Instrument Petting Zoo

The Instrument Petting Zoo (IPZ) is a fully-funded community outreach program that provides schools, libraries, and non-profit organizations, such as Long Island Head Start, with an interactive music presentation. Designed for children ages 3-8, IPZ provides a hands-on introduction to the various musical instrument families. Our team of excellent musicians consists of Stony Brook graduate and undergraduate students passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians. The program helps inspire an appreciation of music at a very young age while also giving Stony Brook students paid positions where they can practice teaching and interacting with children—a career many of these students will pursue in the future. 

TESTIMONIALS FROM IPZ STUDENT INSTRUCTORS:

• Emily Sobel
  "As a part of the very beginning of the program, the past two years with the Instrument Petting Zoo have been a very valuable and memorable experience. As a student at Stony Brook, I was able to grow with the program throughout my college years. The program taught me that jobs can be rewarding and beneficial to others. The program has been an enjoyable part of my life but not just as my employment. I truly believe that the compensation for the IPZ is a wonderful bonus and the program itself is an inspiring and important educational part of families' lives. Despite the number of children signed up for each session, I feel that we are able to adapt and adjust the program to ensure that each child is getting the best learning experience. Personally, as an advocate for arts and music education and appreciation, this program is necessary in helping future generations of Long Island to understand that art and music are valuable and fun. Overall, the program has immensely impacted my definition of a "job," helping me to expand the borders of what a career needs to be, while also proving that we have the power to teach and excite children about music. Also, I now feel confident working with children and parents alike which is an important skill to have. Lastly, I must mention that as a college student, the program has provided a sense of financial growth and security for me that I will be especially grateful for once I graduate."  
  -Emily Sobel
• Hannah Porter
   "One of the most rewarding experiences I have had working with the IPZ program was during a presentation we did at a special needs school. Our well-rehearsed program adapted beautifully to serve the severely disabled students for whom we were playing. It was so gratifying and affirming to see how excited the students were to hear the bird music from Peter and the Wolf when I demonstrated my instrument and how enthusiastically they participated - some clapping, some vocalizing, and some even dancing along to the music - during the group activities.  That I can consider these programs part of my job is absolutely incredible. The children we work with remind me at every zoo why I became a professional flutist. They remind me of the joy of making and sharing music, and I hope I can play a small part in inspiring them to stay involved with music throughout their lives." 
  – Hannah Porter
• Tommy Wu
  "My involvement with the IPZ program of Staller Center has truly been a rewarding experience. I have been working with the program for about two and a half years. Alongside a team consisting of incredibly talented musicians, I believe our mission to educate and intrigue young students has been widely successful in each event. I find enjoyment in providing these young students an active way to engage with music and giving them a hands-on experience with the instruments. It's also a great to realize that these programs may be first-time experiences for some students. We are often highly praised by the event coordinators and parents after each program. As the double bassist in the group, my favorite part of each petting zoo is the reaction from the students when I show my instrument. Before I even get to say anything about the bass, most students would be in awe and amazement because of the grand size of the instrument! The program has been beneficial to my professional career because it has been helpful in expanding my network of music educators and professional musicians. Being employed as a member of the program, the stipend for each service is beyond generous and I am grateful for being a part of these opportunities that aid me financially. I look forward to seeing our program grow and continue to provide these musical and wholesome experiences."
  – Tommy Wu
• Shari Cummings
    "Working for the Staller Center Instrument Petting Zoo has been a pleasure. I've been with this program since it started and I'll be sad to leave it upon graduation. It has awarded me very valuable experience in leadership, outreach and education. Through this program I have realized that I love teaching children about the arts and I hope to continue along this path. Professionally, the IPZ has provided a lot of opportunities for me. I bonded with other musicians with whom I have formed a band -- The Tripartite Quartet. We rehearse together and perform paid gigs regularly. Our director, Paul, also gave me the opportunity to design the worksheet we give all of the kids at the end of the program, which I have used in my digital art portfolio to get a few freelance jobs.  As I aspire to find a job much like the IPZ, the experience and references I have developed through this program will certainly assist me in my next career move! I am applying for a very similar job at The Art Farm in the City that will combine my interest in music education with my passions for art and animals. If I get the job, you will be hearing back from me!" 
  – Shari Cummings