Contemporary Music Program
A Dedicated Home for Contemporary Music
Explore options in jazz, pop/rock, electronic music and recording arts, songwriting and composition, and world music.
Launched in Fall 2025, MacPhail’s Contemporary Music Program brings together decades of offerings into one program that expands opportunities for students of all ages. Through personalized instruction, collaborative music-making, and creative exploration, students can build strong musicianship, develop their artistic voice, and share the music they love.
Financial assistance is available. Many families qualify, including households with incomes up to approximately $97,000, depending on family size. Learn more.
Explore Contemporary Music
Jazz
Pop/Rock/Blues/R&B
Music Production & Technology
Composition & Songwriting
Jazz
Pop/Rock/Blues/R&B
Music Production & Technology
Composition & Songwriting
Jazz
Pop/Rock/Blues/R&B
Music Production & Technology
Composition & Songwriting
Pop/Rock/Blues/R&B
Explore the rich traditions, enduring influence, and ever-evolving sounds of Pop, Rock, R&B, and Blues. Guided by MacPhail’s expert contemporary music faculty, students build strong musicianship through individualized instruction, collaborative music-making, and performance opportunities. Rooted in the influential artists and styles that have shaped these genres, students develop their artistic voice while building confidence, strengthening their musicianship, and deepening their enjoyment of making music.
Jazz
MacPhail Center for Music is proud to offer students the opportunity to explore jazz, a vital Black American art form rooted in creativity, collaboration, and cultural expression. Guided by MacPhail’s expert jazz faculty, students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that honors the traditions of the past while embracing contemporary approaches and innovation. Through performance, study, and collaboration, the program enriches both student learning and the presence of jazz throughout the MacPhail community.
Music Production & Technology (EMRA)
Explore the art and craft of music production in MacPhail’s professional studios with our Music Production & Technology (EMRA) program. Students learn hands-on using industry-standard tools and workflows, building the technical, creative, and critical skills needed to produce original music in today’s digital landscape.
Led by experienced teaching artists with deep professional backgrounds, instruction includes recording, beat-making, sound design, arranging, mixing, and creative use of technology. We offer in-person and online one-to-one instruction with a customized curriculum tailored to your goals—whether you’re new to music production or refining advanced skills.
Composition & Songwriting
Curious about writing songs or building your compositional skills? Whether you work with acoustic instruments, electronic tools, or both, MacPhail offers classes and one-on-one instruction to support your creative journey. No matter where you’re starting from—whether you’ve written lots of songs already or are just beginning—our teaching artists provide the guidance, feedback, and tools you need to explore your ideas, build confidence, and develop your own musical voice.
Individual Lessons
Personalized instruction is at the heart of MacPhail’s Contemporary Music Program. Students work one-on-one with experienced teaching artists who are active performers, composers, producers, and recording artists, building technical skills, creativity, confidence, and their own unique musical voice through lessons designed to meet their unique goals.
Meet the Faculty
Anya Menk
Michael Cain
Kenichi Thomas
Course Offerings
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Youth Rock Band Program – Middle School – FALL
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Youth Rock Band Program – High School – FALL
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Singer’s Jam Session for Adults – Fall Semester
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Sound Rebels Ensemble (ages 12-18) – FALL
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Songwriting Workshop for Adults
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Improvisation Ensemble (age 16+) – FALL Semester
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Beginning Jazz Ensemble – Youth – FALL
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Beginning Jazz Ensemble – Adult – FALL
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Adult Rock Band – FALL
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Adult Latin Ensemble – Apple Valley
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Adult Jazz Combos – Minneapolis – FALL
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Songwriters Lab Summer Camp: August 3-7
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Composition Camp: August 3-7
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Summer Contemporary Music / EMRA Lessons – ONLINE
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Summer Contemporary Music / EMRA Lessons – MPLS
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Summer Contemporary Music / EMRA Lessons – Chanhassen
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Summer Contemporary Music / EMRA Lessons – Apple Valley
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Summer 2026 Introductory Lesson Package
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Composition Lessons – ONLINE
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Composition Lessons – Minneapolis
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Composition Lessons – Apple Valley
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