STORIES FROM KEYS
Behind every lesson, rehearsal and performance is a young person discovering what they’re capable of.
STUDENT STORY
I started KEYS during the 2014-2015 school year while I was at High Horizons Magnet School. I am currently in my first semester of graduate school at Brooklyn College studying Musicology.
If it wasn’t for KEYS, I would not be pursuing music at all. I developed my transcription, arranging, teaching, and performing skills by saying “yes” to any project placed in front of me. I am forever grateful to KEYS and all the time and patience they have given me.
Tiffany Serrano
Violin, Music History · B.M. University of Bridgeport, Class of 2026 · M.M. Brooklyn College, Class of 2028
From the KEYS community
Discover stories from students, teachers, families and community members whose lives are touched by KEYS. Real journeys. Real impact.
Student StoryKEYS has really influenced my journey by giving me clarity of what I want to do for the rest of my life. KEYS showed me how powerful and beautiful music is, and I realized that I wanted to do it for the rest of my life through seeing the joy it brings everybody.
Performance2025 KEYS Spring Concert - Showcasing the talents of over 90 KEYS students
Parent StoryWhy one family is grateful for the opportunities KEYS provides.
Community StoryKEYS held a special joint concert performance at the iconic Quick Center at Fairfield University featuring Orin Grossman, and the KEYS Jazz Band.
Where are they now?
KEYS students carry what they learn far beyond the lesson — into college, careers and the communities they become part of.
130
seniors graduated since 2020
61
alumni in higher education since 2020
College & University
Pursuing degrees in music, education, performance and more.
Careers in Music
Performing, teaching, composing and working in the music industry.
Giving Back
Returning as mentors, educators and volunteers for the next generation.
Building Community
Leading and making an impact in their local communities.
Voices of KEYS
Students are at the heart of KEYS. Around them is a community of families, educators, volunteers and partners helping make music possible.
"Our KEYS students are like shining stars in every sense of the word. They go from quiet and timid, to being confident, speaking up for themselves, as well as being active participants in the classroom."
Tiffany Ladson-Lang ( Parent & the Principal of Beardsley School.)
"As a graduating senior of Fairfield Warde High School, I am planning to double major in statistics and music, working with KEYS has shown me how instrumental music can be to a child's mental, physical, and social development. It has also helped me appreciate how lucky I am to have grown up surrounded by music"
Eliza Choi ( Volunteer )
“Without music, life is less beautiful, so I am grateful to KEYS for giving all of these young people a gift of music to make their lives more beautiful and more joyful.”
Debbie Graser ( Recipient of Keys Hall of Fame Award in 2022 )
Keep the music going
Your support helps Bridgeport students access free, high-quality music education and the opportunities that come with it.
