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 musicians, the festival offered students opportunities to perform and compete for prizes, participate in masterclasses, and receive individualized coaching from acclaimed artists.
Learning from Acclaimed Guest Artists
Students worked closely with a diverse group of professional musicians from across the country, including guest adjudicators Elizabeth Kilpatrick, Jason Amos, and Dr. Tami Lee Hughes. Two of the guest artists traveled specifically to Seattle for this event.
Throughout the day, students also participated in masterclasses led by eight guest artists, including Annie Fullard, Arnaud Ghillebaert, Ayanna Omar, Benjamin Hunter, Dr. Latannia Ellerbe, Johnaye Kendrick, and Noah Geller.
“I’m blown away by the progress that Key to Change students have made in the past two years since my last visit,” said Jason Amos, Solo String Festival judge, violist in the Boston Public Quartet, and faculty at Project STEP. “It is clear that everyone here is committed to the daily work required to achieve a high level of playing.”
Johnaye Kendrick, Composer in Residence working with students during a reading of one of her pieces.
A Festival Designed for Growth
The Solo String Festival featured four divisions: Concerto, Jessie Montgomery, Debut, and Non-Competitive. Organized by an increasing level of difficulty, the first three divisions are competitive and give students the opportunity to perform for a panel of judges and earn prizes.
Concerto division winners receive the opportunity to perform with professional orchestras during the 2026 to 2027 season. The Jessie Montgomery division, named after the acclaimed violinist and composer Jessie Montgomery, offers awards such as scholarships, free annual tuition, and a featured performance on Classical King FM’s Unmute the Voices radio show hosted by Dr. Quinton Morris.
Intermediate and advanced students competed in the Debut division for similar awards, while students in the Non-Competitive division, many of whom have been playing for less than six months, gained valuable performance experience by taking the stage.
Students from the Magis violin class at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Seattle, who began their musical journey just two months ago through Key to Change’s in-school residency program, also performed during the festival.
Violin students from Cristo Rey Jesuit High School violin performing during the Non-Competitive Division of the Solo String Festival.
“Students who have more performance opportunities progress faster,” said Dr. Natasha Kubit, violin and viola instructor at Key to Change. “They become more prepared, more confident, and more engaged. The week leading up to a performance is often when students practice the most and actively seek feedback.”
Celebrating Student Achievement
Winners of the Jessie Montgomery and Debut divisions were announced at the conclusion of the festival. The Concerto division results were determined the following day during the Spring Salon Fundraiser.
Jessie Montgomery Competitive Division Winners
Siddharth Siravara, 1st place
Ciku Maina, 2nd place
Thomas Luu, 3rd place
Avi Spillers, Honorable Mention
Debut Competitive Division Winners
Justice Johnson, 1st place
Natalie Anderson, 2nd place
Anvi Gowda, 3rd place
Student winners of the Jessie Montgomery Competitive Division with judges and music instructors.
In addition to competition awards, students across multiple divisions received special prizes to support their continued musical development. These included violin strings, digital tuners, rubber mutes, rosin, bow rehairing services, and gift certificates.
A standout moment was Justice Johnson’s recognition as the Debut division first-place winner, along with the opportunity to use a high-quality instrument during their time in the program: a Jason Starkie violin valued at over $5,000.
The Solo String Festival is one of many ways Key to Change creates meaningful opportunities for young musicians to grow, perform, and build confidence through music.
To learn more about enrolling in Key to Change’s spring term, with classes beginning April 20, visit our website and register below:
