3
Time: 4:45-6:15 p.m. daily, performance during the May 3, MCA Music Division Concert, 7p.m.
Ages: Grades 3-8
Cost: $35 each week (includes performance t-shirt)
Instructor: L. O’Shea
This class is made possible thanks to the Slaggie Family Foundation.
We are the Willows Homeschool Songwriting & Storytelling Workshop
Come join the musicians of We are the Willows to discuss the creation of their album, Picture (Portrait), based on 350 letters sent between lead singer/songwriter Peter Miller's grandparents in WWII. Workshop participants will explore their own family histories and discuss creative processes, develop creative habits and practices, and explore songwriting and storytelling together.
This is a Page Series workshop geared towards ages 7-12, but families are welcome to join. Visit pagetheatre.org for more information about We are the Willows and their residency and performances in Winona, March 25-30.
Day/Time: Friday, March 29,1-2:30pm
Ages: 7-12 years, but families are welcome to join.
Where: Valéncia Arts Center (Home of MN Conservatory for the Arts) 1164 W. Howard Street, Winona (map)
Fee: Free, thanks to Page Theatre
Beauty and the Beast
Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre is back! Students ages 7-18 will be cast in the original musical production of “Beauty and the Beast,” a tale about an unjust prince, a gypsy curse, and a young girl who sees beyond appearances. Any student registered will be cast in this week-long production. All cast members are required to participate in the audition process on April 22 to determine their role. Cast members MUST be available for rehearsals Monday- Friday, 4-8:15 p.m. and performances on Friday, April 26, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 27, at 2 p.m. Performances are in MCA’s Academy Theatre at the Valéncia Arts Center.
Day/Dates: Monday-Saturday, April 22- 27
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 22-27 and 1 hour prior to performances at the door. Cash or check only.)
NEW! Chords, chords, chords!
Do you play a few chords on the guitar? Would you like a full chord vocabulary? This class will focus on guitar chords and how to use them. A perfect class to following our beginning guitar class or accompany the private lesson student who wants to progress even faster!
Instructor: Kerry Klugtvedt
Day: Saturdays, March 23-May 4 (no class April 20)
Time: 11:00 am- 12 pm
Age:10- Adult
Fee: $65
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. 8-March 20 (no rehearsal March 11-14)
Age: Grades 6-12
Instructor: D. Gudmastad
Price: $99 (10 classes) 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.
We are the Willows Homeschool Songwriting & Storytelling Workshop
Come join the musicians of We are the Willows to discuss the creation of their album, Picture (Portrait), based on 350 letters sent between lead singer/songwriter Peter Miller's grandparents in WWII. Workshop participants will explore their own family histories and discuss creative processes, develop creative habits and practices, and explore songwriting and storytelling together.
This is a Page Series workshop geared towards ages 7-12, but families are welcome to join. Visit pagetheatre.org for more information about We are the Willows and their residency and performances in Winona, March 25-30.
Day/Time: Friday, March 29,1-2:30pm
Ages: 7-12 years, but families are welcome to join.
Where: Valéncia Arts Center (Home of MN Conservatory for the Arts) 1164 W. Howard Street, Winona (map)
Fee: Free, thanks to Page Theatre
Suzuki Guitar
Parents! Come learn how to teach your little one the guitar and have fun doing it. Geared for parents with children ages 4-6 years old, The Suzuki Guitar Method is based on the way a child acquires language. Besides instilling the gift of music, it is also an opportunity to bond with your child while teaching socialization skills, patience, persistence, community, respect, problem solving, and joyful participation. Our instructor, Kerry Klungtvedt, is a nationally registered Suzuki Teacher with many years of experience. This program is comprised of a mix of parent only, parent & child, group and private lessons. For this exciting pilot program participation is very limited but guitars will be issued to both parents and children to use throughout the program.
Winter: Saturdays, Jan. 28-March 25
Time: class 10:00am-10:30am, lesson scheduled directly prior or after
Age: 4-6 years old with a parent or guardian
Instructor: K. Klungtvedt
Price: $189 (include guitar rental for both adult and child guitar)
LOCATION
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts
1164 West Howard (10th) Street
Winona, MN 55987
Phone: 507-453-5500
Fax: 507-453-5507
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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