Gifted Chinese musician blends music with teaching
Talented Chinese student, Shuo (Wilson) Wang, was originally pursuing a full-time career in music before deciding to make the switch to early childhood education.
“I was part way through a major in classical vocal and machine manufacturing, as I love singing opera and performed in many concerts back in China. Since arriving in New Zealand, I have sung for musical organisations such as Bach Musica, Opera Factory, and Torbay Theatre.
“It was while I was in China however, that I was introduced to the joys of teaching. Five years ago I was helping run a children’s program for our local church. Because I was learning English and had a musical background, I was given an opportunity to assist our foreign missionaries to design and organise biblical activities.”
It was through this experience that Shuo discovered a passion for communicating and interacting with younger ones, encouraging him to formally enrol in a teaching qualification.
“I found it so fulfilling and rewarding that I decided to move to New Zealand and take a professional approach to early childhood education. I am now part way through a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) qualification with NZTC, and am happy to be teaching at the Small Fries Christian Childcare Centre.”
Shuo is thoroughly enjoying incorporating music into the daily life of his centre.
“Music is a great tool to stimulate children’s development. We recently held a Matariki concert and our children sang ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ in four different languages! Their interest in music has indeed become a catalyst for their language development, which is wonderful to see.”
During recent Covid-19 challenges, Shuo and his colleagues worked from home, where they were encouraged by their team leader to utilise media technologies in their virtual teaching practice as a way to foster active communication.
“To incorporate my love of music in my teaching practice, I chose to record an opera song for the children in my centre to enjoy in their own homes. I performed the peaceful arietta ‘Vaga luna, che inargenti’ (Beautiful moon, dappling with silver), which is a song by Italian opera composer Vincenzo Bellini and is often performed by professional bel canto singers.
“Both the children and their parents loved the song which was really special to hear. Many of the children asked to watch the video again and again, and have been wanting me to film more performances. It is so rewarding having these opportunities to parallel my musical background with my early childhood career.”