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
NEW! Selfie Inspired
Follow the footsteps of famous artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, and Frida Kahio and learn the tricks and techniques of a variety of self-portrait styles. You don't want to miss this opportunity to admire that beautiful face in the mirror and play with exciting materials.
Day/Dates: Mondays, Oct. 28-Nov. 18
Times: 4:30-5:30 pm, 1st-3rd grade
5:30-6:30 pm, grades 4+
Instructor(s): B. Haupt
Cost: $59
Reflections Visual Arts Workshop
Come join MN PTA (Parent Teacher Association) Reflections Arts chair, Lori Ortega in an art class that will utilize the 2019-20 Reflections them, "Look Within." Express yourself through art! This hands-on, creative class, where each student will create their own art work.
2-Day Homeschool Workshop in celebration of Arts Education Week:
Day/Dates: Tuesday & Thurs, Sept. 10 & 12
Times & Ages: 10-11:30am, Grades K-8
Learn more about MCA's Homeschool Arts Enrichment Program.
Weekend Workshops:
Day/Dates: Saturday, Nov. 9
Times & Ages: 10-11:30 am, grades K-6
Instructor(s): Lori Ortega
Price: Free, but registration required
NEW! Kids Can Print
Get ready to explore the art of printmaking and monotypes. You will have the opportunity to learn the step by step process used to make an edition of prints or collection of monoprints.
Dates: Mondays, Jan. 6–20
Time/Ages: 4:30–5:30 p.m., grades 1–3
5:30–6:30 p.m., grades 4+
Cost: $ 59 (includes all supplies)
Instructor: B. Haupt
NEW! Zoom In
Grab your pencil and get ready to zoom in on life. Learn drawing techniques and how to transfer what you see onto paper.
Dates: Mondays, Feb. 10–March 2
Time/Ages: 4:30–5:30 p.m., grades 4+
Cost: $ 59 (includes all supplies)
Instructor: B. Haupt
“Frozen” Dance and Art Adventure Workshop
There will be miles of smiles as students dance and craft their way through a magical journey unleashing their imaginations in this workshop centered around the movie “ Frozen” and perfectly timed to align with Winona’s Winter Carnival celebration and Frozen River Film Festival.
Day/Time: Saturday, Feb. 8th, 12:15 pm- 2:15 pm
Ages: Preschool (3-5 years) & K-2nd grade
Price: $19 (snack included)
Instructors: Location: R. Racki & A. Pelowski
2020 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 second 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, 2020 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.
Submission Deadline: Now through Jan. 15, 2020
Reflections Art Exhibit at MCA: March 2020
Ages: Preschool- 12th grade
Categories: Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Music, Dance, Film & Special Artist
Price: Free
Cinderella
Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre is back! Students ages 7-18 will be cast in the original musical production of “Cinderella,” a rock and roll version of the classic tale set in the 1950's. Any student registered will be cast in this week-long production. 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.
Day/Dates: Monday-Saturday, April 20- 25
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 20-25 and 1 hour prior to performances at the door. Cash or check only.)
NEW! Create Your Own Comedy Show!
Designed for people who like to laugh and want to make others laugh with them, this class will take students through the process of creating a comedy show. Half of the class will be spent learning improv games and doing scene work. The other half will be spent working together to create an original short comedy play. The class will conclude with a performance of the class’s favorite improv games and their 100%-original play, complete with costumes and props! Whether your child is a seasoned improviser, an undiscovered comedy genius, or this is his or her first time dabbling in anything comedic, this class has a place for them to shine. This project is led by Saint Mary’s University theatre student Ahnika Lexvold and guided by MCA staff.
Days/Dates: Mondays and Fridays, Jan. 20–March 27
Time: 4–5 p.m.
Ages: 10–14
Capacity: 15
Cost: $60
Instructor: A. Lexvold
Peanut Butter & Jelly Players
Children's imaginations will soar as they recreate storybook tales through dramatizations, music and dance. Each week your child will have fun using theatrical exercises. sing-a-longs and movement games as they prepare for a small performance on the last day of class where they will show off their newly-honed skills.
Day/Dates: Saturdays, Jan. 11- March 21 (No class Feb. 8)
Times: :45-10-15 am
Ages: 4-6 years
Instructor(s): C. Deysach
Cost: $80
Join us on Saturday, Jan. 4th for our 5th Annual Free-4-All to try this class out for free!
Main reACTion
Main reACTion is a new improvisational theatre troupe made of Winona Area youth. This activity begun in Summer 2019 as part of Artists on Main Street, a partnership between Winona Main Street, the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, and Springboard for the Arts with support from the Bush Foundation.
The public is invited to eight weekly 1-hour performances by Main ReACTion lead by MCA Theatre Instructor, Catherine Deysach on Tuesdays from June 11th- August 6th, 6:30-7:30pm at different locations on Third Street between Main Street & Layfette Street. Stroll downtown on Third Street and you will be sure to find the young actors and actresses wearing brightly colored shirts accompanied by a sign identifying the group. Locations will also be announced on the MCA Facebook page on the day of performances.
2019-20 School year Main reACTion Auditions
Do you love to perform and are you ready to take your improv skills to the next level? If so, Main reACTion is for you! MCA is seeking 10-15 creative quick-thinkers to form the Main reACTion improv troupe for the 2019-2020 school year. Main reACTion's school year troupe will perform at 1-2 locations/events per month.
Date & Time: Sunday Aug. 11, 6-8pm
Age: 9-15 years
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
Beginning classical ballet basics, including the introduction of barre work.
Day/Dates: Mondays, Jan. 6-March 9
Time: 4:45-5:45 pm
Age: 7 years and older (by Jan. 1)
Price: $100
Instructor: R. Ryan-Dahlgren
Sample this class during our Free-4-All and Open House on Jan. 4th 2020. Free to participate, but registration required.
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: Thursday, Jan. 9–March 12
Time: 5:45–6:30 p.m.
Ages: 6–9 years
Cost: $90
Instructor: N. Munich
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, Jan.10-March 13 (No class Feb. 7)
Time: 6-6:30 pm
Age: 5-6 years (Jan. 1)
Fee: $18
Instructor: J. Dienger
NEW! Intro to Contemporary Ages 7-10
This is a beginning study of contemporary dance, an expressive dance genre that combines elements of modern, jazz, and classical ballet.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, Jan. 8–March 11
Time: 5:15–6 p.m.
Age: 7–10, by Jan. 1
Cost: $90
Instructor: J. Dienger
Sample this class during our Free-4-All and Open House on Jan. 4th 2020. Free to participate, but registration required.
Irish I
Introduction to Irish Dance technique. Students will learn basic jig and reel steps, along with ceili dances.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, Jan. 8-March 11
Time: 5-5:45 pm
Age: 5 years & up
Price: $108
Instructor: A. Pelowski
Tap for Kids
An introduction to the fundamentals of tap dance for students ages 5-7. 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.
Day/Dates: Saturdays, Jan. 11 –March 14 (10 wks)
Time: 9–9:45 a.m.
Age: 5–7 years, by Jan. 1
Cost: $90
Instructor: J. Meinke
Tap I
A beginning level of rhythm tap for students ages 8 and up. Students will engage in rhythm games and tap exercises to build a strong foundation of tap technique. (Tap shoes in most sizes are available for loan)
Day/Dates: Saturdays, Jan. 11- March 14
Time: 10:45–11:45 a.m.
Age: 8 and older (by Jan. 1)
Cost: $100
Instructor: J. Beachle
Hip Hop I
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.
Day/Dates: Thursday, Jan. 9–March 12
Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Age: 10 and older
Cost: $100
Instructor: N. Munich
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: Wednesdays,Jan. 8-March 11
Age: 7-12
Time: 6:15-7:00 pm
Fee: $18
Instructor: J. Dienger
NEW! Intro to Contemporary Dance Ages 11+
This is an introduction to the 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 of movement and emotional intent behind each combination.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, Jan. 8–March 11
Time: 5:15–6:15 p.m.
Age: 11 and older
Cost: $100
Instructor: J. Dienger
Sample this class during our Free-4-All and Open House on Jan. 4th 2020. Free to participate, but registration required.
MCA Classes in collaboration with Winona YMCA
Adventures in Ballet: Frozen
Your Little one is invited on a magical journey that will tickle their imaginations as they fall in love with ballet during the class perfect for "Frozen" and dance enthusiasts.
Day/ Date: Wednesdays, Jan. 15- Feb. 26th (7 weeks)
Ages: 3-5 years
Time: 5:30-6 pm
Instructor: A. Klein
Adventures in Ballet: The Little Mermaid
Young dancers will fill with joy as they use their imaginations and bodies to dive under the water; point their mermaid tail, and jam with their underwater friends.
Day/Date: Wednesdays, March 18- April 29th (7 weeks)
Ages: 3-5 years
Time: 5:30-6 pm
Instructor: A. Klein
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: Animals on Parade: Performances: Friday, Dec. 6- Sunday, Dec. 8.
DRC Annual Spring Dance Concert: Auditions: Jan. 18, 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, 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! 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
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
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.
Cinderella
Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre is back! Students ages 7-18 will be cast in the original musical production of “Cinderella,” a rock and roll version of the classic tale set in the 1950's. Any student registered will be cast in this week-long production. 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.
Day/Dates: Monday-Saturday, April 20- 25
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 20-25 and 1 hour prior to performances at the door. Cash or check only.)
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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