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 disablities, 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 favorites. 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.. He has played 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. His "mosh pit" at Book Passage is the stuff of legend. . 

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. 

Christopher is currently on sabbatical in Singapore, but looks forward to returning to his beloved San Francisco Bay Area and resuming his tradition of family shows in 2018. If you are interested in speaking with Christopher about any children's music, perfomances, workshops, or birthday parties, please please contact him using this link.