Cayton Children’s Museum
Interactive Family Violin Program
August 8th, 2026
As part of a family-centered program at Cayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica, violinist Yixuan Lai presented a series of interactive violin performances designed for young children and their families.
The program reached up to 70 children and family members in a single session, based on attendance counts recorded by museum staff.
Through live music, storytelling, movement, and audience participation, the program invited children to explore musical expression in an imaginative and accessible way. Rather than presenting a traditional concert, the sessions encouraged children to respond physically and creatively to the music through movement, questions, and shared storytelling.
The program emphasized curiosity, active listening, and playful musical discovery, creating an engaging introduction to the violin within an informal museum environment.
Location:
Cayton Children’s Museum
Santa Monica, California
Program Type:
Early Childhood Arts Education / Interactive Family Program / Community Engagement
"It was such a joy to welcome Yixuan Lai to the Cayton Children’s Museum! Yixuan was incredibly professional and thoughtful in creating a program specifically designed for children ages 0–8.
Her beautiful violin playing was paired with engaging stories that complemented the music perfectly, creating an experience that captured the attention and imagination of our young visitors. She created a wonderful balance of music and storytelling that made the program accessible, meaningful, and fun for children and families.
Thank you so much, Yixuan, for all your hard work and for sharing your beautiful music with our museum community. It was a pleasure to work with you, and we would absolutely love to have you back!"
— Margot Fitzsimmons
Children’s Theatre Program Specialist
Cayton Children’s Museum