About

Building Neural Pathways Through the Magic of Music

Welcome to Dara Doodle, where families come from all over the greater Westchester area and discover the transformative power of early childhood music education. We help children ages 0-5 and their caregivers strengthen bonds, spark confidence, and boost brain development through scientifically-backed music experiences. All in a judgment-free space where every voice is celebrated.

Our approach is rooted in research

Our curriculum is grounded in Dr. John Feierabend’s First Steps in Music methodology, which provides a research-based framework for early musical and cognitive development during the first six years of life. Within this framework, I’ve developed a thoughtfully sequenced curriculum that draws on a rich range of music education resources, including respected music therapists, to create joyful, intentional classes that support each child’s growth. 

 Learn About Our Class Types

Science-backed curriculum

Designed to help early learners to develop their cognitive faculties so they can be thriving students in all settings.

Inclusive approach

Music at Dara Doodle is for everyone. Classes are designed to be accessible and flexible, honoring different sensory needs and celebrating the diverse musical traditions families bring to our shared space.

Parent participation

Grownups actively participate, modeling joy and connection through song, movement, and play.

Dara Freimark,
Founder & Instructor

Hi, I’m Dara, and I bring joy and connection to families through the science and magic of music. My family moved from Brooklyn to Larchmont in 2019, and we quickly fell in love with this community. I’m a mom of two boys, one at Murray Avenue and one at Larchmont Temple Nursery School, who keep me grounded in the real, everyday experiences of local families.

Music has always been my first language.

Before I spoke my first words, I hummed the opening notes of the Sesame Street theme song to let my parents know I was ready to watch. That early love of rhythm and melody earned me the family nickname “Dara Doodle,” a name I now cherish as a symbol of childhood wonder and creativity.

My background includes classical voice training, performing in school musicals and operas, and even singing at Carnegie Hall. I earned my B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan and spent two decades working in production and business development at ABC News, Comedy Central, MTV, and WWE.

But my true calling revealed itself one morning at Pinebrook Park, when I improvised a silly song about riding a dinosaur into town and watched children gather around, laughing and singing along. That moment made it clear that music, connection, and early childhood belonged at the center of my work.

My mission is deeply personal:

As a mom , I understand the desire to give our children every advantage while also nurturing genuine family connection. Music offers powerful benefits, from reducing stress and supporting emotional well-being to strengthening the neural pathways that support all learning. In every class, I create a warm, judgment-free space where families can sing, move, and connect with confidence and joy.

Today, I bring together my background in psychology and my specialized training in early childhood music education to design programs that are both joyful and developmentally intentional. Through music and play, I aim to nurture creativity, language development, and meaningful social connection for children and the grownups who love them.

Yokey,
Comedian & Dance Instructor

Humble Roots to the Big Stage

Yokey was discovered at a craft fair in Ohio by my mother-in-law, and sent as a gift to my boys in 2023. At that time, none of us had any idea how much this funny blue puppet would end up impacting so many lives.

The moment I slipped him on my hand, his voice and movements flowed so naturally that it was almost eerie – like I was channeling another little soul. We were all very taken with his yellow nose (there was a lot of “booping” if you know what I mean), and a comment about how it resembled an egg yolk quickly sealed his fate. His name would be Yokey.  

My kids were smitten with this creature, and wanted to tell him everything. My then 6-year-old, who typically only described his day as "good" or "I don't remember," suddenly recounted all of his school activities in vivid detail. My 2-year-old followed suit. It was so delightfully surprising that I wondered what might happen if I brought Yokey to my music class.

From his very first appearance, it became clear that my students would be disappointed if he didn't join us every single class. And so, “Yokey Time” was born

Some Fun Facts About Yokey

My toddler students really helped shape who Yokey is. Together we discovered: 

  • His favorite snack is rainbow soup
  • He’s allergic to pepper
  • If there’s sugar in his soup he turns into the “Shu-gu-gah!”
  • He loves telling "yokes”
  • He must be sung awake and tucked in to sleep at the end of class

Even the grown-ups find themselves talking to Yokey with the same magical thinking as the kids, suspending disbelief even though I clearly speak for him (I am not a ventriloquist, I promise).

Yokey belongs to everyone who has ever met him. He just happens to live on my hand.