Kindermusik by Jan is a family business that’s been running in Burgess Hill since 1998
and continues to offer music and movement classes of the highest quality from 0 – 7 year olds. Run locally in Mid Sussex, BURGESS HILL by Row Smith, Kindermusik by Jan offers a unique and wonderful journey over 7 years from introducing first sounds and movements to babies, right through to teaching and developing real musicianship at primary school age.
Row Smith – Business Owner & Licensed Educator
Music and dance have always been an important part of my life since childhood and it has been a dream to to work with children and to nurture their development through creativity, bringing joy and self expression.
My background is in human resources, recruitment, and finance driven by my interest in people and psychology this has been furthered by my studies as a counsellor.
In July 2021 I took over the Kindermusik by Jan business from the founders Jan and Scott. Having been in the programme with my 2 children, Amber and Hugo, for the past 4.5 years, they both will continue until they graduate as I love seeing how much fun they have in class. Watching them grow and develop with confidence, Im in no doubt that Kindermusik has contributed in a huge way towards their development.
I know how much Kindermusik helped me as a parent and I feel passionate about providing the same to families in the Mid Sussex area. I’m so excited to start this new journey, bringing fun and enthusiasm for children and families through our classes with our wonderful team of educators.
Mary Ward – Licensed Educator
I am delighted to be a part of the Kindermusik by Jan team! Having taught in an Infant school for over 20 years, and having had three children of my own, I have no doubt of the importance music has to play in a child’s development and often in a parents too!
I have a degree in Drama and continue to be involved in teaching in both schools and musical theatre. I love to garden, read, create, and relax with family and I’m so looking forward to meeting you and your family too!
Antony Wilkins- Licensed Educator
I have a BA (hons) degree in Drama and Music and a PGCE in Later Primary Years. I have taught full time at a Primary School in Lewes before embarking on my Theatre career. Between acting work I have taught for Stage Coach as well as numerous Summer Drama Camps for children of all ages.
I have been in many West End shows and local pantomimes including, THE ENTERTAINER, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and JOLSON – THE MUSICAL), major UK and International tours (inc. MAMMA MIA!, MARY POPPINS, ANNIE, ANYTHING GOES and CRAZY FOR YOU), Royal Variety Shows and performing on cruise liners inc. the QEII.
I have a son, Louis who regularly went to Kindermusik classes when he was younger.
I thoroughly enjoy being a part of the Kindermusik team of facilitators.
Former Business Owners & Founders of Kindermusik by Jan
Jan Holt
I discovered Kindermusik in 1991 while being part of an Academy of Performing Arts in Cambridge, Ontario where I was performing and writing musicals. Straight away, I loved the programme. The creative and joyful way music was bring introduced to families in sessions as well as at home was the first thing I recognised. I loved how Kindermusik provided the possibility of a 7 year musical journey where children could have endless opportunities and go on to have a lifelong love of music.
There is not a time I can remember when music wasn’t a part of my life. Whether it was listening to my father play the piano, hearing my mother singing in the kitchen or playing her favourite opera music was always around us. Christmas gatherings were special times. My grandparents would bring the banjo and guitar and we would all sing our favourite songs. I took piano exams up to grade 8 and learned to play guitar but discovered my greatest love was to sing.
When I decided to pursue a career as a Junior school teacher I studied for my degree at Exeter University. I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to study voice. In my spare time I was singing as much as possible. This was in the Exeter University Singers and the Gilbert and Sullivan Society as well. When I graduated I took up a teaching post in Surbiton teaching music throughout the school, running recorder groups, choirs and entering local music festivals.
Being a parent of 4 children has been the most important role of my life. Music has brought so much joy into our lives. Something I am very thankful for. Bringing that same joy to other families is what I love most about teaching Kindermusik.
Scott Holt
My first memory of enjoying music was at the age of 4. With my brand new guitar I spent numerous hours singing and recording my very limited repertoire. My passion for music has never stopped since. Eventually, I built up to take my Grade 8 piano and theory exams with the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto achieving First Class Honours. Trumpet is another instrument I love to play. In Canada I regularly toured and performed with Concert, Stage, Jazz and Dixieland bands. I have also sung in choirs and have taken leading roles in musical theatre productions.
Studying theatre at York University in Toronto, Ontario and The Academy of Performing Arts in Cambridge, Ontario led me to become a founding member of Theatre & Company. There I was not only acting but was also involved with stage managing and teaching international students.
I have been Jan’s administrator for Kindermusik since she began in 1998. Within five years, I became a Licensed Educator. The training is fantastic as it gives you a real understanding of how children learn best. I love teaching the 3 – 5’s and the 5 – 7’s because the programmes are highly creative. They include a lot of improvisation and give children such a unique start to music and education.
A big thank you to my four children. You have helped give me the experience I need to work with young children!