Scotch Plains' Songs For Seeds Sprouts Learning Through Music

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Songs For Seeds has opened in Scotch Plains bringing a fun and unique way for children to learn. It is much more than a music class as Songs For Seeds lays out a foundation of early childhood education through musical activities.

Livingston resident Debbie Martin and co-owner and musician Ray Andersen officially opened the Scotch Plains location at 551 Park Ave. on Jan. 31.

"Songs For Seeds is the most creative and innovative approach to presenting early learning for kiddos using music," said Martin. "Music as we know it is such an asset to stimulate learning and brain function. We use all types of music in our class that have a variety of rhythm, pattern and sounds. ... Kids respond to it emotionally and do have a better learning outcome."

Andersen was commissioned to create the music that takes on roots from different regions of the world and a variety of genres such as rock and roll, R&B and more.

"We have a three-piece rock band that performs live at a low volume to create an interactive environment," Andersen said. "It is not just a performance. Children are encouraged to sing along and play with real instruments."

The songs work to reinforce the child's knowledge of colors, shapes, numbers, counting, sounds and movements.

"This taps into kids' cognitive resources," Andersen said.

Martin previously opened a franchise location in Livingston in November and received such a positive response she decided to open her second location in Scotch Plains.

"I always had a desire to own my own business," Martin said. "This was a perfect match. I have a background in education and love music and this fit into my passion."

Each class is about 45 minutes and there are three different kinds of classes for children ranging in age from newborn to 6 years old.

For more information about Songs For Seeds, to register for classes, or for franchise information visit songsforseeds.com/nj/scotchplains.

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