Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/04/2024.
Bill Harley brings his consummate skills as a storyteller and musician to the concert stage with a show for all ages – a performance that introduces the orchestral world to young people while happily entertaining the older ones who brought them. Joining forces with award-winning composer and arranger Paul Phillips, Bill has a full fifty minutes of his original work arranged for orchestras. The program includes two of his most popular songs There’s a Pea On My Plate and You’re in Trouble, a new setting of the traditional folktale Jack and the Beanstalk, which draws on traditional American music and, a hilarious and moving arrangement of one of Bill’s most popular stories, Come On Out and Play – the story of a bear whose belief in what is possible makes for a very magical night.
In addition, Bill offers a primer in orchestral music in his piece What’s Music Made Of?, which takes a close look at the last movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1. The exploration of this classic of orchestral music is educational, interactive and very entertaining.
In working with an orchestra, Bill draws on his long experience of working with all genres of music and especially his experience as host for the Rhode Island Philharmonic Family Series.
Available pieces: There’s a Pea On My Plate • 3:45 Jack and the Beanstalk • 16:30 Come On Out and Play • 15:30 You’re in Trouble • 4:45 What’s Music Made Of? (an exploration of Beethoven Symphony No. 1, IV. Adagio)
Intergenerational entertainment at its best, Bill Harley’s songs and stories paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life. Family Fun Magazine calls Bill “the finest, funniest children’s songwriter around.” Masterful storytelling and comic narrative songs will have listeners young and old laughing out loud. With slice-of-life vignettes about big trouble and simple pleasures, Bill’s rubber-faced abandon and keen memory will delight the entire family.
Stories are at the heart of being human. We all need stories, we all use stories. Educators of all stripes, clergy, social workers, business leaders, doctors, lawyers and entertainers use this ancient art form to inspire, motivate and educate. While much advice about the importance of narrative comes from psychologists and communication consultants, Bill Harley is a master storyteller. With over thirty years of sharing his stories on stages around the world, Bill offers insights into the nature of story and its ability to transform. Whether you’re in the classroom, the courtroom, the boardroom or when you're pulled over by a friendly neighborhood constable, it’s the story that people will remember long after the moment has passed.
Are adults and children the same species? Sometimes it seems they have nothing in common, but with a little effort, adults can find a way to reach kids just where they are. In this talk, master storyteller Bill Harley will share the philosophical underpinnings of his work with children, which involves affirming their emotional lives. He will use some of his stories, songs and books as a jumping off point. Appropriate for writers, parents, teachers or librarians • anyone who wants to find a creative way to connect with children • reaching them on their level • directly and with compassion.
A teacher is someone who gives stories to others so they can make their own. Regardless of the subject or audience, story is central to how people make sense of the world and build a community with others. In this talk, master storyteller, Bill Harley, will look at how stories work in people's lives, what stories define their own lives, and how to use story in an educational setting. Inspiring, entertaining, affirming and moving, educators will leave with a deeper understanding of their work.
Bill Harley is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Bears & Beanstalks: The Orchestra Tells a Story, You’re Driving Me Crazy: A Concert for Families, Storytelling for Work & Play, How to Think Like a Kid and Story is the Best Teacher. The estimated speaking fee range to book Bill Harley for your event is available upon request. Bill Harley generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jennifer Daniels, Peter & Bethany Yarrow, Dolly Parton, Benjamin Zander and Keith Lockhart. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Bill Harley for an upcoming live or virtual event.
This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.
All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
If you are the talent and wish to request a profile update or removal from our online directory, please submit a profile request form.