MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis, MN 55401

The venerable MacPhail Center for Music - founded in 1907 - offers high-quality music instruction for more than 6,000 students each year, with offerings for kids as young as six weeks old.

And now it's doing it in a new, custom-built, state-of-the-art building featuring 56 specialized practice rooms, a 225-seat concert hall, studios, and more. The school continues to offer individual and group lessons in voice and dozens of instruments; Suzuki instruction; jazz education; an innovative Music Therapy program for kids with special needs; and Early Childhood Arts parent/child classes.

A variety of ensembles are offered for musicians ages nine and up. A two-year Certificate Program for ages 14 and up provides performance-oriented instruction for highly-motivated students. Some programs, including some summer camps, require auditions; for lessons, students are matched with instructors after a detailed placement interview.

The school is also a good source for free and low-cost music experiences, with numerous opportunities throughout the year to see faculty, adult students, and young people perform. Check the calendar for upcoming dates.

Summer camps: Ages nine and up can work on voice and instrument skills while getting to know like-minded peers. MacPhail also offers Music Therapy camps for kids with autism.