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.
Piano • Strings • Woodwinds • Voice • Percussion • Early Childhood • Music Theory • Composition • Songwriting • Renaissance & Baroque Music • Chamber Music Groups • Suzuki Group Classes
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Classes meet regularly over multiple weeks. Students register for a complete class session, with all class dates publicized prior to registration. View classes.
Ensembles meet regularly over multiple weeks. Some ensembles require registration for a complete session, while others allow for drop-ins. View ensembles.
Camps meet daily for 1-3 weeks, with a full schedule of classes, lessons, and activities. Many of our camps offer after-care for a small additional fee. View camps.
Workshops offer a chance to focus on one special topic with a faculty member or guest artist. Workshops are typically only offered on one or two days, and registration may be limited. View workshops.
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
Class locations appear in individual class listings. Once you are registered, room assignments are visible in your schedule registration portal. Please contact the Registration Department (registration@thespcm.org) with any questions.
Customized Instruction for Existing Groups
In addition to offering scheduled classes open to the general public, SPCM works with pre-formed groups, preschools and child care centers, and other organizations to offer custom classes that meet your needs, on a schedule that works for you.
Classes
Please note that this page is undergoing updates. Class days/times listed below may not be accurate.
Ages 3-12
Midweek Music
Wednesdays at 10:00-10:30am
Held virtually
Begins TBC, 13 sessions
Ages: 3-6
Instructor: Kathy Lee
Cost: Discretionary Donation
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.
Piano Explorers
Mondays, 5:30-6:15pm, 4 sessions
Session One begins February 6
Session Two begins March 13
Session Three begins April 17
Ages: 4-6 with parent
Location: Edgcumbe Presbyterian Church, 2149 Edgcumbe Rd
Instructor: Sandy Waterman
Cost: $100
A hands-on class for young children who would like to have fun in a kinesthetic group class, emphasizing piano basics, movement, visual art, and singing as a catalyst to get the fingers working on the keyboard. Guest instruments could appear from time to time, such as Celtic harp; hand drums, to reinforce rhythms and steady beat in children, a piano basics skill; ukuleles; and Tibetan singing bowls. Learning about how these other instruments work gives a basis to the piano work as well. Parents are asked to join us!
Percussion Explorers
Thursdays, 5:30-6:15
Begins 02/16/23, 6 sessions
Ages: 4-6 with parent
Mondays, 5:30-6:15
Begins 02/13/23, 6 sessions
Ages: 7-9
Location: Olivet UCC, 1850 Iglehart Ave
Instructors: Mike Marcinowski and Ben Yats
Cost: $140
Rhythm Explorers is a hands-on drum class geared towards young children and their parents. Through a variety of games and songs we will explore the fundamentals of rhythm, creating unique sounds and playing in a group. No experience necessary.
Children’s Vocal Ensemble
Tuesdays at 5:00-6:00pm
Begins 01/24/2022
Ages: 5-12
Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 104 Snelling S
Instructor Kathy Lee
Cost: $225 - or free to any student simultaneously enrolled in private lessons through SPCM
This class is an opportunity for young people aged 5-12 to have a first experience singing in a small ensemble. Because of the small size of the group, 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.
Note Heads Vocal Ensemble
Tuesdays at 5:00-6:00pm
Begins 01/30/2023
Ages: 12-high school
Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 104 Snelling S
Instructor: Monte Mason
Cost: $225 - or free to any student simultaneously enrolled in private lessons through SPCM
This is a class where young singers - ages 12 or 13 and up - 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. We look forward to an end of session performance.
Creative Music Composition
Tuesdays at 6:15-7:15pm
Begins 01/24/2022, 8 sessions
Ages: 9-12
Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 104 Snelling S
Instructor: Siobhann Paulman
Cost: $150
Would you like to learn how to write and play your own music? Do you like to experiment with sound? In this class, we will learn about the elements of music and basic music theory in active and creative ways, using movement, singing, and improvisation. Students will generate musical ideas in and out of class and learn how to write them down in traditional and non-traditional notation. Some experience with playing an instrument and reading notation is helpful but not required.
Teens & Adults
Rock the House
Instructor: Harry Chalmiers
Cost: $250
This class has its own Registration Form.
Would you like to play your instrument or sing with other music lovers? Have you ever dreamt of being in a band? ROCK THE HOUSE is for you: guitar, bass, piano, and wind players, percussionists, drummers, and vocalists who want to collaborate on cover tunes and original music, learn to trade solos, and perform. Jazz, hip-hop, rock, folk, country, bluegrass and world music – all styles are welcome. We’ll match you up with others with the same interests. You’ll learn to effectively rehearse and perform popular and original songs. You’ll develop your individual and ensemble skills for your enjoyment and inspiration while gaining performance experience as well. You’ll work with a professional performer and educator to achieve your musical goals. Suggested for advanced beginners and up. Offering Adult and Youth sections.
This class has its own Registration Form.
Exploded Drumset Percussion Ensemble
Mondays, 6:30-7:30 pm
Begins February 13, 10 Sessions
Ages: High School - Adult
Location: Olivet UCC, 1850 Iglehart Ave
Instructor: Mike Marcinowski
COST: $200
This class will explore the sounds and history of the drum set via ensemble based playing. Topics will include coordination, developing a strong sense of time, group improvisation and more. Open to all abilities. No drums will be harmed during this class.
CLASSES FOR ALL AGES
Chamber 101
Saturdays (other days may be possible), various times
Begins 2/4/23, 10 sessions
All Ages (ensembles grouped by age and experience)
Location: To be confirmed with each group.
Instructors: SPCM Faculty, Coordinated by Stephanie Skor
Cost: $250
Learning to play with other people is one of the most rewarding parts of being a musician, and it also builds essential skills - ear development, leadership, musicianship, rhythm and a strong sense of pulse, and confidence.
We are excited to provide the opportunity for budding musicians to delve into the wonderful world of chamber music!
Students may sign up as individuals who will be assigned a group, or can sign up with other students whom they’d like to play with. SPCM will work with the students, and their teachers to place them in the right ensemble.
This class has its own registration form.
Introduction to Non-Western Percussion
Thursdays, 6:30-7:30
Begins 02/16/23, 8 sessions
All Ages
Location: Olivet UCC, 1850 Iglehart Ave
Instructors: Ben Yats
Cost: $140
An Introduction to Non-Western Percussion is aimed at students of all ages who are interested in getting a hands-on experience with a multitude of non-Western percussion! Students will be able to play on and learn about musical instruments that include the North Indian Tabla, Venezuelan Maracas, Irish Bodhran, various tambourines, and more!
Adults
Viola da Gamba Consort
Instructor: Maryne Mossey
Cost: $125
Wednesdays, 7-8:00 pm
Begins April 19, 5 sessions
Location: Saint Paul-Reformation Church, 100 Oxford St N, Saint Paul, MN 55104
This class is designed for viol players at the intermediate level or above. The class will explore viol consort repertoire written in the 16th and 17th centuries, culminating in a performance in the SPCM Student Recitals. Classes begin on April 19—don't forget to sign up!
Getting to Know Beethoven’s 16 String Quartets
Instructor: Michael Adams
Cost: $150
Mondays, 7-8:30 pm on the following 4 dates: February 13, March 6, April 3, May 8
Four 90-minute classes will acquaint you with the medium that Beethoven was repeatedly drawn to throughout his life; 16 string quartets that chronicle his creative arc perfectly, through his early, middle and late periods. Three string quartets will be studied in-depth, with study scores provided for annotations and homework.
Using examples taken from Beethoven’s sketchbooks, Michael Adams will detail Beethoven’s composing process, the fascinating historical and socioeconomic context of Beethoven’s world, as well as how performers deal with interpretative considerations.
FAQ: Do I need to read music? No! It helps, but is not a prerequisite.
Clarinet Choir
Wednesdays at 6:00-7:00pm
Begins 01/25/23, 12 sessions
Ages: 18+
Location: Saint Paul-Reformation, 100 Oxford St N
Instructor: Jake Meyer
Cost: $240
The Adult clarinet choir will explore 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.
Intro to Violin
Mondays, 7:30-8:30 pm
Begins 01/23/23, 16 Sessions
Ages: Adult
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 104 Snelling S
Instructor: Aja Majkrzak
Cost: $350
In this class, designed for complete beginners, you will learn foundational skills for playing the violin. Topics covered include how to rent and care for an instrument, building foundational skills, beginning note-reading, playing as a group and techniques for building practice into your life.
String Ensemble
Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm
Begins 01/23/23, 16 sessions
Ages: Adults
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 104 Snelling S
Instructor: Aja Majkrzak
Cost: $350
This class is for string players with a few years of playing experience who would like to take their skills to the next level. Students should be around a Suzuki book 3-4 level and be comfortable with reading music, shifting, and playing in a variety of keys. The class will offer both full group and sectional rehearsals to help students develop both individual and ensemble skills.
Drop In Recorder Class
Mondays, 1-3pm
Begins 01/23/23 (ongoing)
Ages: Adult
Instructor: Jean Allison Olson
Cost: Suggested donation $10 per session.
Calling all recorder players! Drop in Recorder Ensemble, Monday afternoons from 1-3 PM. All levels welcome! Bring your own instruments and stand. We work on ensemble and sight reading skills, as well as switching instruments. The music ranges across time from the middle ages to this year. Feel free to attend as you are able. Proof of Covid vaccination required. Suggested donation is $10.
Because this is a drop-in recorder ensemble, you may wish to double-check our website for any announcement about cancellations on the day of the meetings.
CUSTOM CLASSES
In addition to offering scheduled classes open to the general public, SPCM works with pre-formed groups, preschools and child care centers, or other organizations to offer classes that meet your needs on a schedule that works for you.
CONTACT US today for details on custom classes.