Keys for Kids Program Builds Musical Foundations and Career Skills Across Generations

A child who once sat at a small keyboard at Moreno Valley College is now a college student who recently performed in his first guitar recital. That moment reflects what the revived Keys for Kids program represents: a lasting connection between the college and its community that shapes students at every stage of their education.

Originally launched in 2012, Keys for Kids returned in 2024 after a multi-year hiatus. The revival was sparked when Music Club president Jesus Lupercio partnered with the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Center to bring musical mentorship back to campus. "I saw Jesus on campus and immediately asked what we could do to bring the program back," said Sandra Rivas, ECE director. "His enthusiasm helped reignite the program, and it’s been incredible to see it come back to life."

Today, the program operates on two tracks, serving approximately 70 children through weekly sing-alongs and about 12 through focused piano instruction. Music Club volunteers lead sing-alongs tied to classroom themes, often echoing songs the children already know, while a separate track provides 4- and 5-year-olds with foundational piano skills through group and one-on-one practice. In piano sessions, small hands press individual keys as students learn rhythm and repetition, often breaking into smiles when they recognize a pattern they’ve mastered.

"The ECE gives us the themes the kids are learning that week and we either find songs or make a parody," Lupercio said. "We'll take the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and change the lyrics to be about Autumn."

For the children, the benefits extend beyond music. ECE teacher Patricia Lucero noted improvements in listening comprehension, social development, and fine motor skills. During recitals, she said, children who were once shy step forward with growing confidence as families watch them perform simple melodies they practiced week after week. "The piano recital really brought their hard work to life," Lucero said. "This program inspires an adoration for all instruments."

The program also provides professional development for Music Club members, most of whom are pursuing careers in music education. Rivas has watched these college students grow from timid participants into confident leaders who facilitate lessons with creativity. What once felt intimidating for many students has become a space where they now naturally guide young learners through music and movement.

Music Club member Lilia Gaona said the one-on-one format has sharpened her ability to adapt to different learners. "Every child is different in how they focus," Gaona said. "The skills I have acquired will stay with me for any future teaching career."

Michael de Vries, assistant professor of music, emphasizes that the program provides rare, early-career classroom experience. "Some of our members are now selecting music education as a career path," de Vries said. "Jesus is a direct example of this, as his early experience in the program gave him the start he needed."

That sense of continuity became clear during a recent orientation when a student approached Lupercio to share that he had been a Keys for Kids participant back in 2012. Now an MVC music student, he is the embodiment of the program’s long-term impact. The conversation lingered with Lupercio, a reminder that the students he once helped guide are now returning as peers in the same academic space.

Supported by the Associated Students of Moreno Valley College (ASMVC), the program continues to foster a sense of belonging through collaboration. Organizers are already working toward the next recital where students will perform for their families.

"We see them grow every week," said teachers in the ECE Center's Bear Room. "They have formed a beautiful bond together as instructor and student."

As the program grows, its impact is already evident in students who return to campus, not just to learn, but to contribute to the same musical community that first inspired them.