Quinton Morris is First Artist-Scholar in Residence for KING FM

Associate Professor Dr. Quinton Morris, director of chamber and instrumental music and founder of the music education organization Key to Change, will serve as the first Artist-Scholar in Residence for Classical KING FM 98.1 for a two-year term beginning September 15. Dr. Morris enjoys a multifaceted career as a concert violinist, chamber musician, educator, entrepreneur and filmmaker. In this new role for KING FM, he will create 10-12 radio programs and video podcasts featuring the music of Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) composers and performers that will be distributed nationally to classical radio stations across the country.

He will also start a composer residency program, selecting two living BIPOC composers to write or arrange new pieces for Dr. Morris’s Key to Change Studio. Performances of these new pieces featuring Key to Change violin and viola students will air on KING FM, which will also continue its previous partnership with Key to Change by featuring winners of its annual Solo String Festival on Northwest Focus.

“I have literally grown up listening to KING FM. As a kid, I remember listening to the radio as I would get ready for school and it’s been wonderful to continue my partnership with them in this new capacity,” says Dr. Morris. “I’m very happy to have an active role where I’ll perform and program music by Black composers and composers of color, who have been largely ignored and marginalized within the classical music community.”

Additionally, Dr. Morris say he is excited that the Key to Change students will have an active role in this partnership. “It’s a great way to show our youth that not only do they matter, but they too can be engaged participants in creating impactful change that can transform the lives of others.”

Classical KING FM will appoint a team of staff members to support Dr. Morris and his work with the station, beginning planning and producing programs this fall.

“Dr. Morris and Key to Change have been valued partners of Classical KING for several years,” says Dr. Brenda Barnes, CEO of Classical KING FM. “… We look forward to supporting Quinton in creating radio programs and podcasts that will be offered to stations and listeners across the country. It is such an honor to have this opportunity to work more closely with Dr. Morris and to raise the profile of important BIPOC composers and performers.”

Learn more about Key to Change.