Talented young violinists visit children’s hospital for special performances
Students from a Wallington violin studio made a special visit to Queen Mary’s Hospital for Children, performing a string of beautiful songs to delight young patients and their families.
Led by teacher Kimberley Wong, the students (aged from 4 to 11 years old) spent time in the outpatients department and the children’s ward, filling the hospital with the sound of music and bringing a smile to people’s faces. Play Specialist Amanda Laughton said: “It was wonderful to have Kimberley and her students with us for the morning. We are always looking for opportunities to put on different activities and events for the children we look after and their families, as we know how much of a difference this kind of positive distraction can make.
“I think it was especially nice for our young patients to have a visit from other children their age, and to have the chance to listen to some live music. Everyone seemed to enjoy the experience and, as Kimberley and her students are so local, we hope we can have them back more often.”
The students from the Kimberley Wong Violin Studio who visited Queen Mary’s were: Sophia Malke-Zardo (11), Joshua Levy (10), Lucia Malke-Zardo (8), Leo Holmes (7), Lily Holmes (5), Jaanshere Khan (5), Erskaan Khan (4), and Ava Brook (4). The team were also joined by learning parents Amanda Bowen and Nomi Levy.
Kimberley explained: “The children recently expressed their interest in playing for charities and hospitals, to spread goodwill and their love of music – Queen Mary’s being so local seemed the perfect place to start!
“My studio has around 40 students of varying ages and levels, and they learn using the Suzuki method. This method of is based on how children learn to speak – they need their parent’s involvement, to listen to the language a lot, lots of positive encouragement, and to practice their skills daily. It’s really about having a fu n, committed schedule of learning that aims to develop children’s characters as well as the musical skill.”
“I am very proud of my students – they love to learn and have new experiences together, so visiting the hospital was really great for all of us. We hope to be back very soon!”
