Classes & Ensembles
The Saint Paul Conservatory of Music offers a diverse set of classes each semester, including early childhood and family classes, choirs, and ensembles.
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Registration
Classes are offered in semesters/sessions (Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Summer Session) with specific class dates denoted in the class description OR on an ongoing basis. Please see individual class listings for class dates.
View the Student Calendar for comprehensive Conservatory dates. You may add/subscribe to this calendar for updates.
Tuition
Payments are accepted through our registration portal. Tuition may be paid in full upon registration, by semester, or monthly. View the Student Calendar and our Policies for further details.
Monthly Payments: upon registration, Oct 15, Nov 15, Dec 15, Jan 15, Feb 15, Mar 15, Apr 15 (8 total School Year installments); Jul 15, Aug 15 (3 total Summer installments).
Financial aid is available.
Read more about Financial Aid and apply here.
Locations
Lessons and classes are held in the historic Richards Gordon school building at:
1619 Dayton Ave, Suites 200-202
St Paul, MN 55104
A parking lot and street parking are available. Enter from Dayton Ave, and take the stairs or elevator to floor 2.
Current Classes
2024-2025 Groveland Band (grades 3-5, and younger with approval)
Groveland Upper Band: Mon/Wed, 8:15-9:15 AM, begins September 11
Groveland Beginning Band: Tue/Thr, 8:15-9:15 AM, begins October 22
Tuition: $550 per semester | $137.50 monthly (8 installments)
Location: Groveland Park Elementary
Register Now
2024-2025 Midweek Music (ages 3-6)
Wednesdays, 10:00-10:30 AM, begins October 9
Tuition: Free to students through the Music Across Minnesota program
(email amy@thespcm.org with questions about eligibility)
Location: Online
Register Now
2024-2025 Children’s Vocal Ensemble & Note Heads Youth Vocal Ensemble
Tuesdays, 5:00-6:00 PM, beginning October 8 (CVE) or October 22 (Note Heads)
Tuition: $235 per semester, free to any student concurrently enrolled in private lessons at the SPCM
Location: 1619 Dayton Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104
Register Now
Class Descriptions
Midweek Music
Midweek Music is a weekly 30-minute virtual music class for 3-6 year olds. Through songs, games, puppets, and lots of interaction, children will learn the building blocks of musical literacy, such as pitch and rhythm, in a fun and natural way. Register Now.
Chamber Music
Learning to play with other people builds essential skills such as ear training, leadership, musicianship, and rhythm — and is one of the most rewarding parts of learning an instrument! Students may sign up for chamber music as individuals (you will be placed in a group) or sign up as an existing group. Register Now.
Viola da Gamba Consort
Viola da Gamba Consort, for adult students at the intermediate level or above, explores viol consort repertoire written in the 16th and 17th centuries, with performance opportunities at year-end student recitals. Register Now.
Children's Vocal Ensemble
Children’s Vocal Ensemble (ages 5-11) is an opportunity for young people to have a first experience singing in a small ensemble. Every voice is important, and young singers will have opportunities to sing solos, duets, and trios. Every class also incorporates age-appropriate lessons in music theory. Register Now.
Online Music Theory
This online, asynchronous course will be a deep dive into the world of music theory. Although the class is asynchronous, included is one weekly online, synchronous check-in with the instructor at the time listed above. Tuition includes the required online textbook. Register Now.
Bass Viol Ensemble
Bass Viol Ensemble explores the rich repertoire written for the bass viol during the Baroque era, as well as arrangements of contemporary pieces, from the three-part Pièces des Violes, book IV by Marais, Trois for 3 Lyra Viols by Ferrabosco Jr., to John Williams' Theme from Star Wars. Students will be expected to practice their parts between class sessions, and will need to learn alto clef if they don’t already know it. Register Now.
Drop-In Recorder Ensemble
Calling all adult recorder players! Bring your own instrument(s) and stand. We work on ensemble and sight reading skills, as well as switching instruments. Music ranges across time from the middle ages to this year. Feel free to attend as you are able. This class is held at various locations; email to inquire.
Note Heads Youth Vocal Ensemble
In Note Heads, young singers aged 12-18 can experience their developing voices as an ensemble of singers. Elements of music theory are taught through singing a variety of musical styles from different musical traditions. Performance opportunities are included every semester. Register Now.
Clarinet Choir
The adult clarinet choir explores a wealth of music for clarinet ensembles. Hone your musicianship and technique while making great music with clarinetists of varying backgrounds and experience in this intimate chamber music setting.
String Ensemble
For string players with a few years of playing experience who would like to take their skills to the next level, String Ensemble offers both full group and sectional rehearsals to help students develop individual and ensemble skills. Students should be around a Suzuki book 3-4 level and be comfortable with reading music, shifting, and playing in a variety of keys.