Teachers

Check out who teaches the musicians of the future here at CDNIS!

Liam O'Toole

Music Department Head, Upper School Music Teacher

Liam O'Toole is from Christchurch, New Zealand and joined CDNIS in 2011. While living in New Zealand, he gained a Double Major Diploma in Jazz (Ara Institute of Canterbury), a Bachelor of Music Honours (MusB Hons; University of Canterbury), and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (NZ Graduate School of Education). After teaching in New Zealand and Turkey, Liam traveled to Kansas and gained his Masters in Music Education (Instrumental Conducting) at Wichita State University (WSU). As a Graduate Teaching Assistant at WSU, his main highlights included directing the Athletic Band at Madison Square Garden and performing at Carnegie Hall as a saxophonist with the WSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Liam sees music education as significantly beneficial for all students irrespective of their career goals and focuses his learning on instilling the enjoyment of music within all of his students. Liam is passionate about conducting the various ensembles at CDNIS as well as coaching the Girls U20 Touch Rugby team.

Anne Drouet

Director of Visual and Performing Arts

Ms. Drouet believes in the power of educators to make a real difference to the lives of young people and her work is driven by a desire to inspire a love of the arts and creative passion. While learning the role the arts play in shaping a better world, Anne’s students have worked with charitable causes and performed and exhibited on international stages such as the Shanghai Formula One Grand Prix Opening Ceremony, the Jue Festival and New York’s Carnegie Hall. With over 25 years in international Arts education, Anne firmly believes in the vital role that rich Arts experiences can play in helping to prepare young people to thrive in the unknown.

Jessica Keider

Transition Years Music Teacher

Jessica Keider is from Cleveland, Ohio and has taught band, orchestra, choir, and general music in America before making Hong Kong her home two years ago. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education at Kent State University and then proceeded to get her Masters of Education degree in Education Policy, Organisation, and Leadership with a focus on Global Studies from the University of Illinois. As a classically trained flutist, Jessica is passionate about instrumental music and musical theatre. Outside of the classroom, Jessica can be found exploring Hong Kong islands, attending live concerts, and traveling the world.

Anna Kwok

Transition Years Music Teacher

Anna is from Vancouver, Canada and Hong Kong. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Music and Bachelor of Education in Music at the University of British Columbia, Canada. Anna has also received a postgraduate certificate in piano pedagogy from Baptist University in Hong Kong and Orff Level certificates from the Australian National Council of Orff-Schulwerk. She has taught band, orchestra, choir, and general music to students from kindergarten to secondary school. Anna is passionate about instilling a love of music in students and enjoys playing instruments, conducting, singing, and creating music.