“Music imprints itself in the brain deeper than any other human experience…
…Music brings back the feeling of life when nothing else can.”
— Dr. Oliver Sacks
Meet Our Teachers
Ms. Julie
Julie Sondag has been educating families with young children for over 25 years. A native of Illinois, Julie completed a Masters in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Oklahoma and then taught for several years on the piano faculty at Weber State University in Ogden, UT. During her doctoral studies, she opened a music studio (Music Generations) for private and group piano instruction and family music classes for birth through age 5.
This began a shift in her passion as an educator. After completing her Doctoral work at OU, Julie chose to leave higher education in 2002 to open and operate a Gymboree Play & Music in Norman. In Spring of 2021, her journey took an exciting pivot, enabling her to bring her joy of music-making and parent education to the community through The Learning Leaf.
Julie’s husband, Rick, is a 20-year World History Teacher at Norman North High School. Their older daughter recently graduated with a BFA in Modern Dance at Webster University and their younger daughter also attends Webster and is pursuing a BM in Voice Performance with a Minor in Dance. Rick and Julie have been working together as professional musicians for over 20 years - follow their band, The Mystery Dates, for family-friendly, live pop music that will make you want to get up and dance.
Ms. Becca
Becca Myers has been a part of our community for several years, first as a parent and participant in our family classes and now as a teacher in our Preschool. Becca’s passion for music began with piano lessons in kindergarten, and followed her through many years of choir and band, where she played the alto saxophone. Her high school choir teacher first encouraged her to consider a career in teaching music and it was while earning her Bachelors in Music Education from the University of Kansas that she realized her passion for teaching young children. After graduation, she taught elementary music for three years in Olathe, Kansas. Becca’s classes ranged from Preschool to 5th grade, but preschool always held a special place in her heart. She also had the incredible experience of teaching an early childhood music class of students with autism and quickly discovered just how powerful learning through music can be for both the students and the teacher.
Becca’s husband, Matt, was offered a job opportunity that brought their family to Norman. Here, she worked as a Music Educator at Jackson Elementary for a year and a half until their first son, Lincoln, was born. Lincoln is now 4, and they also have a second son, Finn, who is 2. The Myers family enjoys time outside exploring, swimming, and playing with their backyard chickens. Becca is an avid reader who loves to craft, and she is excited to play such an important role in developing young children’s love of learning through music and play.Becca’s husband, Matt, was offered a job opportunity that brought their family to Norman. Here, she worked as a Music Educator at Jackson Elementary for a year and a half until their first son, Lincoln, was born. Lincoln is now 4, and they also have a second son, Finn, who is 2. The Myers family enjoys time outside exploring, swimming, and playing with their backyard chickens. Becca is an avid reader who loves to craft, and she is excited to play such an important role in developing young children’s love of learning through music and play.
Ms. Stephanie
Stephanie Clinton has been a part of the Norman community for over 25 years, starting with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of Oklahoma. She spent the next phase of her life working in Los Angeles, CA as the activities director for Sunrise Assisted Living in Santa Monica and Studio City. Stephanie and her husband, Adam, returned to Oklahoma in 2007 to raise a family and the first thing she did was sign up for music and play classes with her 2-year-old son at Gymboree Play and Music. She eventually transitioned from parent to teacher, working for Ms. Julie with both baby and toddler classes and helping with preschool. Stephanie has taught preschool music for First Christian Church Mother's Day Out and led the church's children's choir and handchime choir. Never one to sit still, Stephanie is also an avid community volunteer through Assistance League Norman, Meals on Wheels, First Christian Church, and kid's PTA. She is a writer, blogger, YouTuber and even hosts tea parties as Mary Poppins! She is a creative, kindred spirit and thrilled to experience the joy and wonder of the world through the little eyes and hearts of the children at The Learning Leaf.
Her husband, Adam, works for the University of Oklahoma as the Director of Operations for the EMBA in Energy at the Price College of Business. Stephanie and Adam have two teenage sons, Addison and Harry.