Kids Division Inspiration

I was lucky enough to have parents who loved music and the arts. Unfortunately, discouraged to pursue creative hobbies and aspirations in their own formative years, they vowed they would open their children up to all experiences creative and otherwise. I was introduced to Piano lessons at a young age, (and the Golden years of Hollywood with Bill Collins on weekends), and lucky enough to attend a secondary school with a flourishing music program who nurtured and encouraged music and the creative arts in all their students. They put a Trumpet in my hands and off I went. Drama and finally singing followed. I am certain I attended all academic classes and achieved a respectable outcome of my 13 years of school however my recollections are only of Art fairs, Drama Performances, Carol Services, Orchestra and Choir Rehearsals, Band Camp, Big Band Competitions, back stage warm ups, singing in harmony, rehearsing and achieving solo and group outcomes. 

It was the best fun ever. 

Fast forward through Tertiary training at Victorian College of the Arts in Opera, a 20 year plus career in Professional Music theatre, stage, concert and screen while all along teaching voice and performance to children through to adult professional voice users in Melbourne, I am now also a Mum of two delightful and energetic young people. 

In 2019, I took the courageous step in leasing my first commercial space for my voice studio in North Melbourne, a suburb I lived in for 10 years and felt a strong connection to the area and the community here. Since then, my students and I have been enjoying our solo singing and performance training as well as masterclasses and workshops nurturing our mini studio community. Solo goals but with group activity and connection where possible. 

Then covid hit! Our bussling community went online, we survived and many thrived, however everyone craved connection.

And for all humans, and especially musicians and actors, this is a necessity.  A Harmony isn’t a harmony when sung alone.

During lockdown, seeing my children crave and miss connection with others, made me quite nostalgic for all group dynamics I was missing and have experienced in my life especially at their age.  All my school music, drama and group community memories came rushing back.

I wanted to help create these kind of memories and experiences for my kids.

This is where Kids Division was born. 

— Lisa-Marie Parker 2021