munchkns@frontiernet.net       (845) 895-1387        P. O. Box 744, Wallkill, NY 12589

 

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Our Unique Program

 

OUR PHILOSOPHY  

 

 

All of us want our children to develop sensitivity and leadership.  We want them to have the tools for creativity, cooperation, and self-expression.  Music, more than any other art form, is a perfect vehicle for teaching these essentials in life.

 

Speaking, moving, dancing, and singing are a natural part of who we are.  Current research tells us how essential early childhood musical experiences are to the young child in developing language, gross motor, analytical, social and listening skills--all of which are necessary before a child is ready to read music and study an instrument.  A child's experience of making music, however, is simply one of complete absorption and happiness.  

 

By engaging a child's joyful energy in fun and creative ways that spark the imagination, we at Musical Munchkins® strive to reach our goals of nurturing each child's natural musicianship, building self-esteem, and enhancing the ability for joyful expression through music. 

OUR HISTORY

Music teachers and early childhood educators Eileen Oddo (photo, right) and Chris Patella, co-creators  of  Musical Munchkins®,  began developing their methods of music instruction for very young children in the living room of their own homes in Westchester County, NY, in 1982.  What began as one small music class for two year-olds, grew into an entire music school for children ages 4 months to 5 years old, with over 12 locations and over 850 students in Westchester County alone.  Chris and Eileen's methods were so captivating to children and parents that they began training and licensing other teachers to bring this highly reputed musical program to other parts of the Hudson Valley as well as surrounding areas. 

Andrea  Soberman, early childhood educator, preschool specialist, and now Director of Musical Munchkins® of Orange County opened the first Musical Munchkins® school in Goshen , NY, in 1993.  Initially a school with only 35 students  we have now expanded to hundreds of   students in  locations throughout Orange County. Winner of the Hudson Valley Parent Magazine Award for Best Children's Music Classes, Musical Munchkins has delighted babies, toddlers and  preschoolers in the Mid-Hudson Valley for the past 15 years.