five minutes with
Five minutes with Karen Karana Tse The String & Keyboard Musik founder speaks with Nicole Cooley about the importance of music At the age of nine, I had my first brain surgery to clear blood stasis. The illness returned at 12 years old when I had to undergo a second surgery. After both surgeries, doctors were concerned that my brain development would be affected at which point they suggested that I begin training in music. Music has changed my life. It not only saved my life, but also became an integral part of me.
improve brain development and further enrich children’s lives. Traditionally in Hong Kong children are pushed into music lessons by their parents as a means to strive for more certifications. It is rarely about the children themselves, nor their interests. String & Keyboard Musik grew out of this realisation. Our inclusive learning program involves tailored instruments, workbooks, and instructional videos, all provided as an afterschool activity within school environments.
Diligent practice in musical instruments has tremendously improved my memory, hand-brain coordination, quick-thinking ability and language development.
In my own particular case, I began with the piano as I needed to work on enhancing my left and right brain hemisphere coordination.
Inspired by my experience, I have started various musical programs with the firm belief that proper musical learning can dramatically
The piano is the easiest instrument to control. We help young children to build their interest first by using colours to recognise the musical notes.
From birth, infants should already be exposed to music while I feel the most opportune age to begin learning music is at age three. I run a “Play Along Sing Along” module for children as young as two and a half to begin this process of exposure. We will soon be launching an “Inspire Kids Orchestra” specifically for underprivileged children aged five to 12, providing an opportunity for exposure to classical music in a formal environment supported by internationally renowned musicians and conductors. The best piece of advice I have been given is to be 100 percent committed to your passions. For more information on String and Keyboard Musik programmes and Inspire Kids Orchestra, visit stringsandkeyboardmusik.com
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