More than 1,000 preschool children have experienced the Instrument Petting Zoo created by Staller Center for the Arts at Stony Brook University.

Educational outreach staffers, students and professional musicians have brought the Zoo to local libraries, Head Start centers and non-profit organizations so the children can see, hear and learn about the different instrument families and play those instruments with the help of Zoo staff.

The Instrument Petting Zoo from the Staller Center introduces children to musical instruments.

“The children light up at the chance to hold a bow, make music on a violin and press the keys on a flute.  We also expose children to rare instruments like the theramin, an electronic instrument that can be played without even touching it. Exposure to orchestral instruments in a fun, interactive way can help to build a lifelong interest in music,” said Paul Newland, Staller Center Outreach Director.

“We are thrilled that the Staller Center shared this wonderful program with us,” said Sherri Glazer, principal of United Cerebral Palsy Children’s Center. “Many of our children are limited due to their disabilities, so they might not have an opportunity to go to a concert or a music program. The Staller Center brought the magic to us.”