The central hub of activity for Kidznotes students in grades 3-12.
The Nucleo
2026-2027 Registration is Open!
The Kidznotes Núcleo Program welcomes students in grades 3–12 to discover, develop, and share their musical talents in a supportive community. Through group lessons and ensembles, students explore strings, winds, and percussion while building confidence, creativity, and teamwork.
Beyond their core music instruction, students can choose from a variety of elective classes that enrich and expand their musical journey. As they advance, students are encouraged to take on leadership roles, participate in community performances, and learn from inspiring guest artists.
Accepted students receive an instrument and essential music supplies to use throughout their time at Kidznotes at no additional cost to families.
Nucleo Student Levels
*New in 2026-2027* Explorers
Students in grades 3-5 with no music experience can apply.
Experience the full orchestra! Students will participate in 5-week rotations of strings, winds, and percussion instruments.
Pioneers
Students in grades 5-6 with no music experience can apply.
Want to jump into beginning strings, winds, or percussion group lessons? Pioneers will learn foundational skills to set them up for success.
Voyagers*
Students in grades 5-6 with at least 1 year of experience on their instrument OR 6th graders new to their instruments and are enrolled in their school band or orchestra.
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.
This is our auditioned level where students will perform out in the community throughout the year. Past performances include the Carolina Theatre in Durham, Kidznotes gala with celebrity guests, community festivals, and side-by-side concerts with the Durham Symphony Orchestra.
Students will also participate in mentorship training and activities to support younger Kidznotes students.
Interested in Joining the Nucleo?
Assessment Requirements:
New students enrolling as a Voyager, Trailblazer, or Maestro 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*: All registered students are required to pay a one-time registration fee each year. Registration fees are non-refundable.
Nucleo Students: $50 ($25 for each additional child)
Nucleo Students also enrolling in an elective class: $50 + $25 per elective (or $25 + $12.50 for each additional child)
Students Registering ONLY for Group Piano Lessons (no Nucleo classes): $75 ($37.50 for each additional child)
*Financial aid is available upon request
When and Where the Nucleo Happens
Dates
September 15, 2026 through May 19, 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
Nucleo students have access to elective classes in group piano and chamber music. Students who are not enrolled in the Nucleo are welcome to register!
Please refer to “Annual Registration Fees” above to determine your students’ assigned fees. Please note that class sizes are small and Nucleo students have priority registration.
Group Piano Class 1: Thursdays 4:00-5:00 PM
Open to students in 3rd-5th grade with no prior piano experience.
Group Piano Class 2: Thursdays 4:00-5:00 PM
Open to students in 3rd-5th grade with at least one year of piano experience
Group Piano Class 3: Thursdays 5:00-6:00 PM
Open to students in 6th-12th grade with no prior piano experience
Group Piano Class 4: Thursdays 5:00-6:00 PM
Open to students in 6th-12th grade with at least 2 years of piano experience.
Trailblazers Chamber Ensemble: Thursdays 6:00-7:00 PM (**Time and Day may change**)
Open to string players who can play at a middle school level. Assessment by a staff member is required.
Additional Information
Report an Absence
Log into your DreamClass account to report your student’s absence.
Nucleo Phone Number
984-260-3137
(During program days/hours only)
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