Kidznotes Program Overview
Learn about our three programs for kids in grades 1-12.
Grades 1-2
Mozart Program
Offered in partnering elementary schools, students in grades 1-2 participate in music fundamentals and violin instruction for 1.5 hours twice per week. The Mozart Program allows our youngest students to expand on their in-school music instruction and introduce them to playing an instrument.
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Grades 3-12
The Nucleo
This is the heart of Kidznotes, where students in grades 3-12 gather for music instruction, community, and collaboration. Students are divided into four groups according to age and skill. All instruction takes place in group settings, including instrumental ensembles (band and orchestra), and instrument-specific group classes.
Students may also participate in exciting electives such as small ensembles and group piano lessons supported by Keys for Kids. Students opportunities include access to scholarships, performances at the Nucleo and in the community, mentorship, and guest artist collaborations.
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Ages 6-8
Saturday Academy
The Kidznotes Saturday Academy is an extension of our Mozart Program, offering 10 weeks of affordable group instrument lessons for ages 6-8. During each session, students can take up to two music classes on Saturday mornings. Courses blend music instruction with social-emotional learning (SEL) and executive function skill-building.
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What to Expect From Each Program
Instructional sessions: Classical orchestral training sessions are held for 8 hours weekly by instructors who are inspired by the El Sistema methodology and approach.
Informal and formal performances: Students give frequent performances in small ensembles and larger groups to become comfortable in front of audiences — and to build group solidarity. They perform informally (for each other, parents, visitors) and formally (for scheduled audiences in the community and beyond).
Field trips, visits by performing artists, other music-related activities: Kidznotes students and their families go on field trips to concerts (symphony, chamber music, festivals, schools) in order to foster awareness and appreciation of the larger arts community and its possibilities. In partnership with our community partners, Kidznotes students and families also have the opportunity to take part in workshops, master classes, and demonstrations by our guest performing artists.
Parent outreach: Kidznotes families are invited to engage in the program’s goal of building community by attending sessions and performances, accompanying children on field trips, meeting with program staff, and even volunteering in the program.
