Key to Change Receives First Neighborhood Grant From The Starbucks Foundation To Support Youth Empowerment
The Starbucks Foundation has awarded Key to Change a 2026 Neighborhood Grant Key to Change has received its first Neighborhood Grant from The Starbucks Foundation, an investment that will support our mission to inspire underserved students through world-class music instruction and leadership development. The Starbucks Foundation invests in thriving communities by supporting nonprofit organizations in […]
Key to Change Students Bring Music, Culture, and Connection to University House Wallingford

Key to Change student performers at University House Wallingford on August 1, 2026 On August 1, eight students from Key to Change filled University House Wallingford with music, artistry, and inspiring stories of growth. Families, friends, and more than 50 residents gathered to hear violinists and violists from our Young Artists Academy and three group […]
Key to Change and Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle Extend Music Partnership to Serve More Students in Rainier Beach

Inaugural Cristo Rey and Key to Change music class cohort Following a successful pilot program earlier this year, Key to Change is expanding its partnership with Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle High School(CRJS) beginning this fall. The new three-year commitment will bring world-class music education to even more underserved students in Rainier Beach. Cristo Rey’s students […]
A Summer of Discovery at Harvard
Three students are spending the summer challenging themselves academically, exploring new ideas, and discovering new possibilities at Harvard University. Avi Spillers, Chris Ramirez-Eligio, and Justice Johnson (left to right) are studying at Harvard this summer For most high school students, summer offers a chance to relax before another school year begins. For three Key to […]
Symphony South Continues to Inspire the Next Generation of Musicians

Symphony South 2026 student cohort pictured before their finale performance with Key to Change instructors This summer, Symphony South returned for its second season, bringing together talented young musicians from across South King County for an immersive month of orchestral training, artistic growth, and community. Students attended rehearsals four days a week for three hours […]
Seattle Symphony’s Wes Dyring Teaches an Inspiring Masterclass
Violists and colleagues, Wes Dyring and Mara Gearman (center left and right), with her Key to Change viola students Jaclynn, Ciku, Tyree, and Jake (left to right) Seattle Symphony violist Wes Dyring led a masterclass featuring Mara Gearman’s viola students at Key to Change on July 14, 2026. Mr. Dyring and Mara are longtime friends […]
Dr. Quinton Morris Performs for Dr. Jill Biden during Seattle Book Tour
Pictured left to right: Dr. James Kuan, Dr. Quinton Morris, and Dr. Jill Biden Dr. Quinton Morris, Founder and Executive Director of Key to Change, had the honor of performing for former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden this past Friday during an intimate gathering at the Seattle home of Ambassador Roger Nyhus. The special event […]
Key to Change Welcomes Shayna Weldon As Its First Director of Operations & Chief of Staff

Shayna Weldon begins on July 7, 2026 Key to Change is pleased to announce the appointment of Shayna Weldon as its first Director of Operations & Chief of Staff. Beginning July 7, 2026, Shayna will join the organization’s executive leadership team, serving as a strategic partner to Executive Director & Founder Dr. Quinton Morris while […]
Three Key to Change Students Begin Summer Studies at Harvard University
Through a Growing Partnership Between Key to Change and Harvard University, Three Students Have Earned Admission to One of the Nation’s Most Selective Pre-College Academic Programs, Where They Will Spend Seven Weeks Studying, Living on Campus, and Preparing for Future Leadership Violin students Avi Spillers, Chris Eligio-Ramirez, and Justice Johnson met with Dr. Sandra Naddaff, […]
A Celebration of Music, Legacy, and Community Fills Key to Change Studio
Standing Room Only Crowd Celebrates Composer-in-Residence Johnaye Kendrick, Student Achievement, and the Power of Belonging Johnaye Kendrick leads Key to Change’s entire student community in a performance of her new song, “We Hold the Key” Families, supporters, students, and community members packed the Key to Change studio for an unforgettable evening of music, inspiration, and […]


