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.
Tabitha Irvin, Instructor
Tabitha Irvin is currently working towards a Bachelor's degree in finance and economics at The American University. Tabitha has over four years of experience babysitting and providing clarinet lessons to children. She’s played the clarinet, bass clarinet, and saxophone for nine years and currently performs in AU’s Symphony Orchestra as the assistant principal clarinetist. Besides her love of music and babysitting, Tabitha also has experience as a teacher; last semester, she taught English to a classroom of adult refugees and immigrants at the Washington English Center. Tabitha is passionate about the importance of education and aims to instill a love of learning and music in others. Outside of work and school, she loves to play pickleball and tennis with friends, hike along the Potomac, and go for runs.
Heather Cantos, Executive Assistant
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.
In her free time, Heather is an avid volunteer in her community.
