Meet a #MomBoss: Claudia of A Sound Start Music School

A Sound Start is an early childhood music program designed for children ages 0-5yo. I'm excited to feature Claudia, the owner and director and local New Providence mom. She holds Mommy + Me classes in Chatham, Summit, and New Providence. She offers several class options including "Canta Conmigo," where children can dabble in Spanish while rocking out. Read on to find out more about this local #momboss!

First, tell us a little about yourself! What is your training, ages of kids, where you live, anything you want to share!

You know when you have a talent that turns into a hobby that turns into your way of life? Well you guessed it, that’s me! I come from a musical family and have been exposed to music all my life. Yep. That kind of family that sings together and does talent shows on Christmas and at every family reunion! I started off young with guitar lessons every week! I’ve always been part of a choir and currently a member of The Masterwork Chorus in Chatham, NJ. The best part? We get to sing Handel’s Messiah in Carnegie Hall! And I’m also the Music Teacher at St. Teresa of Avila Preschool and Kindergarten in Summit, NJ. We moved from Jersey City to New Providence, 4 years ago. I’m a wife and a mom of two wonderful kids, 10 yr old girl and 8 yr old boy.

How did you decide to open A Sound Start and what has your business journey been?

A Sound Start has been around for quite a while now. My friend and musician, Andrea Gunden opened the doors of the school in Jersey City in 2006. I met her in 2010 when I enrolled my baby girl in her classes (and absolutely loved it!). I got my Kindermusik Educator license and then she invited me to join the school. It was then when I realized that one day I would love to have my own music school. Fast forward to 2019, it has been 3 years now that I became the owner and director of A Sound Start, have met amazing families and business partners along the way, expanded the team and offerings from Jersey City to Chatham, Summit and New Providence.

What’s your favorite thing about your business?

That I get to witness how music touches people’s lives in such a positive way. I went to college and then I started climbing the corporate ladder and it was good, but later in life I realized that my life was meant for more, that I wanted, not only to be happy, but MAKE OTHERS HAPPY!  I was in my car the other day, waiting for my kids and I was reading something that Sarah Walton said, and it resonated with me so much: “I get paid, TO BE ME!” In my case, the musical me! That’s exactly how it feels like to run my business every day.  Each of our mommy + me classes are different, each class has a particular vibe and I love it’s a fun experience every single time! Sharing music with families is something positive, and I feel blessed that I get to do it everyday.

What’s the most challenging thing about your business?

Working around baby and toddler naps! I know, it sounds funny, but it is a bit tricky! I know that advertising is effective, but in this business, word of mouth is the real deal, right? Moms/Grandparents/Nannies love “Little Musicians” and “Canta Conmigo” (Sing with Me) mommy + me classes and mention it to us frequently, but sometimes it’s a bit tricky to get testimonials so that other families get to know us. We also encourage families to provide feedback because that makes us better and helps make each class experience an awesome one!

What’s your top tip for parents who want their children to experience a music education but aren’t very “musical” themselves?

Music is universal. It’s innate, so it doesn’t matter if the children come from a musical family or not, they can actually learn it. A Sound Start’s “Little Musicians” music and movement classes are unique, fun and educational. They are about feeling music, learning music fundamentals, playing real instruments, training their musical ear and much more. Our bilingual class “Canta Conmigo” (Sing with Me), is the perfect way to learn the basics of Spanish language in a fun and dynamic way. Research shows that babies who are exposed to music through a hands-on music class during their first years of life, helps develop their motor skills, language skills and social skills - all of which stimulate their brains. The brain has muscle memory and can learn anything through repetition (as my choir director always says, when we are learning a new song). And who knows, maybe even their parents will develop their musical side, too! 

What’s your favorite song to teach a group of children?

I love teaching many songs, especially while we are playing instruments! My favorite part is to see all those cute faces staring at me when I start playing the guitar at the end of class, and everyone sings along! The most popular song: “Baby Shark”!  So the winning combo is the Baby Shark picture book + guitar!

What is your hope for the future of A Sound Start?

I would love for A Sound Start to continue growing and helping others businesses to grow, too. To share music with more families in NJ, other states and even countries!! More birthday parties, more kiddos that learn Spanish, more awesome partnerships, and meeting more amazing entrepreneurs. More music and more happy parents and kids :)

What’s your favorite thing to do with your kids in the area?

There are so many fun things to do, so we do a little bit of everything! A fun Sunday brunch at Winberie's or Prestige Dinner, kiddos love McCool's or Zita’s for a yummy Friday treat! Anything at Marigold’s and Batavia, a snack (and coffee for mom) at Bagel Cafe in New Providence. There are also so many options for kids to play sports in this area, as well as movie theaters, stores, pizza places, parks, farmers markets, stores (their favorite, Toy Professor- where we can spend hours looking at everything and always walking out with something). Where do I get so many other cool ideas from? From Macaroni Kid monthly guides and top events guide! Love those!