Curtis Stewart asking violin student, Sid, to imagine a scene for the piece he was practicing
Key to Change welcomed back Curtis Stewart, seven-time GRAMMY-nominated violinist, composer, and longtime friend of our organization, for a powerful and uplifting masterclass at our Renton studio last Thursday. This visit marks Curtis’s third time working with our students and continues a meaningful relationship that began when he served as Composer in Residence during the 2022-2023 academic year.
From the moment he entered the studio, Curtis brought his unique blend of emotional depth, technical mastery, and creative energy. In front of an audience of students, families, and community supporters, he guided our young musicians through an exploration of how musical expression and technical skill shape compelling performances.
Curtis encouraged students to reach beyond the notes on the page. He invited them to connect their playing to their own stories, to listen more intentionally, and to view the violin as a tool for honesty, courage, and self discovery. Under his mentorship, students refined their technique while unlocking new levels of confidence, expression, and artistic freedom.
Curtis’s influence extends far beyond our studio. Based in New York City, Curtis serves as the Artistic Director of the American Composers Orchestra and performs with multiple award-winning ensembles. His career has taken him to many of the world’s most celebrated venues including Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall, and held chamber music residencies at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Sawdust, and appearances at the Newport Jazz Festival.
As an educator, Curtis teaches at The Juilliard School and the Perlman Music Program, and previously spent ten years guiding young musicians at New York City’s LaGuardia High School for Music & Art and Performing Arts. His teaching is known for its authenticity, its attention to emotional truth, and its ability to help students connect deeply with the music they make.
Curtis’s album, of Love, was recently nominated for the 2026 GRAMMY awards. He wrote and recorded the music in his childhood home, following the passing of his mother who was also a composer, violinist, and educator. The album reflects themes of love, memory, and resilience. His artistic versatility has also led him to perform with musicians, such as Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, and Seal.
Curtis’s return to Key to Change was more than a masterclass. It was an inspiring artistic experience that encouraged our students to listen inward, express themselves fully, and see music as a powerful form of storytelling. Each visit from Curtis leaves a lasting impact on our young musicians, reminding them of the possibilities that open when they approach their craft with curiosity, dedication, and imagination.
We are grateful for his continued support of our students and our mission. His presence brings renewed energy and insight each time he joins us, helping young musicians discover their voice and their potential.
Top Left: Curtis and Avi; Bottom Left: Masterclass students and audience; Top Right: Curtis and Amani; Bottom Right: Curtis and Tyree
