The Nucleo

The central hub of activity for Kidznotes students in grades 3-12.

The 2025-2026 registration deadline has passed.

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 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.

Nucleo Student Levels

Pioneers
Students in grades 3-5 with no music experience can apply.

All graduating Mozart students will enter the Nucleo as a Pioneer.

Voyagers*
Students in grades 4-5 with at least 1 year of experience on their instrument

Trailblazers*
Students in grades 6-8
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.

Interested in Joining the Nucleo?

Note: Registration has closed for the 2025-2026 school year.

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 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.

  • 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

When and Where the Nucleo Happens

Dates
September 15, 2025 through May 7, 2026

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

Trailblazers & Maestros

Core Classes (Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 PM)

Trailblazers band (Winds and percussion only)
Trailblazers String Ensemble (Strings only)
Abreu Orchestra (Strings, winds, percussion)

Plus, students will receive monthly group lessons for their instrument type.

Additional Electives (Thursdays)

  • Trailblazers/Maestros piano (new & returning piano student sections): 5:00-6:00 PM

  • Trailblazers Chamber Ensemble: 6:00-7:00 PM

    Note: Chamber ensembles will perform at a more advanced level and have the opportunity to perform out in the community throughout the year.

Check out the 2025-2026 Nucleo Calendar / Calendario de Nucleo.

Arrival and Dismissal

Arrive 10-15 minutes before class to unpack and get set up for success. After class, students must be picked up within 15 minutes of dismissal time.

Additional Information

Report an Absence

Text 984-273-8365 or email program@kidznotes.org.

Nucleo Phone

984-260-3137
(Monday-Thursday, 2:00-7:30 PM)

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