Ellyses Kuan, Music DirectorLocated in the culturally rich city of Quincy, Massachusetts, EKS has become the region’s premier destination for transforming musical dreams into reality. It attracts students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and musical interests. To serve this diversity, the school offers various programs including piano, woodwind, strings and voice. Students are encouraged to explore different instruments before selecting one that truly resonates with them. They receive expert one-on-one instruction within a vibrant school-wide curriculum centered on yearly musical themes. Regular performance opportunities engage learners and their families, fostering a strong sense of musical community.
“Students don’t just come here for once-a-week lessons; they collaborate across instruments, playing, performing and learning from each other,” says Ellyses Kuan, music director.
Since its establishment over a decade ago, EKS has firmly rooted itself in the Quincy community. Many early students remain part of the school and a few alumni have even gone on to study music in college and become teachers themselves. This long-standing community presence shapes the collaborative spirit at EKS.
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Setting EKS apart from many local schools is its instructors. Some of them not only teach but are active performers in the music world. Kuan herself, for example, is a concert pianist. She co-founded Duo Amie, a classical crossover ensemble and a non-profit that performs actively across the U.S. and Europe. Duo Amie’s recordings are available on Apple Music and Spotify. Such ongoing professional involvement brings authenticity and depth to their instruction, connecting students more deeply to the art form.
Kuan’s leadership extends beyond the classroom. As past president and current board member of the Massachusetts Music Teachers Association (MMTA), Kuan ensures that EKS students gain more than just member benefits on paper. Her active involvement with MMTA and the Music Teachers National Association allows students to participate in juried competitions, masterclasses, adjudications and festivals that give students concrete feedback, performance experience and a chance to earn awards and recognition.
A Curriculum That Brings Learning to Life
The same real-world relevance carries into how EKS designs its curriculum. Each year, it chooses a musical theme that ties every student’s lessons together. For example, this fall, all students are exploring Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, following a structured curriculum built around the ballet’s storyline. Families can log in online to see lesson plans, listening assignments and background stories about the music.
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Students don’t just come here for once-a-week lessons; they collaborate across instruments, playing, performing and learning from each other
In the spring, the school shifts focus to Maurice Ravel’s Ma Mère l’Oye (Mother Goose), using unified lesson materials developed by EKS faculty. By centering lessons on a single work each term, students gain deeper insight into the repertoire’s history, genre and various musical arrangements.
To support busy families, EKS is now located in a building that also houses a learning center and daycare. This shared space offers a convenient, engaging environment that simplifies daily routines for parents and enriches the experience for students.
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Looking ahead, EKS is gearing up to expand both its programs and its reach. The recent debut of the Ensemble Festival signaled this momentum, offering a creative departure from the standard recital format by emphasizing collaboration and musicianship. The program was thoughtfully curated to align with the curriculum, with students from different EKS studios paired across instruments and skill levels. Supported by the full EKS faculty through guided rehearsals and coaching, the event brought together over 80 students who performed 28 different pieces in a two-hour concert. The venue was completely packed, making the festival a highlight of the school year.
On the curriculum side, EKS plans to add more group classes while continuing its successful yearly theme program. Even more exciting is its initiative next year to bring contemporary artists who will visit the school to lead masterclasses, give talks about their own music and work directly with students on new pieces. These efforts are designed to deepen community ties and inspire students by connecting them with today’s working musicians.
EKS Music School’s ultimate goal is to nurture a lasting appreciation for music, creativity and the humanities—values that shape students and stay with them for life.
