KEYS FOR KIDS
What is Keys For Kids?
Founded by North Carolina native and acclaimed singer-songwriter Ben Folds, Keys for Kids provides support to nonprofits in the state that give young people the opportunity to learn and grow through music. This new partnership with Keys for Kids, DREAMS Center for Arts Education and the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra creates a seamless, supportive pathway for aspiring musicians—from their first notes to more advanced ensemble experiences.
Through the program, students will start their musical journey at DREAMS, where they will receive foundational instruction in a nurturing afterschool environment. As students progress to an intermediate level, they will transition into programming with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra (WSO), gaining access to expanded instruction and performance opportunities.
Participants in Keys for Kids can also join the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestras (WSYO) Chamber Ensembles, allowing them to develop ensemble skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of collaborative music-making at a higher level.
In addition to instruction and performance opportunities, all students enrolled in the program—as well as their families—will receive free tickets to all WSO and WSYO concerts. This ensures that students not only learn music, but also experience life, fostering a deeper connection to the arts and their community.
Who & When?
The WSO’s free Keys for Kids after-school program is for piano students in grades 4-12 who are at an intermediate level.
Keys for Kids is designed to provide a comprehensive, multi-level piano education to help students develop real skills as pianists! This intermediate level class serves as a continuation of the Keys for Kids x DREAMS Center for Arts Education x Wilmington Symphony Orchestra (WSO) cohort. Students who complete this program and wish to continue will be guaranteed a spot in the Spring term to continue their piano education.
Classes will occur on weekly Thursdays from 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM beginning September 10, 2026 and concluding December 3, 2026, with no class on November 26, 2026 in observance of Thanksgiving. Instruction will take place at the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra Administrative Offices (922 Market Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401).
Questions? Text or call Meghan McDonald at (910) 663-5950 or send an email to meghan@wilmingtonsymphony.org.
“This WSO-DREAMS collaboration aligns with charitable mission to bring music education to young people who otherwise would not have that opportunity. Speaking from first-hand experience, my middle school field trips to museums and the symphony, as well as having a chance to perform in the youth orchestra, greatly influenced my own creative journey to becoming a music artist.”