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.
Oil Pastel Kit
This kit includes everything you need to create your next masterpiece. Oil pastels are a fun medium for all ages. They were invented in 1924 and are a drawing medium which consist of pigment (color) mixed with a binder mixture of non-drying oil and wax. They are a fast medium that is easy to paint/draw with (no water needed) and convenient to carry. You can explore on your own or use the included tip sheet and links to videos to get you started on your oil pastel journey.
What's included (colors or brands may vary):
- Set of 24 oil pastels
- Paper of different textures to explore (smoother surfaces are easier to color and blend on, but harder to build up layers on). Try them all to find out what is your favorite surface and background color.
- Ebony pencil which has a smooth jet black graphite lead that is great for drawing a silhouette over oil pastels.
- White Paint Pen- this pens can be used to add finishing touches and details over the top of the oil pastels (best after your artwork has sat and dried for a few minutes).
- Tortillion (blending stub) for blending tool.
- Masking Tape to be used to create a frame around the outside or cover areas you want to stay oil pastel free.
- Tip sheet
Instructors: access to recordings of previously recorded MCA Art Classes
Fees: $18 (at-home art kit with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 per order, 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
The Thirty-Three Little Pigs
Dance Me a Story
Are you ready to step on stage? Then you will love this camp. During this one week experience you will work with classmates to tell a story using ballet, creative movement, and theatre. Participants will even have the opportunity to craft their own costumes and design scenery in preparations for an informal outdoor performance on the last day of camp for friends and family. Campers (and friends and family on the last day) will be required to follow MCA’s COVID Code of Conduct.
Day/ Dates: Monday-Friday, June 21-25
Time: 1-4pm
Ages: 6-9
Location: Outside & inside Valencia Arts Center
Instructors: Rachael Ryan & Caitilin McCoy
Fee:$129 *
* Campers will need to bring a mask, towel or sit-upon, water bottle, and snack daily.
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
Dancers will love this introduction to classical ballet basics, including the introduction of barre work. Dancers will gain poise, flexibility and strength as they build a strong dance foundation. Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.
Day/Dates: Thursdays, May 20-June 17
Time: 5:15-6:15 p.m.
Age: 7+ (by May 1)
Price: $50
Location: Inside Valencia Arts Center (Virtual option available upon request)
Instructor: R. Ryan
New to Ballet? We know that finding dancewear can be hard in our area, but please don't worry. Thanks to donations we are happy to offer families gentled used dancewear to families in need. Please contact our office to inquire at: mca@smumn.edu.
Contemporary Dance (ages 8-10)
This is a beginning study of contemporary dance, an expressive dance genre that combines elements of modern, jazz, and classical ballet. No dance experience necessary.
Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.
Day/Dates: Tuesdays, May 18-June 15
Time: 5-5:45 p.m.
Age: 8-10
Fee: $45
Instructor: Courtney Harms
Contemporary Dance (ages 11+)
Come and study the world 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. No dance experience necessary.
Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.
Day/Dates: Tuesdays, May 18-June 15
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Age: 11+
Fee: $50
Instructor: Courtney Harms
Ballet IIB/ 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, May 20-June 17
Time: 6:30-7:45 PM
Age: Placement by Instructor
Instructor: R. Ryan
Location: Inside Valencia Arts Center (Virtual option available upon request)
Fees: $63
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. An informal demonstration for family and friends will be held on Friday. Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, come on dancers, it's TAP CAMP time! Campers (and friends and family on the last day) will be required to follow MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.
Dates: August 9-13, 2021 M-F
Time & Ages: Tap for Kids and Tap I: 10-Noon p.m. (ages 6+, no experience- two years experience)
Tap II-V: 9-12 p.m. (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: $149
*Dancers should bring a mask, water bottle, and snack each day.
**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 contact our office at mca@smumn.edu.
National Tap Dance Day Workshop
Each year National Tap Dance Day (NTDD) celebrations are held around the world in honor of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson’s birthday. This year the Winona celebration will give intermediate and advanced tap dancers the opportunity to gather and participate in a tap technique class and learn brand new and challenging choreography.
Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.
Day/ Dates: Saturday, May 22
Time/Level: Tap II-III- 1-3:30pm & Tap IV-V: 2:15-5pm
Ages: NA
Instructors: Christine Martin & Carter Full
Location: Inside Valencia Arts Center
Fee: $22
*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.
Dance Me a Story
Are you ready to step on stage? Then you will love this camp. During this one week experience you will work with classmates to tell a story using ballet, creative movement, and theatre. Participants will even have the opportunity to craft their own costumes and design scenery in preparations for an informal outdoor performance on the last day of camp for friends and family. Campers (and friends and family on the last day) will be required to follow MCA’s COVID Code of Conduct.
Day/ Dates: Monday-Friday, June 21-25
Time: 1-4pm
Ages: 6-9
Location: Outside & inside Valencia Arts Center
Instructors: Rachael Ryan & Caitilin McCoy
Fee:$129 *
* Campers will need to bring a mask, towel or sit-upon, water bottle, and snack daily.
2021 Summer Camp Overview
Dance Me a Story- Monday-Friday, June 21-25, 1-4pm, ages 6-9, Outside Valencia Arts Center
Junior Training Program for Dancers- Monday- Friday, time and dates in July TBA ages 9-18(with approx. 3 years dance experience/ MCA Ballet Level II),
18th Annual Boarding Summer Dance Intensive (SDI)- July 5-30, ages 12-22, acceptance by in-person or video audition required. Q & A about our SDI.
Mindful Moves and Artful Journaling- August 2-6, Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm, 6-12 years, Outside the Valencia Arts Center.
Tap Camp- Aug. 9-13, 10-12pm (beg- 2 years tap experience), 9-12pm (Int. & Adv. tap experience and 11+), Monday- Friday, ages 6+.
All of these camps will take place inside or outside of Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts home, The Valencia Arts Center. Don't forget to also check our our May/June dance class session, National Tap Dance Day Celebration workshop, visual art classes (virtual and self-paced), summer private lessons, and summer theatre production.
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. Virtual and in-person lessons are available.
- 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
OFFICE HOURS
August 2-6: 8:30am-12pm
August 3: 3:30-6:00pm
August 9-12: 8:30-12pm
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.
© Copyright 2017. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy | Site Feedback/Changes | Accreditation