KEYS FOR KIDS

What is Keys For Kids?

Founded by North Carolina native and acclaimed singer-songwriter Ben Folds, theKeys for Kids initiative, in partnership with the North Carolina Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Foundation, expands access to high-quality music education for young students across the region.

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 in New Hanover County—from their first notes to more advanced ensemble experiences. 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.

“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.”
— Ben Folds

Who?

The WSO’s free Keys for Kids after-school program is for piano students in grades 4-12 who are at an intermediate level.

An intermediate piano student:

  • Plays scales confidently

  • Can play two different things in each hand

  • Understands and uses articulations (staccato, legato, tenuto) and damper pedal

  • Knows key signatures

  • Recognizes accidentals and applies them in pieces

  • Can sight-read beginner-level music confidently

Keys for Kids is designed to provide a comprehensive, multi-level piano education to help students develop real skills as pianists free of charge! WSO prioritizes families who could not otherwise access this type of enrichment for their student(s). Families in a higher income bracket may get waitlisted or be offered reduced options.

When & Where?

  • Classes will occur weekly on 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.

REGISTER

Meet our Piano Instructor!

LUIS BARRAGAN

My fascination with playing by ear began while living in Spain, where I later pursued formal studies at a music conservatory. I auditioned at age six and completed the conservatory’s ten-year program in seven years, focusing on piano performance, collaborative piano, and pedagogy.

I currently focus on teaching piano students, serving in Music Ministry, and working as a collaborative pianist.

While completing a refresher at University of North Carolina Wilmington, where I graduated in 2022, some of my favorite performances included performing the first movement of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra for the Richard R. Deas Young Artist Concerto Competition. I also recorded works by composers from various musical periods with UNC Wilmington’s Teal Waves Music Label and received top scores in three honors auditions.

Recently, I worked as the onstage pianist for the Wilson Center production of Lessons at the Piano and joined the orchestra for Man of La Mancha at Thalian Hall. I also served as stage pianist for Always… Patsy Cline at Thalian Hall.

As an Emerging Artist with the Port City Music Festival, I participated in intensive workshops and rehearsals and performed at venues throughout Wilmington over the course of the festival week.

I have performed at Steinway Hall, the Wilson Center, and Doc’s Lab in San Francisco.

I currently teach at the Port City Conservatory of Music and coach students from my home studio in Wilmington’s Brooklyn Arts District.