Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle Launches Music Residency in Partnership with Key to Change

Pictured: Dr. Quinton Morris, Executive Director of Key to Change, Dr. Natasha Kubit, Music Instructor at Key to Change, and Paul Hogan, President of Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle High School, celebrating a new music partnership.

Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle High School (CRJS) is proud to announce an exciting new collaboration with Key to Change (KTC), a nonprofit string studio dedicated to inspiring youth through world-class music instruction. Together, we are launching an in-school music residency program designed to provide our students with exceptional violin training while fostering confidence, collaboration, and a deep sense of belonging.

This pilot program begins as a semester-long residency and will officially start on January 20, 2026, during our Magis period—a unique time in the school day when students explore enrichment opportunities beyond the traditional classroom. Twelve students eagerly enrolled in the inaugural Magis violin class, filling all available spots and creating a waitlist of aspiring string players. Their enthusiasm speaks volumes about the hunger for artistic expression and the value of music education in our community.

Classes will take place daily on Cristo Rey’s campus and will be led by Key to Change’s distinguished instructors: Dr. Quinton Morris, Executive Director and Founder of KTC; Dr. Natasha Kubit; and Analisa Ruiz. These educators bring not only technical expertise but also a shared commitment to equity and empowerment through the arts.

This partnership reflects the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person and aligns beautifully with Key to Change’s mission to use music as a vehicle for artistic excellence and social change. Both organizations believe that intensive music instruction can serve as a powerful tool for personal growth, discipline, and opportunity.

Dr. Quinton Morris shared his excitement:

“Cristo Rey’s vision is for their students to experience care for the whole person. You can see that commitment in the way they teach and how their students are open to growth, focused on service, and committed to social justice. That spirit aligns beautifully with Key to Change’s mission to support underserved students as they grow into confident, self-aware leaders through world-class music instruction. We are excited about building something meaningful and laying the foundation for lasting excellence.”

CRJS President Paul Hogan echoed this enthusiasm:

“We can see the Key to Change partnership becoming one of our distinctive programs. We believe deeply in the power of music to amplify students’ spiritual and aesthetic gifts, and we know well Key to Change’s local reputation for teaching excellence. Given that 15 percent of the students at our new school signed up right away, we know we have the interest to build a tremendous strings program that will put us on the map in terms of musical education in South King County.”

Beyond the classroom, this initiative represents a shared commitment to equity, discipline, and community engagement. South King County—and specifically the Rainier Beach neighborhood—faces significant barriers to arts education. By creating accessible pathways to music instruction, Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle and Key to Change are working together to ensure that every student has the opportunity to discover their fullest potential and participate fully in the arts.

About Key to Change

Founded in 2017 by Dr. Quinton Morris, Key to Change is a nonprofit music school serving middle and high school students in South King County. Its mission is to inspire underserved youth through world-class music instruction and support their development as self-aware leaders. Learn more at www.keytochangestudio.org.

About Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle High School

Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle High School is a college-preparatory Catholic high school in Rainier Beach that integrates academic study, faith formation, and professional work experience for students with demonstrated financial need. Founded in 2024, CRJS is part of the Cristo Rey Network® of Schools, which provides high-quality education and career preparation for students who might not otherwise have access.