CHILDREN'S MUSIC BIO
Christopher Smith began playing music with children when he was quite young himself. He put his musical skills to work at age sixteen with his first job working as a Parks and Recreation Leader in his hometown of Rosemead, California. Music has played an integral part in his work with children ever since: as a tutorial counselor for children with developmental disabilities, as a pre school teacher, and as a public school kindergarten teacher. He has enriched all of his classroom with music, art and creativity in a career that has spanned more than 40 years.
Christopher has a vast repertoire of music tailored for young audiences. In addition to his many original songs, he performs many songs from the american folk canon, children's nursery rhymes, fingerplays, and classic children's favourites. He accompanies himself on guitar, banjo, ukulele and mandolin. Basically, he still wants to be Pete Seeger when he grows up.
Christopher's family shows are fun and engaging. His guiding principle is that "every child is a singer." His performances emphasize interaction and participation. He is especially good at engaging and holding the attention of even the youngest of audience members.
His weekly performances at Book Passage in Corte Madera, CA. were a Sunday morning ritual for countless families for more than 20 years. And, now he is a regular at the Marin Country Mart in Larkspur Landing.
He plays for a variety of venues and special events: farmers markets, libraries, school assemblies, museums, hospitals rooms, children's fairs, folk festivals, scouting campfires, restaurants, and of course, birthday parties.
Christopher has 2 albums of original music for children, "Carry Me Home" and "The Golden Gate" (a Parent's Choice award winner.) His music was featured regularly on TV's Picturebook Playland, a local cable program that he co-hosted promoting literacy. (a Lighthouse Award winner.) Christopher was also featured as a "Bay Area Treasure" in San Francisco Magazine.
In addition to working with children, Christopher has facilitated many Children's Music Workshops for adults at education conferences, schools, folk festivals, and for parent organizations.
If you are interested in speaking with Christopher about any children's music, performances, workshops, or birthday parties, please contact him by tapping on the Contact Us button below.
CHILDREN'S MUSIC SERVICES
PROVIDED BY CHRISTOPHER SMITH
PERFORMANCES: Christopher is available for live performances for both children's and family audiences. He plays in school classrooms, assemblies, libraries, music festivals, and is a good fit for most any child-centered event; from larger concerts that require amplification to smaller, more intimate "unplugged" affairs. His shows are fun and interactive, encouraging participation. He is especially good at engaging the youngest audience members who have limited attention spans.
WORKSHOPS: Christopher frequently gives workshops to adults who want to engage children musically: for classroom teachers, parent's groups, conferences, and music camps. He can help adults develop more skill and confidence in leading children in song.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES: Christopher is often frequently hired for young children's birthday parties to lead children in singing. Again, his focus is largely on fun, interactive participation. If want more information about his birthday performances, please contact him with the link below. Christopher's Tips for successfully featuring his live music at a birthday party can be found here.
If you are interested in speaking to Christopher about an event, please contact him through .
Christopher posing for his kindergarten portrait.
You can always find Christopher playing kids gigs down at the Marin Country Mart in Larkspur Landing, CA on:
The 4th Saturday of the month, beginning at 9:30am and every Wednesday, beginning at 10:15am.
See you there!
You can also listen to Christopher’s kids albums.