WHO WE ARE
A solid music foundation sets the stage for a
lifetime of musical enjoyment, learning, and participation
OUR CLASSES
A solid music foundation sets the stage for a lifetime
of musical enjoyment, learning and participation.
Music Discovery is a unique two-year program, specifically designed for children ages 5-7 to develop a solid foundation of musical skills. The program is designed to support and enhance school readiness, and builds on children’s previous musical experiences, such as participation in ChIMES.
Music Discovery classes focus on the fundamentals of music literacy, rhythmic competency, and learning to sing in tune. The program is designed to be completed in two years, and the curriculum allows ample time for students to work together as a whole ensemble, in small groups, and as soloists.
Both the Year One and Year Two Music Discovery programs mirror the academic year and run from September through May (28 weeks, no classes during holidays and select dates).
MUSIC DISCOVERY: YEAR ONE
Registration Opens July 1
(September 2025 - May 2026)
Location: Early Childhood Studio, Liberty Station (2820 Roosevelt Rd.)
Tuesdays, 3:30 - 4:15 p.m.
Teaching Artist: Mariana Jones
OR
Wednesdays, 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Teaching Artist: Charlie Perkes
OR
Wednesdays, 3:00 – 3:45 p.m.
Teaching Artist: Charlie Perkes
Cost: $785
The first year of the program is focused on musical learning such as note reading, part singing, and rhythmic activities, and introduces beginning terminology in music theory. Orff xylophones, hand drums, and other percussion instruments are used in every class.
Age Requirement: We recommend children are at least age 5 by the start date of the program in September (typically, children who would be going into kindergarten or first grade), but will consider children that will be turning 5 within a couple of months. Maximum age to start this first-year Music Discovery program is 7 years old.
MUSIC DISCOVERY: YEAR TWO
Registration Opens July 1
(September 2025 - May 2026)
Location: Early Childhood Studio, Liberty Station (2820 Roosevelt Rd.)
Tuesdays, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Teaching Artist: Mariana Jones
OR
Wednesdays, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Teaching Artist: Mariana Jones
Cost: $785
The second year builds on the skills and concepts learned in Year One, and expands upon them with more in depth music theory, ear training, and ensemble work. Additionally, children are introduced to the families of musical instruments and gain hands-on exposure to orchestral instruments, setting the stage for them to join a musical ensemble, such as the KeyNote’s San Diego Youth Symphony program (for ages 7-8+)
Age Requirement: We recommend children are at least age 6 by the start date of the program in September (typically, children who would be going into first grade), but will consider children that will be turning 6 within a couple of months. Maximum age for Year Two Music Discovery program is 7.5 years old.
*It is highly encouraged that students applying for Year Two have completed Year One. For students who were not enrolled in Year One, we will consider applications based on previous music experience, and on a case-by-case basis.
Registration for the 2025-2026 year will open on July 1, 2025. Please join our email interest list to stay informed about future classes. If you have any questions, please email music-discovery@keynote-music.org.
MEET THE MUSIC DISCOVERY TEAM
Our creative, experienced team is passionate about helping your child
grow and develop
Sarah Williams
Sarah Williams
Early Childhood Program Coordinator
Kate Battenfeld
Kate Battenfeld
Associate Director, Early Childhood Programs
Briana Mossman
Briana Mossman
Early Childhood Program Assistant
Charlie Perkes
Charlie Perkes
Music Discovery Teaching Artist
Born and raised in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming, Charlie Perkes comes from a strong musical family. He was accepted into the United States Army Band as a bassist and while in the Army, he studied at the Department of Defense School of Music.
After completing four years in the Army Band, he joined his wife in the Navy Band, where they completed a four-year tour of duty performing all over Europe and Africa. His next tour to Japan was for four years, performing all over Southeast Asia.
Charlie plays the bass, cello and ukulele. He teaches both ChIMES and Music Discovery classes, and also works as a Strings Teaching Artist for SDYS.
Mariana Jones
Mariana Jones
Music Discovery Teaching Artist
Mariana (Mari) Jones has been working with KeyNote since 2022 as an Opus and Early Childhood Program Assistant, ChIMES Teaching Artist, and Music Discovery Teaching Artist. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Mari came to San Diego to receive her BA in Theatre Arts and Performance Studies from the University of San Diego, where she pursued a minor in Comprehensive Music, and spent much of her time singing, playing piccolo, dancing baile folklórico, and acting.
Over the last few years, Mari has been working in music education and devoting her time towards connecting with her Mexican heritage, and her passions for applied theatre and border advocacy. She has been studying and practicing theatre of the oppressed and community music applications to connect and work with those affected by the border crisis in Tijuana and San Diego.
Mari has always looked up to her mother, who works in early childhood education, and she is excited to be following in her footsteps and teaching with ChIMES and Music Discovery.