Keeping the Music Alive: How Early Arts Education Builds Stronger Futures

In this inspiring episode, Jamie Seeker sits down with Dr. Michael Remson, President and CEO of KeyNote, home of the San Diego Youth Symphony, located in San Diego’s historic Balboa Park. Michael shares his powerful journey from growing up in musical theater in New York City to becoming a nationally respected nonprofit arts leader. He dives into how music shaped his life from a young age, how early access to arts education builds future-ready skills in children, and why cradle-to-college programming is the future of inclusive arts access. He also opens up about the challenges of managing 80+ staff, recruiting talent in an expensive city, and the delicate balance between passion and business in nonprofit leadership.

Producer Notes

Themes:

1. The transformational power of music in childhood
2. Nonprofit innovation and leadership in arts education
3. Building programs with real, measurable community impact
4. Challenges of staffing, HR, and sustainability in high-cost urban areas
5. Rebranding and restructuring to create lasting organizational clarity

Flow & Structure:

1. Michael’s artistic roots and personal journey into music
2. Transition from composer to nonprofit leader (AFA in Houston)
3. Founding and scaling cradle-to-college programming at KeyNote
4. Detailed overview of early childhood programs (Chimes, Music Discovery)
5. HR philosophy and challenges (hiring for heart and skill)
6. Vision for community outreach and equity in arts access
7. Leadership insights, rebranding to unify mission and identity
8. Final reflections on what it takes to succeed in business and nonprofit leadership

💬 Memorable Quotes

"I’ve seen okay musicians who are amazing teachers—and great musicians who aren’t. Teaching is its own calling." – Michael Remson

"If we’re just sitting in Balboa Park waiting for people to come to us, we’re not doing our job as a modern arts organization."

"It's always about the kids. The day I forget that is the day I need to get out of this work."

"Passion and business sometimes run into each other—and managing that tension is one of the biggest challenges in nonprofit leadership."

"We needed a central rallying cry. That’s why we became KeyNote—because the mission had to be clear to families and the community."

"You can't ask someone to go somewhere you’ve never been. That’s why my team knows I’ve been in their shoes."