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About Us . . .

Jeanne Erickson created Tune Tales Music with Gary Scott Wurtz 18 wonderful years ago and it has developed into a special music program for kids of ALL ages.  Her musical studies began with dancing at age 4, singing in choral groups by age 7 and playing violin at age 10.  Her performance career began at Badger High School in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin where she was the lead in musical productions of: Carnival, Finian's Rainbow, Arsenic & Old Lace, Music Man and Night Watch. More currently, she played "Reno" in Anything Goes with the King's Players.  Jeanne worked for Spirit Cruise Ships performing for lunch & dinner cruises here locally in Seattle. Several years ago she was musical director for Wizard of OZ with Madrona Children's Theater, completed 12 years of performing with Choir of the Sound, and currently performs with Sno-King Community Chorale under the direction of Frank DeMiero.

Paula Renfrow obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Whitworth College in Spokane, WA and served as an actuarial analyst in Seattle prior to settling down as a mother.  She studied piano for over ten years and played in a hand bell choir for seven.  Singing experiences range from private lessons to quartets, jazz ensembles, madrigals, and the 100 voice choirs of Whitworth College and Choir of the Sound of Shoreline, WA.   It is with the Choir of the Sound where Paula met Jeanne.   She danced with or choreographed small groups and lead interpretive movement for the entire choir ranging from 20 to 80 years of age.

Paula has directed children’s choirs at Laurelhurst Presbyterian Church in Seattle, WA and Rose Hill Presbyterian Church in Kirkland.   It is at Rose Hill P.C. where she also directed the music and choreography for various children’s musicals and has directed music for Vacation Bible School of over 100 children for eight years.   She is thrilled to be in her fourth year of teaching with Tune Tales Music.  It is an undeniable calling to share the joys of singing and dancing with children and adults in hopes that the enthusiasm is contagious.

Jocelyn Manzanarez was born and raised in Havre, Montana where she lived until her high school graduation.  She received her B.A. in Music Education with primary study in voice & piano.  After moving to Washington State, she taught General Music in Port Orchard for grades 1-6 and onto Enumclaw to each grades K-4.  While she enjoyed her time working in the public schools, her passion led her to study the lives of younger children.  In the Fall of 2003, Jocelyn started "Musically Minded", a program for newborns to age 4.  She has a  Masters Degree from the University of Washington, is blessed with 2 beautiful girls along with a wonderful husband, and continues to teach locally closer to home (South Seattle - Eastside - Maple Valley areas). For class information in her area to to http://www.musicallyminded.net

Tune Tales Music is a progressive music program designed specifically for young children to express themselves musically.

Jeanne & her network of teachers reach out to acknowledge each child for their own level of participation.  Both child and parent (when present) are given a variety of fun musical tools (i.e. percussive instruments,  finger puppets and scarves as the teachers facilitate fun songs, activities and movement.  Listening games, dancing music, stories and focused instruments deepen their hearing and response process with a diversity of sounds.  Elements of music theory are added in games, projects and singing exercises.  With the Tune Tales program, by age five, students have many skills to apply themselves in singing and beginning instrumental instruction.

What makes Tune Tales different than other local programs such as

Kindermusik, Music Together, Music Matters and Suzuki?  

Over 16 years of research and curriculum development giving your child the most up-to-date and fun music education experience. The teachers write, create and "fine-tune" each semester's curriculum.  Every 10-12 weeks is a new semester filled with new songs and activities to keep your child learning as they grow in age.  Class time utilizes many live instruments: guitar, ukulele, violin, banjo, xylophone, piano and world percussion.

Each semester has a newly recorded CD created by Tune Tales Music - guaranteed to keep your child interested at home, in the car or wherever their imagination will take them.

What makes Tune Tales Music class fun and exciting? 

The teachers have a passion for working with young children.  Not only do they have children themselves, but their own unique qualities blend well to make each class entertaining and educational at the same time.  Quality musicianship and humor mixed with energy and excitement transform your time together into an unforgettable experience.

Tune Tales' Goals in Education:

  * Provide a firm musical foundation

  * Culture musical development as fun & exciting

  * Always keep an open mind to what kids have to teach us

  * Enhance understanding of music theory through games & songs

  * Foster musicianship in building skills & group interaction

Send mail to jeanne@tunetalesmusic.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 06/27/08