Strings of Success: Celebrating Key to Change Spring Festival Winners
Student winners of the Debut Competitive Division with judges and music instructors. April 6, 2026 Last weekend, on Saturday, March 28, Key to Change hosted its annual Solo String Festival at Benaroya Hall, bringing together approximately seventy students for a full day of learning, performance, and community engagement. Designed as a conference-style experience for young […]
An Inspiring Evening of Music and Community at Key to Change’s Spring Salon Fundraiser
Pictured: Ciku Maina shaking hands with Adam Stern, the conductor of the Federal Way Symphony after she performed at the Spring Salon Fundraiser. April 6, 2026 On Sunday, March 29, Key to Change welcomed supporters, families, and students to Benaroya Hall for its Spring Salon Fundraiser. The evening was a meaningful reflection of what is […]
The Stars Behind the Spring Salon: Our Sponsors and Performers
Pictured: Key to Change’s Spring Salon Event Program for March 29, 2026 Thank you to everyone who contributed to Key to Change’s 9th annual Spring Salon Fundraiser: Orchestrating the Future. This free concert with the Federal Way Symphony is a celebration of student achievement featuring our very own students as soloists. Learn more about the […]
Four Key to Change Violin Students Accepted to Harvard Summer School on Full Scholarship
Pictured clockwise from top left: Justice Johnson, Natalie Anderson, Chris Ramirez-Eligio, and Avi Spillers. Four violin students from Key to Change have been accepted to attend the prestigious Secondary School Program at Harvard Summer School this summer, earning full scholarships to participate in the highly competitive seven-week residential academic program. Justice Johnson (Highline High School), […]
Key to Change Violinist Sid Siravara Performs Bach with Tacoma Community College Chamber Orchestra

Pictured: Violin student, Sid Siravara, being congratulated post performance with the Tacoma Community College Chamber Orchestra Key to Change Young Artist Academy violinist Sid Siravara performed as a soloist with the Tacoma Community College Chamber Orchestra on Monday, March 16, 2026, in Building 2 on Tacoma Community College’s campus. The concert drew a full audience […]
Efrem Fesaha of Boon Boona Coffee to receive 2026 Community Achievement Award
Pictured: Efrem Fesaha, CEO of Renton-based Boon Boona Coffee Every year, Key to Change presents the Community Achievement Award at its Spring Salon Fundraiser. In recognition of his outstanding service, Key to Change’s Board of Directors has selected Efrem Fesaha, the visionary leader behind Renton-based Boon Boona Coffee, whose work continues to make our community […]
From the Classroom to the Stage: Joseph Gottesman Inspires Our Students in a Special Masterclass
Pictured Left to Right: Avi Spillers with Joseph Gottesman during his Masterclass Last Tuesday evening, the sounds of violins and violas filled Key to Change’s Renton studio as students gathered for a special masterclass with guest artist Joseph Gottesman. Through humor, detailed technical advice, and expressive musical coaching, Professor Gottesman encouraged students to refine their […]
Seattle Student Violist Tyree Carr III Wins Key to Change Concerto Competition and Will Perform with UW Orchestra

Key to Change viola student, Tyree Carr III, wins Concerto Competition Tyree Carr III, a 15-year-old violist from Seattle, has been selected as the winner of the Key to Change Concerto Competition and will perform as a soloist with the University of Washington Philharmonia Campus Orchestra on May 30 at Meany Hall for the Performing […]
Key to Change Welcomes New Board Leadership to Help Expand Opportunity for Young Musicians
Pictured left to right: Jim Duncan, Matt Feldmeyer, Katie Pond, Hannah Franklin Key to Change is pleased to welcome new leadership and members to its Board of Directors, bringing together a group of respected leaders from the arts, education, architecture, and finance who share a deep commitment to expanding opportunity for young people through music. […]
Access Creates Excellence: What Our Students Learned From Violinist Hilary Hahn
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 […]


