T
hree-month-olds avidly listening
to musical scales. One-year-olds
drumming to a consistent beat.
Two-year-olds practising musical
dynamics. Three-year-olds singing bits
and pieces of an Italian aria – these
are some of the sights and sounds in a
Kindermusik
classroom.
And among the many, “
Kindermusik
with Crisel
” stands out.
The program, started by performing
artist and creative educator Crisel
Consunji, has touched many families all
around Hong Kong, and has received
much acclaim for the team’s dedication
to quality, focus on musicality and
emphasis on child-centred creativity
– something special amidst the
pressures put upon children to develop
academically.
A maestro program
In early 2014, after building up creative
arts programs for companies in
Asia, teacher Crisel and her team of
dedicated professionals branched
out to form one of the most successful
and sought-after programs in Hong
Kong. Having come from a professional
performing arts career (and most
notably remembered for being one of
the lead vocalists for Disney in Hong
Kong), Crisel knew that she wanted to
focus on developing musical foundations
in children, while respecting creative
individuality and empowering families
to support their children’s artistic
development.
And that she did
Hundreds of happy families and five
major locations later, her program
has been recognised by
Kindermusik
International as one of the “Maestro
Programs” – top 5 per cent internationally!
Asked how they have achieved this
award, she credits their philosophy, which
is always the team’s goal for every child:
“If we allow children to feel their
best and be their best, then we’re
empowering a new generation of
creative, capable and artistic
individuals.”
“We meet children and families where
they are, and see how much further they
can grow in a positive and supportive
environment,” she says.
A supportive and magical
environment
“I come from a background where it
takes talent, passion and dedication to
succeed,” says Crisel. Having started
as a professional performer at age 10,
then eventually a music and movement
educator, I’ve seen how the performing
arts can be a powerful force in a
person’s development. Whether as a
career or a hobby, the arts can mould a
child’s character, belief in himself, and
relationship with others. This is why we do
what we do – because we believe that
no matter what career you grow into, you
must never lose the magic that the arts
brings into your life!”
This is the same reason the team
strives to create a magical environment
for every child. Stepping into their
classroom, one quickly realises that
aside from the linguistic, cognitive,
socio-emotional, musical and physical
domains of intelligence honed by their
activities, there is a general sense of love,
laughter and joy carried on by the team.
How exciting this is for many families,
especially now that they are soon
opening a playroom and family centre
in 2015!
Exciting plans for 2015
“We are excited to launch our playroom
in early 2015,” Crisel says. “We want to
foster a sense of community among our
families, and be able to provide more
creative activities for children of various
ages.” Among activities lined up, the
team will be offering drama, musical
theatre, dance and arts activities. It truly
is an exciting time for all the families in
their program!
For more information, check out
To
schedule a trial class, contact 2715 3376
or 9820 2258.
sponsored feature
Stanley Nugent
Ella and Julius Frank
December 2014
27
What can you find in a
Kindermusik classroom?
