New Leadership Takes Mini Mozarts Music Class to New Heights

A beloved music class for babies and preschoolers in North Wales has a new leader as Abby Restall-Stefaniak steps in to take over Mini Mozarts from its founder, Catherine Henderson. This change comes as Henderson transitions to her teaching role at a school in Denbigh while continuing to support her family-run music initiative.

Mini Mozarts began its journey in Rhyl in October 2021, quickly gaining popularity among local families. Henderson, a music teacher for over 20 years, established the program after recognizing the joy music brought her students. The classes cater to different age groups, including Baby Mozarts for infants, Wriggly Mozarts for crawlers, and Mega Mozarts for toddlers. By July 2022, the program expanded to five locations, serving nearly 100 families weekly.

Henderson reflected on the growth of Mini Mozarts, stating, “I developed the business in September 2022 to the model families now love.” Under her guidance, the program flourished, attracting 150 families each week and offering classes during holidays and weekends. Her own children were integral to the operation, helping out during sessions.

In January 2024, Restall-Stefaniak, who founded the North Wales Academy of Music & Drama, attended her first Mini Mozarts class with her daughter, Edie. Recognizing a shared vision with Henderson, Restall-Stefaniak expressed her desire to contribute. “Abby ‘got it’. She knew what made Mini Mozarts special,” Henderson noted. This mutual understanding laid the groundwork for Restall-Stefaniak to take over leadership.

After completing the purchase of Mini Mozarts with Henderson’s support, Restall-Stefaniak is excited to continue the legacy while introducing her own ideas. “I can’t wait to see how Abby revitalizes Mini Mozarts,” Henderson said, looking forward to the potential expansion into new venues.

Residing in Llandudno with her family, Restall-Stefaniak described her return to North Wales as a rewarding decision. With over 10 years of experience teaching children from four to 16 years old in various locations, including London and China, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role.

While initially uncertain about leading baby classes, Restall-Stefaniak found joy in participating alongside her daughter. “It was really important for me to create that same sort of atmosphere for the families who come through my doors,” she stated.

Restall-Stefaniak plans to maintain the core elements that families cherish about Mini Mozarts. “There will always be real instruments, live singing, a variety of musical genres and, of course, bubbles each week,” she confirmed. Looking ahead, she aims to introduce new themes, develop birthday party packages, and explore connections between Mini Mozarts and her musical theatre classes.

The North Wales Academy of Music & Drama, launched by Restall-Stefaniak in October 2025, currently offers musical theatre classes for children aged five to 12 at the Trinity Centre in Llandudno. Her philosophy emphasizes fun, allowing children to enjoy their musical journey while considering performance opportunities like LAMDA exams.

As Mini Mozarts embarks on this new chapter under Restall-Stefaniak’s leadership, the community eagerly anticipates how the program will evolve while retaining its foundational values of joy and engagement through music.