VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
ABOUT US - Our Journey
Excite Academy - established 2016
Music has always been more than a passion — it is the rhythm of my life. I could happily spend every moment singing, playing, moving, and creating through music. For me, music is not confined to an instrument; it lives in dance, drama, musical theatre, voice, and every form of creative expression.
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While I grew up learning music in the traditional classical way, I often felt there had to be something more inspiring than moving page by page through one book after another. I loved the piano, but I longed for a richer, more immersive experience. As a teenager, that longing was ignited when I discovered the television series Fame — a world where students learned through the arts every day, blending creativity with education. If a school like that had existed in New Zealand, I would have been first in line. It was then I realised that if the opportunity didn’t exist, I would one day create it — and that vision became the heart behind Excite Academy.
In 2016, nearly 40 years after the dream was first planted, Excite Academy came to life. Those years had been spent raising a family, studying and teaching Orff-Schulwerk pedagogy — a joyful, creative approach to music through singing, movement, dance and instrumental play — while Kim completed a Visual Arts degree followed by her Honours. Together, a mother–daughter partnership was formed, laying the foundation for what Excite Academy has become today.
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The journey has not always been easy, but with the unwavering support of our incredible team, our families, and the wider community, we have continued to persevere and grow. As we step into 2026, we remain deeply honoured, grateful, and humbled by the trust placed in us, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has walked alongside us on this remarkable journey.
In 2024, after eight years of growing together, Kim launched her own art business, Kreative Art Academy. The studio has been a wonderful success and continues to grow from strength to strength. This year, Kim has taken the exciting step of relocating her classes to a purpose-built studio at her home, just 200 metres from the church — a project we have been developing together. This move also allows Excite Academy to expand our Intro to Music and Drama/Musical Theatre programmes with the additional space now available at the church. We will continue to promote Kim’s classes through Excite Academy, with all enrolment links directing families straight to her website.
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Now entering our 11th year, we are excited to step into 2026 with fresh vision and energy. We look forward to welcoming new generations of budding musicians, performers, and artists, and to continuing to provide a vibrant creative space where students are inspired, supported, and guided to reach their full potential. Together with our highly qualified and passionate teaching team, we believe the possibilities for growth, creativity, and excellence are truly endless.​
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Welcome to Excite Academy for 2026.
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Celia Williamson
