Toronto Songwriting School presents Navigating the Family Music Scene through our Business of Music Series on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 7pm ET.

They may fly under the radar if you’re not a parent, but musicians are carving out thriving careers writing and performing music for kids and families. Music has been shown to improve brainpower, language skills, and math skills in children. It also inspires creativity and expands social skills. But not just any old music will do. Kids — and their parents — want music that is engaging and enjoyable for the whole family. This month, we’ll speak with 2013 Grammy nominee and three-time Parents’ Choice Gold Medal Winner Alastair Moock about how songwriters can find their niche in the family music scene.

Our special guest: Alastair Moock

Alastair Moock is a 2013 GRAMMY Nominee, three-time Parents’ Choice Gold Medal Winner and recipient of the ASCAP Joe Raposo Children’s Music Award. Long one of Boston’s premier folk artists, Alastair turned his attention to family music after the birth of his twins in 2006. The New York Times calls him “a Tom Waits for kids” and The Boston Globe declares that, “in the footsteps of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, Alastair Moock makes real kids music that parents can actually enjoy.” Moock and Friends’ live shows are rowdy, rootsy, singin’ and dancin’ fun for the whole family!

In 2020, he released “Be a Pain: An Album for Young (and Old) Leaders)”, which looks to the social justice heroes of the past and present to inspire kids to move the ball forward. Said Nora Guthrie (daughter of Woody Guthrie) on the album’s release, “How lucky we are to have Alastair Moock around these days! When too many adults are role modeling the pursuit of fame, fortune, or personal gain, Alastair’s songs encourage our kids to pursue goodness, kindness, awareness and courage. Adults might listen up!”

Alastair is also a frequent contributor to NPR’s Cognoscenti blog, where his most recent piece speaks to a year of re-examination around allyship, advocacy, and his decision to decline a second Grammy nomination. Recently, he was inspired to create Opening Doors, a new music and interview series featuring top national and largely BIPOC talent playing music and discussing issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion –– within the music industry and beyond.