The arts have a lot of positive effects on a child's development, from promoting creativity and self-esteem to building fine motor skills. We've rounded up 5 early arts education programmes and classes in Penang for your little ones.
By Emilia Ismail
Did you know that the arts—music, dance, theatre, or visual—are brilliant for developing little minds and bodies? Thankfully, Penang has a surplus of arts classes for kids. If you’re after some creative enrichment for your wee ones, or want them to try something new, here’s our round-up of 5 early arts education programmes and classes in Penang.
Holiday Art Camp (drama) by Penang Art District
Past participants of Penang Art District’s Holiday Art Camp. Photo courtesy of Penang Art District.
Are your little ones always belting out their favourite Disney songs? Do they enjoy roleplaying, or are they excited about sewing clothes and accessories for their toys? Let them follow their dreams at the Holiday Art Camp organised by Penang Art District. Happening from 22–27 November from 10am–5pm at Bangunan Wawasan on Gat Lebuh China, the six-day Holiday Art Camp consists of performing arts training and activities namely acting (drama), dancing, music (singing), and art & crafts (props and costume making), and culminating in a final presentation that parents can watch. The main objective of this camp is to help young participants work on their social skills and cognitive development in six days of intensive workshops. Admission is free and limited to 20 participants aged 8 to 12, so head on over to Penang Art District’s website or Facebook for more information or to register.
Music programmes for infants and babies at Jammin’ Senzation
Babies having fun at Jammin’ Senzation’s Baby Love Music Fun programme. Photo courtesy of Jammin’ Senzation.
Growing little maestros can start as early as three months old, and Jammin’ Senzation is the perfect place to start. The centre offers early childhood development programmes for infants and toddlers such as Baby Love Music Fun, which focuses on singing, music, and movement for babies aged 3 to 10 months and the adults who love them; Toddler Music Magic, which features singing, dancing, playing, and moving to develop beat rhythmic pattern, movement language, text substitution, vocal exploration sequencing, and more for toddlers aged 1 to 2; and Kinder Beat which features a variety of activities for preschoolers aged 2 to 3 including musical games and mimes, movement, songs, percussion, pre-reading, and keyboard playing to assist early childhood development. As they get older, they can get in tune with their instruments of choice to impress their kith and kin, including keyboard, ukulele, guitar, violin and more through private or group lessons—either just to play for fun or to prepare for exams! You can also follow Jammin’ Senzation’s Facebook page or website for updates or contact Miss Jasmin at +6012 478 3966 for enquiries.
Art and dance classes at Split Splat
Children enjoying Split Splat’s project-based art classes. Photo courtesy of Split Splat.
Founded by Tania Ng in 2017, Split Splat offers art classes for children who want to draw out their artistic side. Classes at Split Splat are more exploratory in nature—every session is planned to not only encourage children to think outside the “art box” but also to encourage self-expression, build self-esteem, and cultivate outstanding, creative individuals. The monthly fee starts from RM250 and includes basic materials. And if you’re looking to keep your child occupied during the year-end school holiday in December, Split Splat is currently planning a Christmas-themed art class, so contact Tania at +6012 413 1212 for details.
Split Splat’s choreography class. Photo courtesy of Split Splat.
Recently, Split Splat also introduced a choreography class for students aged 7 to 17. The class uses kid-friendly pop tunes and involves choreography elements from different genres. Kids can immerse themselves in an environment where they can find the balance between free-form movement and structured choreography. Click here to inquire about Split Splat’s art and choreography classes.
Music classes at Adele Academy
Students of Adele Academy. Photo courtesy of Adele Academy.
Adele Academy was founded on the fundamental basis of bringing the joys of music to everyone at a reasonable price. The academy hosts several fantastic classes that’ll make honing your kids’ artistry fun without the hassle of taking exams! There are lessons on how to play the piano, guitar, ukulele, violin, and drums. Aside from learning how to play musical instruments, children can also take lessons in singing, chess, drama, and public speaking! Group classes are personalised and kept to less than six students per group. And with professional teachers certified in their respective fields, you know you’re getting top-notch instruction. The fee starts at RM110 per month. The academy is also planning some fun workshops for the upcoming year-end school holidays, so check out Adele Academy’s website, Facebook, and Instagram pages for updates. Alternatively, you can walk into the academy on 70 Lengkok Tembaga in Penang to enquire.
Cultural music and dance lessons at Temple of Fine Arts
A snapshot of children’s performance from Bala Vihar class. Photo courtesy of Temple of Fine Arts Penang.
You will find no shortage of ways to immerse your child in traditional Indian art forms, from dance to music, at the Temple of Fine Arts Penang. The centre has some of the most unique classes offered in Penang, with inspiring young dancers able to choose between the classical Indian dance of Bharatanatyam and Odissi lessons, and children with a knack for musical instruments can learn to play the violin, tabla, sitar, guitar, veena, and mridangam. Budding singers can join the centre’s Carnatic vocal or Hindustani vocal lessons. Children between the ages of 4 to 6 can also sign up for Bala Vihar, which introduces them to the fundamentals of dance, music, rhythm, storytelling, drama, yoga, and Indian culture in preparation for joining the mainstream dance and music classes. Classes start at RM80 per month. Check out their Facebook page for details. Alternatively, you can contact Miss Seetha at +6012 559 5747 for more information.
Emilia Ismail is the co-founder of Penang Hidden Gems and a writer. Her articles can be found in The Star, Penang Monthly, Penang Art District, and Penang Global Tourism.