Tara Shannon is a music industry multi-hyphenate: artist, entrepreneur, educator, and advocate who has dedicated her career to educating, empowering, and entertaining. A sought-after speaker, Tara has shared her expertise on some of the most prestigious stages, including Artpreneur (Ottawa), Impact Entrepreneur Summit (Toronto), Berklee College of Music (Boston), G20 Summit (Toronto), Indie Week (NYC), and more. Her insightful, inspiring talks have motivated countless artists and entrepreneurs to navigate the ever-changing music industry. As co-founder and driving force behind multiple businesses across diverse industries—including transportation, manufacturing, and her artist-focused agency Willow Sound Records—Tara leverages her unique experience to equip music creators with the tools they need to succeed. Her dedication to artist development extends also to founding The Willow House (Wellness Centre), where she emphasizes self-care, balance and connection to authentic self being key components of living your fullest life. Tara is the author of "YOU and the Music Business: A Self-Care Guide to Finding Balance and Joy in Today’s Music Industry", a must-read for music professionals seeking longevity and fulfillment. As a certified life and wellness coach, she helps music creators build both their careers and their personal resilience, believing that to be successful in the business of music, you first need to be successful in the business of YOU. A respected educator, Tara recently joined Algonquin College as a professor, where she teaches Music Business and developed Financial Literacy in Creative Industries, a course designed to empower creatives with essential business acumen. A seasoned recording artist and songwriter with a career spanning over three decades, Tara is preparing to release her 7th studio album, Cover Story, produced by industry visionary Jim Ed Norman (former CEO of Warner Nashville, Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award recipient). This compelling collection pays tribute to the Canadian female artists who have influenced her own artistry. Early Praise for her new album “Cover Story”
“I feel fortunate to have been able to participate in this project for a variety of reasons. Working again with one of my favorite people Jim Ed Norman, Tara is fantastic, the songs are great, all the players are top notch, and the engineering couldn’t be better.” John McFee (The Doobie Brothers)
“We live in an age where we make records one person at a time, sometimes without ever even meeting all the people involved. Tara’s heartfelt vocals were inspiring and made it feel like we were all in the same
room together!” ~ Glenn Worf (Mark Knopfler, Dire Straits)
“It was so great to re-visit these songs. After so many years I’d forgotten they all came from Canadian singers, and it was such a joy weaving textures around the brilliant instrumental parts of Glenn Worf and Gordon
Mote and the other musicians.” ~ Dave Hoffner (Emmy Nominated Composer/Musician)
"Tara’s album is delightful—a fresh, vibrant take on classic songs written by Canadian artists. I hope you enjoy listening!” ~ Craig White, Mixing Engineer (Curb Records)
“Tara's voice soars with power and soulful feeling through each song. When I close my eyes, I hear an angel singing to me with pure ease and happiness.” ~ Dale Peters, Radio Promotion (Dale Speaking)
Tara is deeply committed to fostering strong music communities and advocates for artists at every level. She has served as:
Founding Member – Ottawa Music Industry Coalition
Past President – North East Regional Folk Alliance
Past Board Member – Country Music Association of Ontario
Current Executive Director – Ottawa Festival Network
As an artist, coach, entrepreneur, and mother of seven, Tara embraces every new challenge with passion and purpose. She is excited for this next chapter—releasing new music, touring to support Cover Story, and celebrating the incredible music created in Canada.
“I believe that to write and sing from your soul, you must be in touch with your soul—as well as the souls of others.
