New Jersey, or as it's affectionally known, the "Garden State," is a colorful smorgasbord of bustling cities, quaint small towns, sandy beaches, and yes, plenty of gardens! It's a place where every sunset over the Jersey Shore paints a picture in shades of pink and orange, and where every scoop of ice cream tastes a bit sweeter, especially when enjoyed on a boardwalk. It's also home to a group of extraordinary kids, who can often be found engaging in a particularly magical activity: Music Therapy! Enter our friend, Melvin the Musical Moose, a hilarious character who's become something of a local celebrity. With his oversized antlers, floppy ears and a saxophone that he can play with his hooves (don't ask how, it's moose magic), Melvin has a knack for making everyone laugh. He also possesses a softer, sweeter side that's just as compelling - his deep love for music therapy. Every day, Melvin visits children across the state, sharing tunes that elicit boisterous laughter, foot-tapping, and sometimes, quiet contemplation. Music therapy, Melvin explains with a cheeky wink, is not just about making noise or creating symphonies. It's a magical journey that helps kids express their feelings, manages stress, and improves their overall well-being. The children of New Jersey have become expert explorers in this world of sound, rhythm, and emotion. With Melvin leading the way, they strum guitars, bang on drums, and even shake maracas, all the while creating a melody that echoes across the Garden State. Music Therapy, they've found, is not just fun; it's a sweet song of strength, resilience, and joy that they carry with them, long after the notes have faded.
Read morebest music-therapy programs in Westfield, NJ


Hello, craft aficionados, and welcome to Crafts Zone! This is your portal into a realm where imagination and education intertwine. Our bespoke crafting workshops are designed to engage both your creative flair and your thirst for knowledge. To keep you abreast with the latest trends and techniques in crafting, we've devoted a fifth of our sessions entirely to learning. Prepare yourself for an exciting journey of creating and connecting as these constitute the major portion of our workshops, a staggering 70% to be precise! You'll be offered ample opportunities to convert your innovative concepts into tangible creations and also get to know other art enthusiasts. Embrace the joy of crafting something magnificent along with forging friendships with like-minded individuals. And we certainly can't overlook the aspect of relaxation! Here at Crafts Zone, we set aside 10% of our time to simply unwind and recharge. We fully endorse the therapeutic effects of crafting and are firm believers in the stress-relieving properties of creative expression. So, come and soak in the serene, artistic ambiance. Be sure to keep an eye out for our forthcoming workshops. At Crafts Zone, your creative voyage is just getting started!

The mission of the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts, “where talent develops and creativity thrives,” is to enrich lives by providing opportunities to develop creative talents and encourage a greater appreciation of the arts through both instruction and performance. Founded by Executive Director Dr. Theodore K. Schlosberg in 1972, the NJWA has been dedicated to helping children, adults and senior citizens explore and participate in the arts throughout the year with private and group instruction, performing ensembles, summer camps and more. The faculty is composed of professional artists, musicians and educators who nurture the talents of each individual student.