History
Tunes 4 Tots® was established in March of 2014 to provide private in home music lessons for small groups of infants and toddlers. Since opening, Tunes 4 Tots has developed a number of enrichment programs for a wider age range. In addition to expanding their curriculum, Tunes 4 Tots® has expanded their reach by offering classes to the public at multiple locations, as well as serving preschools, elementary schools, and pop-up locations. Tunes 4 Tots® obtained the Registered Trademark in February of 2019. Our 2020 pivot included adding Covid-safe outdoor small group classes and we were able to serve even more families during a difficult time. Since opening, thousands of children have participated in Tunes 4 Tots® music classes throughout the Washington, DC area and beyond.
Hope Greenleaf, Founder
Hope completed her Bachelors Degree in Music Education at Millersville University in 2011. She then taught choir and general music for the Archdiocese of Washington DC from 2011 to 2014. Hope has obtained two teaching certifications and has experience performing in a variety of ensembles and solo clarinet recitals, as well as producing many student performances. She has extensive training and experience working with children of all ages and abilities. Hope's passion for music and love for children led her to found Tunes 4 Tots® in 2014, of which she remains the CEO. In 2020 Hope was accepted into the Female Founder Collective and joined the Board of Directors for Day Eight, a non-profit organization supporting the arts. In 2021, Hope was nominated and qualified as a finalist for the Wammie Educator Award. Hope is a passionate advocate of arts education and she is dedicated to the pursuit of lifelong learning.
Briana Ayers, Instructor - Washington, DC
Briana is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at Howard University. She has extensive experience working with children across various age groups, from daycare-aged children to fourth graders. Briana's passion for working with children stems from her fascination with their growth and development. Briana interned with the Chicago Children's Choir, a renowned non-profit organization. During her internship, she contributed to the development team and played a key role behind the scenes of numerous musical performances. In her free time, Briana enjoys dancing to a variety of music genres.
Andres Frye, Instructor - Washington, DC
Andres is a passionate and dedicated musician with a strong foundation from McLean School of Maryland, where he spent several years performing in the band as both a singer and drummer. Outside of school, Andres enriched his skills through private lessons in piano, guitar, and drums. Seven years later, Andres is still playing piano, guitar, and drums and is excited to share his knowledge with local youth.
Lauryn Palmer, Instructor - Washington, DC
Lauryn is a dynamic performer with a robust background in musical theater and extensive training and experience in stage. She is currently pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at Howard University's Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts and continues to hone her skills through rigorous training with esteemed mentors.
Lauryn has been recognized for her talent with accolades including the 2024 Young Arts Musical Theatre winner, Texas Thespian First Place Hair & Makeup, and the Texas Thespian Grand Scholarship.
Beyond her theatrical achievements, Lauryn is actively involved in community service. She has volunteered with the Houston Area Urban League, and PUSH Girls Academy, where she engages in mentorship and supports youth development. Her leadership extends to roles such as President of the Mental Health Awareness Club and the Black Student Union, as well as being a member of the Thespian Society and the Student Council.
With a strong foundation from Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Lauryn holds a Distinguished Level of Achievement with a Theatre Certificate. Lauryn continues to inspire and captivate audiences with her passion for the arts and commitment to personal and community growth.
Laura Robayo, Instructor - New York City
Laura studied music throughout her childhood in her home country of Columbia. She attended the Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas at the Capital City of Bogotá DC, working towards a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance and Education with her main instrument being saxophone. Music has taught her everything she knows in life and teaches her every day to better for herself and others.
Laura's passion for working with children grew during her University years, while she was teaching music initiation and early childhood mobility for a private academy. She is looking forward to working with Tunes 4 Tots families in New York City!
Hyacinth Ryan, Instructor - Washington, DC
Hyacinth is a musician studying Audio Production at American University. They began playing guitar at the age of 12 and started producing music at 14. Since then, they have had a passion for both the creative and technical side of recording music. They hope to share that passion of making music through their lessons.
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Alyssa Brunner, Managing Director
Alyssa has an extensive background in early childhood education - as a preschool teacher, a nanny, an elementary school teacher, and now a curriculum and instructional designer. She received her Bachelor's degree from Stony Brook University in French Language and Literature and her Master's degree from Brooklyn College in Elementary Education. Alyssa has been attending Tunes 4 Tots classes for the past few years with her own young daughter and looks forward to bringing the joy of music education classes to more families!
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Heather Cantos, Director of Finance and Human Resources
Heather received an Associate of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Harford Community College and studied English at Towson University. She has studied music all over the country, from her early years on the clarinet in New York and Texas, to performing in the Hula-Bowl All-Star Band in Hawaii, to marching with the University of Maryland Mighty Sound of Music.
After becoming a mother, Heather opened her own childcare business and cared for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers for over 12 years. She joined the Tunes 4 Tots team to combine all of her passions in one place.
Heather also works in local government, and in her free time is an avid volunteer in her community.