Hilary Hahn pictured with Key to Change violin student, Za’Rahia Howell
🎻 World's Greatest Violinist Visits Key to Change
For three extraordinary days, Key to Change had the profound honor of welcoming world renowned violinist Hilary Hahn as Violin Instructor in Residence. Her visit brought inspiration, mentorship, and world class musical guidance directly to students in South King County, creating moments that will shape their artistic journeys for years to come.
Hilary Hahn is celebrated globally for her artistic brilliance and for her deep commitment to music education and young musicians. During her residency, she immersed herself in the life of the program through masterclasses, group instruction, and personal mentorship. Students did not simply observe greatness. They experienced it up close.
In classrooms filled with focus and anticipation, Hahn coached students on technique, musical interpretation, and the confidence required to share one’s voice on stage. She listened carefully, demonstrated generously, and encouraged each student to believe in their own potential. For many, it was the first time receiving guidance from an artist of such stature. The experience was transformative.
Her work will culminate in a milestone performance for select students who will make their solo debut with the Federal Way Symphony Orchestra at Benaroya Hall during the Spring Salon Community Concert on March 29. For young musicians, performing as a soloist with a professional orchestra is a life changing achievement. Hahn’s mentorship is helping prepare them to meet that moment with artistry and confidence.
🫶 Opening Doors for the Community
Key to Change extended the impact of the residency far beyond its own students by hosting a public masterclass offered free of charge. The event welcomed young musicians not enrolled in the program, public school orchestra teachers, and members of partner community orchestras. By removing financial barriers, the organization ensured that access to world class instruction reached as many people as possible.
Visitors were also invited to tour Key to Change’s new Federal Way facility, strengthening connections across the region and expanding awareness of the organization’s growing presence in South King County.
The residency included a community outreach activity that brought together students, parents, staff, and board members in a shared experience of service. These moments reflected a core belief of Key to Change that music is a powerful tool for connection, leadership, and empathy.
Hilary Hahn pictured with Key to Change viola student, Tyree Carr III
💖 Personal Moments That Last a Lifetime
Some of the most meaningful experiences happened outside the formal classroom. During a joyful open house celebration, Hilary Hahn helped Key to Change officially open its new Federal Way location, marking a historic milestone for the organization and the community it serves.
Students gathered for a special pizza party where they could interact with Hahn in a relaxed and personal setting. On a purple carpet, students lined up to take photos with her, sharing smiles, conversations, and excitement as they captured memories they will treasure for years. A group photo on the purple carpet brought students together with Hahn in a moment that symbolized possibility, pride, and belonging.
Families, staff, and supporters celebrated together as the new space was introduced as a home for creativity, learning, and opportunity.
In those moments, a global superstar became a mentor and role model who was fully present with the young people around her. Students saw firsthand that excellence and kindness can exist together, and that the path to greatness is built on dedication, humility, and joy.
🚀 What Access Makes Possible
Hilary Hahn’s residency is a powerful example of what happens when young people are given access to world class mentorship and opportunity. At Key to Change, talent is everywhere. Opportunity is what unlocks it.
Students left the residency not only with new musical skills, but with a renewed belief in what their futures can hold. They saw a living example of what is possible when passion meets discipline and support.
Tyree Carr, a Key to Change student, reflected on the experience:
“Working with Hilary Hahn showed me that someone at the highest level still cares deeply about students like me. It made me believe that my goals are truly possible.”
As the Spring Salon approaches, the influence of Hahn’s visit continues to ripple through the program. Students are practicing with renewed purpose, families are energized, and the community has witnessed the extraordinary results of investing in young artists.
Hilary Hahn pictured with Key to Change violin student, Tina Campaz
🌟 Be Part of What Happens Next
Moments like this are only possible because of a community that believes in young people. If you were inspired by this story, there are several meaningful ways to take action today.
Donate to Key to Change to ensure more students have access to life changing musical opportunities and mentorship from world class artists.
Tell families about lessons at our Federal Way location. Lesson registration closes February 28 and the first day of class is March 3. This is a powerful opportunity for new students to begin their own musical journey in a supportive and transformative environment.
Attend the Spring Salon Community Concert on March 29 and witness these young musicians perform as soloists with the Federal Way Symphony Orchestra at Benaroya Hall. Tickets are available now.
Your support helps turn potential into achievement and dreams into reality.
Together, we can ensure that the next generation of artists has the guidance, confidence, and opportunity to shine.
