Kidznotes Nucleo
The Nucleo is the central hub of activity for Kidznotes students in grades 3-12. Here, elementary students can explore wind, strings, and percussion instruments through group lessons and ensembles while middle and high school students rehearse in large ensembles. All students enrolled at the Nucleo have the opportunity to take optional elective classes in choir and group keyboard lessons, broadening their music education experience. As students grow in their skill, they are encouraged to participate in leadership activities, group performances, and interact with guest artists and clinicians.
Accepted students will receive instruments to use while enrolled at Kidznotes and all supplies needed to be successful in class.
Registration for the 2025-2026 Nucleo is open!
Nucleo Registration Deadline: June 30, 2025
Nucleo Location: Fayetteville St. Elementary School located at 2905 Fayetteville St., Durham, NC 27707
Nucleo Student Levels:
Pioneers: Students in grades 3-5 with no music experience. All graduating Mozart students will enter the Nucleo as a Pioneer. Application only
Voyagers: Students in grades 4-5 with at least 1 year of experience on their instrument. Application and Kidznotes teacher assessment required
Trailblazers: Students in grades 6-8 with at least 1 year experience on their instrument. Enrollment in your school’s band or orchestra is suggested. Application and Kidznotes teacher assessment required for new students.
Maestros: Students in grades 9-12 playing at a high school level. Enrollment in your school’s band or orchestra is suggested. Application and Kidznotes teacher assessment required for new students.
Assessment for New Voyagers, Trailblazers, and Maestros Students
Fill out the registration application where you will be asked to provide a link to a video you upload to a sharing platform like Google Drive, Dropbox, or YouTube. Make sure we can see your student fully in the frame and their hands playing the instrument and that the environment is quiet so we can hear them.
Assessment Requirements:
State your first and last name and what instrument you play.
1 or 2 octave major scale
1-2 minutes of playing music that demonstrates your ability. The music can be an exercise from a lesson book, music you’ve played in an ensemble, or a solo.
Annual Registration Fee*
If accepted, a one-time annual fee of $50 ($25 for each additional child) for all Nucleo and Mozart students. Instructions on how to pay this fee will be included in your student’s acceptance packet sent in within one week of your application.
Optional elective classes for Nucleo students are available at $25 per student ($12.50 for each additional child) per elective.
*Payment plans are available upon request
2025-2026 Nucleo Schedule:
Program Duration: September 15, 2025 - May 7, 2025
Days of Operation: Tuesday-Thursday* *Days and times of student attendance vary by student level placement
Kidznotes Nucleo Location: Fayetteville St. Elementary School (2905 Fayetteville St, Durham, NC 27707)
Nucleo Student Schedules by Level Placement:
Pioneers & Voyagers: Tuesdays from 4:00-6:00 PM
Core classes: group lessons, general music (Pioneers only), band or string ensemble
Additional Electives:
Group Keyboard Lessons: 4:00-5:00 PM
Choir: 5:00-6:00 PM
Trailblazers & Maestros: Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 PM
Core Classes: Trailblazers band (winds and percussion only), Trailblazers String Ensemble (strings only), Abreu Orchestra (strings, winds, percussion). Once per month, students will receive group lessons for their instrument type.
Additional Electives:
Group Keyboard Lessons: 5:00-6:00 PM
Chamber Ensembles (small ensemble): 6:00-7:00 PM. Chamber ensembles will perform at a more advanced level and have the opportunity to perform out in the community throughout the year.
Mozart Program
Stay tuned for announcements about Mozart host schools in 2025-2026!
The Mozart Program is Kidznotes’ flagship beginning violin program for 1st and 2nd graders. We work with individual schools to host a Mozart program with the general music specialist and a Kidznotes violin instructor twice per week after school. Graduating Mozart students then have the option to continue their studies at the Kidznotes Nucleo.
Accepted students receive instruments and all supplies needed to be successful in class while enrolled in the program.
Registration
Late August through September with classes beginning in October.
Up to 20 students will participate at each site. Selection is prioritized for families who are eligible to receive free/reduced lunch according to NC Dept of Education's income guidelines.
Annual Registration Fee*
If accepted, a one-time annual fee of $50 ($25 for each additional child) for all Nucleo and Mozart students. Instructions on how to pay this fee will be included in your student’s acceptance packet sent in within one week of your application.
*Payment plans are available upon request
