“Tara is a music industry pro and is always eager to share her knowledge to help others. She inspires, encourages and ignites creative professionals to reach their full potential. Her experience and success in this industry is something many strive for and her visits to my Music Business class are always a highlight of the year.”
Colin Mills
Professor - Music Industry Arts, Algonquin College
"Tara Shannon is a songwriter, performer, record label owner, music publisher, and most important of all - mentor. Within the music ecosystem, she plays many of the key roles, and works with other key players. This helps to ensure that the writers, performers and others that Tara mentors are very well served, are trained for the real world, and have the best shot at success."
Byron Pascoe
Entertainment Lawyer & Partner, Edwards Creative Law
"I have known Tara for many years now and she is knowledgeable, caring and trustworthy beyond reproach. If you are a person who knows someone or you want to pursue a career in the music business, I recommend no other person in Ottawa that can help you clarify your goals and help you on your artistic path."
Alan Morissette
President, Integrity Talent Direction
ABOUT TARA
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, 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.
​
Industry Leader & Community Builder
Tara is deeply committed to fostering strong music communities and advocates for artists at every level. She has served as:
​
-
Past Board Director – Ottawa Music Industry Coalition
-
Past President – North East Regional Folk Alliance
-
Past Board Director – 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. Tara is that, hence she is this.”
— Doug Johnson, BlackRiver Entertainment