Hi! We are A Sound Start
A Sound Start, Early Childhood Music School, opened its doors in 2006 in Jersey City with Andi Gunden. Since that day, we have been sharing music with NJ families. Claudia Orci joined the team in 2011, and in 2017, became owner/director of A Sound Start.
We are passionate about music and love to see how little ones and their caregivers discover their passion for music. We enjoy to see our students grow in music and social skills from when they first come to class when infants and stay until they are ready for school!
Claudia Orcí
Musician-Mom-Entrepreneur
Owner and head of A Sound Start, Early Childhood Music School.
After graduating College with a BA in Buisiness Administration/Marketing, Claudia joined the corporate world for many years. Later in life, she came to the realization that music has always been a very important part of her life, and getting the chance to share music is what makes her heart truly happy!
After moving to Jersey City in 2010, and with a strong passion for music & early childhood education, Claudia became a Licensed Kindermusik Educator and earned a Positive Education Certification by The Flourishing Center. Today, in collaboration with top-notch business partners and her amazing team of educators, contribute to bringing music to the community and instill the love of music in children & adults!
In 2011 Claudia created Canta Conmigo (“Sing with Me”) Spanish Music class, as a way for her kids and students to benefit from learning Spanish in a fun and practical way. As a Spanish-speaker, and mom, she knows the importance of establishing routines at early stages, so what better way to do it, than singing in Spanish!
She studied guitar since childhood and has always enjoyed being part of a choir -currently member of The Masterwork Chorus in Chatham, NJ. - she gets to sing at Carnegie Hall and other venues! Claudia enjoys spending time with her kids. The family loves to play with their cute chocolate labrador, Tasha, and cat "Cheetos" who bring so much happiness & fun times!
Our team
Sofia Oro
Sofia Oro is a teacher and performer native to Jersey City. She is currently studying Music Education at Montclair State University with a concentration in Jazz Voice. She's been an active member of the community, performing in festivals & playing original music. She started teaching at summer camps, expanding to private lessons, and teaching at A Sound Start since 2022! In her classes, your children will be introduced to instruments, rhythm, and melody activities, growing up to love and appreciate music! We’re so happy to have Miss Sofia in our team! She is a true gem and rockstar! You’ll love her voice, all the songs and props she brings to class, her guitar and awesome energy.
Gary McCall
Gary McCall graduated with a B.F.A. in Dance from New York University. He is currently a company dancer for Nimbus2 as well as an assistant teacher for “Ma, Pa & Me” at the School of Nimbus. Gary has also taught dance classes to students ages 6-17 at his prior dance school in Iowa as well as leading and assistant teaching classes in Manhattan and Jersey City. Gary is an enthusiastic and diligent teacher who enjoys sharing his love for the arts with those around him. We're so happy to have Mr. Gary in our team teaching Baby Disco and Baby & Me infant class! You'll love his sweet and fun personality. His dance moves and creative talent wil keep you coming back to his class each week!
Julia Javiland
Julia Haviland is a music educator and performer based in Bayonne, New Jersey.She studied flute performance and music education at New Jersey City University, graduating magna cum laude in 2020, and has been teaching and creating curricula for early childhood music ever since! She most recently comes from directing the early childhood music program for Newark Public Schools's south ward, but has also taught for the Maplewood Outside School and the South Bergen Jointure Commission. Julia is so excited to bring music, joy, and learning to the students of A Sound Start!
Aglaya Charis
Born and raised in The Netherlands, that's where Aglaya Charis first fell in love with the arts.She began her journey in the field of dance; training in Classical Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop. As she grew so did her passion to share this beautiful art form with others.Big dreams made Aglaya take a dancing leap of faith and move to New York City.Joining the Plunge program at Peridance Capezio Dance Center, enjoying training in dance, acting and voice; it ignited a spark to professionally pursue all three.As a choreographer, dance and music teacher Aglaya Charis encourages others to find and believe in their own potential through their shared passion for the arts.