CRISTIN FONG-OWNER/INSTRUCTOR

Cristin is a professional musician and educator. Growing up in Hawai’i, music is a way of life, and Cristin is fortunate to have been surrounded by wonderfully eclectic music. Singing and dancing pretty much since birth, music and dance has always been an integral part of her life. She began dancing hula at the age of four and continues to this day. Cristin has traveled all over the United States, Asia and Europe sharing the gift of song, hula, and the Hawaiian Culture. She began playing the ukulele as a child and in the last 10 years has made it a focus of hers as she brings it on her travels to share its beautiful sound.

Cristin earned her BA in Early Childhood Education specializing in Birth through 5 from San Francisco State University in 2005. She loves teaching young children and building relationships with families. She began her career as a preschool teacher for 14 years. Realizing her true passions were in helping nurture young musical minds, she gained certification as a Music Together teacher. Additionally, in 2021 she earned FAME and Kodály Level 1 certification. In 2020, she formed the company Illuminate Music, LLC, which offers group and individual `ukulele and voice lessons, as well as a comprehensive Elementary Music Program. She currently teaches dynamic Elementary Music to various SF Bay Area Schools, and has students that stretch from all over the SF Bay Area to the East Coast! However, her greatest joy and learning source is being a mom to three wonderful children. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to help students find their confidence in creating and exploring music, and to provide exciting, fun, and nurturing experiences.

“Music is a universal language and something that evokes such emotion and feeling in all of us no matter how old or young. It has the ability to transport us and transform us. The earlier we have a chance to be moved by music and dance the more well rounded we become as human beings. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to share my passions with the children and families I work with, to learn through play in a rich musical environment, and encourage students to discover tools and gifts within themselves that builds confidence and helps them flourish.”—Cristin Fong