Music Industry Mogul Ray Andersen Partners With songs for seeds To Bring Winning Consumer Value Proposition to Music Lovers, Young and Old

songs for seeds is not your typical “mommy and me” music class. Each 45-minute lesson showcases a three-piece live band, creating an interactive learning experience for children and their families that is unmatched in the early childhood education category.

The songs for seeds concept was created by two New York City-based moms, Allison Schlanger and Alison Qualter Berna, in 2005 when they bonded over being new mothers of twins—and over feeling left unsatisfied by the supplemental music education classes offered in their area. Determined to build a better solution focused on proven cognitive development and play-based interaction, the two mothers—along with their husbands, Craig Schlanger and Bobby Berna**—founded songs for seeds in 2009. The brand has been providing young children an enriching music education experience ever since.

And, since its inception, the brand has grown to over 22 locations in nine states, with plans to continue its growth from coast to coast.

Brand differentiators

The songs for seeds brand is characterized by five key differentiators, which not only helps it stand out from other early childhood supplemental education classes, but also creates an exciting and rewarding business opportunity for prospective franchisees. These unique elements to the business—all rich with consumer value—include a Live Band; More Than Music; Interactive Learning; Modern Approach; and Parents Matter.

The opportunity to interact with children, all while still maintaining the basics of music, is what led long-time musician Ray Andersen to become a songs for seeds franchisee—and a contributing songwriter for the brand’s proprietary curriculum, at that.

Andersen has spent his life immersed in music, from watching TV shows with compelling theme songs as a kid, to constantly blasting The Beatles, to playing in the house band at the Stone Pony with Bruce Springsteen, to touring as a full-time member of Meat Loaf, his band being chosen as the opening artist for Matchbox Twenty for their German tour, to franchising with songs for seeds. It’s safe to say that Andersen is well-seasoned in the music industry.

Ray andersen background

Known as Mr. Ray, Andersen recently celebrated 25 years of making children’s music and reflects back on the path which got him started with the songs for seeds brand in 2010.

After having spent time traveling around the world with Matchbox Twenty, Bruce Springsteen and other artists, Andersen began writing children’s music with American songbook writers Rodgers and Hammerstein as major influences. In his later career, and up until he signed on, Andersen worked children’s birthday parties and school assemblies wherein he would write and sing songs designed to instill respect, inclusion and kindness.

Allison Qualter Berna saw Andersen perform at her twin nieces’ birthday party and immediately suggested him as a potential composer/lyricist for songs for seeds. The real “audition” came when the Berna’s and Schlanger’s four children listened to Andersen’s music. They were hooked right away; becoming his biggest fans overnight.

Andersen was quite intrigued by the opportunity to become involved with a company that provided interactive learning experiences for children through music. After being approached by the founders and learning what songs for seeds was all about, including its key differentiators, Andersen was sold. Soon, he had written and recorded songs for seed’s entire music curriculum.

Andersen’s songs and Andersen himself have proven to be a big hit with the brand’s consumers. “I’ve been taking my son to the songs for seeds class since he was 10 weeks old,” said Brooklyn, New York songs for seeds parent, Hanna R. “Unlike other baby classes, the kids are exposed to real musicians and catchy songs that inspire a deep love of and excitement for music.”

“The first music class I ever took my daughter to was at songs for seeds. We went when she was just 5 months old and we both loved it,” said Brooklyn, New York songs for seeds parent, Hilary F. “The contemporary music and fun environment make it a great place to meet other parents and get out of the house while also keeping the kids entertained. The community-driven structure of the class allows parents to connect, which isn’t possible at other kinds of children's classes that are focused solely on the young ones.”

Additionally, songs for seeds co-founder Schlanger raves about how much of an asset Andersen has been to the business. “Moms from class will see me at Whole Foods and will let me know that they can’t get these songs out of their heads, but they love it!”

Andersen noted that he worked really hard to make the brand’s songs enjoyable for all of the customers coming through its doors. “I wanted to tailor the music to all aspects of songs for seeds consumers: children, parents, caregivers. Everything, from the beat to the melody to each hook, is designed to follow traditional music theory.”

Franchise partnership

Although he had written and recorded the music program for the brand, it wasn’t until the beginning of 2019 that Andersen actually became involved with franchising himself. “As a musician, most of my income comes from live gigs, recordings and TV commercial work, but I knew I needed something more permanent and brick-and-mortar,” said Andersen. “I needed to start thinking about my future and looking more down the road. I also wanted to add a different flavor to my music palette.”

So, after years of making music for the brand, Andersen, along with business partner Harris Sterling, wanted to find a way to partner with long-time friend Debbie Martin’s songs for seeds business. Fast-forward 10 months and the trio has opened a songs for seeds location in Livingston, New Jersey, which held its grand opening ceremony at the beginning of November. Additionally, in December, the trio will open their second location in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

Of his choice to join the songs for seeds’ franchise family, Andersen is enthusiastic. “Everyone was on the same page, so it was nice and easy. I feel like we are a family and it’s so nice to be a part of a family within this company,” he said.

Looking forward, he is extremely excited to get his songs for seeds locations rolling. “Even though we just launched, it’s already been such a rewarding experience––even before making a profit,” Andersen said. “It’s such a wonderful feeling being a full-time musician and it’s amazing to know that there’s a place with people all working toward the goal of bringing our message of kindness, respect and inclusivity to these children. We’re really setting them up for successful first years of schooling.”

On top of his songs for seeds businesses, Andersen still plans to continue traveling around to different preschools and elementary schools as Mr. Ray, teaching and interacting with kids.

“I was predestined to be a musician,” he said. “I was lucky—I was born with it in me.”