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
Make Your Mark
Get ready to leave your mark on the world as you learn creative art techniques that can be used to design your own greeting cards, bookmarks, school projects and more. The class fee includes an at-home kit that will include gelly roll pens, graphite drawing pencil, extra fine point sharpie, blank greeting cards, and more.Students are asked to also have a set of markers and scratch paper on hand. available with free delivery or pick-up in Winona (or mailed for an extra fee). Please register one week prior to ensure you have your at-home art kit in time.
Dates: Sept. 18-Oct. 23
Day & Time: Fridays- 1-1:45 PM (ages 6-9)
Fridays- 2-3 PM (ages 10+)
Instructor: Lisa Douglas
Location: Online via Zoom
Fees: In-person $59 (includes at-home art kit with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US, students will be asked to have a set of markers and scratch paper in addition)
Hours of Art Kit & On-Demand Classes
This inclusive kit has everything you need to get started creating on your own. If you want a want to dive a little deeper you can access previously recorded MCA art lessons to learn about blending and creating with oil pastels, how to sculpt a bird out of model magic, perspective drawing, colored pencil techniques, doodling word art and more. This kit is perfect for all ages, but is a perfect addition to a homeschooling curriculum.
What's included (colors or brands may vary):oil pastels, colored pencils, masking tape, pencil sharpener, ebony pencil, fine tipped sharpie, white multi-media art paper, colored construction paper, 2 packs of 1 oz. model magic, link for access to pre-recorded MCA classes
Dates: Available Aug. 24- Dec. 15 (self-paced)
Instructors: access to recordings of previously recorded MCA Art Classes
Fees: $25 (at-home art kit with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US)
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
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, Sept. 14- Nov. 16
Time: 5-6 p.m.
Age: 7+ (by Sept. 1)
Price: $70 (10 weeks, 10 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom
Instructor: R. Ryan
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, Sept. 15-Nov. 18
Time: 1-1:45 p.m.
Ages: 6+ years
Cost: $70 (10 weeks, 10 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom
Instructor: Carter Full
Beginning Tap @ the Levee
An introduction to the fundamentals of tap dance for youth ages 6+. Students will engage in rhythm games and tap exercises through this fun, rhythm filled class. Tap shoes in most sizes are available for loan at no fee.
For the safety of all participants these classes will follow strict guidelines such as limited numbers of students, social distancing, and masks worn by all before, during, and after class.
Day/Dates: Tuesdays, Sept. 1- Oct. 13 (built in weather make-up Oct. 20)
Time: 3:15-4:00 p.m.
Age: Ages 6+ (as of Sept. 1)
Location: Levee Park, Downtown Winona (58 Center St, Winona, MN 55987)
Fee: $49 (7 weeks, 5.25 hours)
Instructor: Justine Meinke
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. Please contact MCA by Aug. 24 for assistance with shoes or tap boards.
Special thanks to WINONArts for helping to make Tapping Tuesdays possible!
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: Tuesday, Sept. 15-Nov. 18
Time: 2-2:45 p.m.
Age: 10+
Cost: $70 (10 weeks, 10 hours)
Location: Online via Zoom
Instructor: Carter Full
Tap II @ the Levee
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. *
For the safety of all participants these classes will follow strict guidelines such as limited numbers of students, social distancing, and masks worn by all before, during, and after class.
Day/Dates: Tuesdays, Sept. 1- Oct. 13 (built in weather make-up Oct. 20)
Time: 4:15-5:15 p.m.
Age: N/A, placement by instructor
Location: Levee Park, Downtown Winona (58 Center St, Winona, MN 55987)
Fee: $49 (7 weeks, 7 hours)
Instructor: Justine Meinke
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. Please contact MCA by Aug. 24 for assistance with shoes or tap boards.
Special thanks to WINONArts for helping to make Tapping Tuesdays possible!
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.
Day/Dates: Thursdays, Aug. 27- Nov. 19
Times: Thursdays- 5:45- 7 p.m.
Age: Placement by Instructor
Price: $125 In-person, Online: $100 (13 weeks/ 12.5 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.
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.
Due to COVID-19 The 2020 Nutcracker has been postponed and tentatively rescheduled to 2021.
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.
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:
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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