New! July Mini Music Camps!

This July, we're pleased to offer two unique Kindermusik mini music camps!

July 5-8 "Join the Parade!" for 4-6 year olds
July 19-23 "Zoo Train!" for 1-3 year olds

Each camp includes age appropriate dances, crafts, games, songs, stories and musical exploration!

Click here for "Join the Parade"

Click here for "Zoo Train!"

About Section

ABOUT

Help your child grow by leaps & bounds
with Kindermusik at Leaps & Sounds!

Leaps & Sounds is Des Moines' newest center for children's music! From infancy through kindergarten, your children will love exploring the world of music with Miss McKinna! Though the studio is based out of Saints John & Paul Catholic Church in Altoona, Iowa, currently all classes are meeting virtually.

McKinna Daugherty Shinners is a licensed Kindermusik educator with a degree in vocal music from Texas Christian University, as well as a Master of Divinity from the University of Chicago. She currently sings with the Des Moines Choral Society. She is passionate about sharing her love of singing with young families and helping each child find their voice.

Kindermusik is a world renowned early childhood educational curriculum that uses music to increase growth in all facets of development:

receptive & expressive language
musical skills
social-emotional
cognitive
whole body movement
fine motor movements
sensory awareness

Studies show that Kindermusik prepares children for success in school, as well as future musical studies.

Virtual Classes

WELCOME TO
LEAPS & SOUNDS SCHOOL OF MUSIC

schedule a free virtual or in person preview class

see class and camp offerings here

Programs

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

What We Offer

KINDERMUSIK

We are adding new classes all the time:

Foundations (0-12 mo./prewalkers)
Level 1 (one year old/walkers)
Level 2 (18 mo.-3 years)
Level 3 (3-4 years)

We are eager to add classes for:

Level 4 (4-5 years)
Kindermusik for Young Child (5-7 years)
All Ages/Family Time

The Kindermusik curriculum spans infancy to age 7. If you don't see an existing class that works with your schedule, or serves your child's age- please reach out! We'll create a class for you!

Class Descriptions

Enroll Today!

Events

Mon, Jul 19
Zoo Train! Camp- for 1-3 y.o.
Ss. John & Paul Catholic Church
Details
Jul 19, 2021, 9:00 AM CDT – Jul 23, 2021, 10:30 AM CDT
Ss. John & Paul Catholic Church, 1401 1st Ave S, Altoona, IA 50009, USA
Click the link for more info and to register for Zoo Train!
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Mon, Jul 05
"Join the Parade" Summer Camp- Ages 4-6
Ss. John & Paul Catholic Church
Details
Jul 05, 2021, 9:00 AM CDT – Jul 08, 2021, 10:45 AM CDT
Ss. John & Paul Catholic Church, 1401 1st Ave S, Altoona, IA 50009, USA
Follow the link for registration and more info
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Events

Meet McKinna

McKinna Daugherty Shinners is the Owner & Educator behind Leaps & Sounds School of Music. Meet McKinna!

I opened Leaps & Sounds School of Music and became a licensed Kindermusik educator because I love helping children discover how brilliant they are and allowing them to gain confidence and skills for life. Music is a powerful and beautiful gift that we can give to each other, and it is a natural springboard for early childhood development!

I am passionate about helping each every person find their voice because everyone has a gift to share and deserves to be heard.

I have a B.A. in Vocal Music from Texas Christian University and have sung with the Fort Worth Symphony, Chicago Chorale, and currently sing with Des Moines Choral Society. I played violin for several years in my youth, and am an amateur guitarist.

I am also an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and have served churches in Illinois, Kentucky, Kansas, and Iowa. I currently serve by volunteering at the Christian Conference Center in Newton, and participating in social justice movements.

I'm from Kansas City originally, but I'm glad to have settled down in Altoona, IA with my husband, T.J. and our goofy animals: Tilly (cat) and Juniper (dog).

I'm so excited to make music with you and your children and to watch them grow with leaps and sounds!

Meet the Teacher

Videos