The central hub of activity for Kidznotes students in grades 3-12.
The Nucleo
2026-2027 Registration Opens Soon!
April 8: Registration open for current students
May 1: Registration opens for new students
About the Nucleo
The Kidznotes Nucleo program is for third through twelfth graders. Here, elementary students can explore wind, strings, and percussion instruments through group lessons and ensembles.
All students enrolled at the Nucleo have the opportunity to take optional elective classes, 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 and supplies to use while enrolled at Kidznotes.
Nucleo Student Levels
*New in 2026-2027* Explorers
Students in grades 3-4 with no music experience can apply.
Experience the full orchestra! Students will participate in 6-week rotations of strings, winds, and percussion instruments.
Pioneers
Students in grades 5-6 with no music experience can apply.
Beginning 6th graders must be enrolled in their school band or orchestra.
Voyagers*
Students in grades 5-6 with at least 1 year of experience on their instrument
Trailblazers*
Students in grades 6-8
at least 3 years of 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.
Interested in Joining the Nucleo?
Note: Registration has closed for the 2025-2026 school year.
New students in 3rd-4th grade will enter as an Explorer or Pioneerwith no required assessment. To join the Nucleo program as a Voyager, Trailblazer, or Maestro student, fill out the registration application and complete an assessment.
Assessment Requirements:
You will be asked to provide a video in the registration application, emailed to program@kidznotes.org. 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.
State your first and last name and what instrument you play.
1 or 2 octave major scale
At least 1 minute of playing music that demonstrates your ability. The music can be an exercise from an etude 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). 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
When and Where the Nucleo Happens
Dates
September 15, 2026 through May 8, 2027
Times
Tuesday-Thursday. Find your specific schedule below!
Pioneers & Voyagers
Core classes (Tuesdays from 4:00-6:00 PM)
Group lessons
General music (Pioneers only)
Band or string ensemble
Additional Electives (Thursdays)
Pioneers Piano: 4:00-5:00 PM
Voyagers Piano (new piano students): 4:00-5:00 PM
Pioneers & Voyagers Choir 5:00-6:00 PM
Voyagers Piano (returning piano students): 5:00-6:00 PM
Location
Fayetteville St. Elementary
2905 Fayetteville St., Durham, NC 27707
Explorers
Core Classes (Wednesdays from 4:00-6:00 PM)
Group instrument lessons (rotating every 6 weeks)
General Music/Choir
Trailblazers & Maestros
Core Classes (Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 PM)
Orchestra
Trailblazers group lessons
Maestros Chamber Ensemble
Electives
Stay tuned for an updated list of elective classes for 2026-2027!
Check out the 2025-2026 Nucleo Calendar / Calendario de Nucleo.
Additional Information
Report an Absence
Complete the absence form here.
Nucleo Phone
984-260-3137
(Monday-Thursday during program hours only)
Student Opportunities
Learn about scholarships, workshops, and more.
Program News and Updates / Noticias y Actualizaciones del Programa
See the latest Nucleo news.
Have questions about the Nucleo program or any of our other offerings? We’re happy to help.
“You don’t have to face the problems in your life alone…Music can take you to places you can’t go.”
— Kidznotes Student