Danny Moriarty ’22 mentors 7th-grade music students

Moriarty, a professional commercial music singer-songwriter and producer, connected with 7th-grade students to discuss his unique career trajectory from the KCD stages to the professional music world. The meeting marks the start of Danny’s trimester-long residency with the 7th graders currently in music, during which he will serve as a mentor and industry consultant for the 7th graders on their Cover Song Projects, offering invaluable, practical feedback on their production techniques, arrangement choices, and commercial viability. 

 

Danny is currently a senior at the prestigious Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University. During his time at KCD, he was an active member of the arts community, featured prominently in KCD choirs, rock band, on the theater stage, and as the singer of the National Anthem at the Bearcat football games.

 

In the virtual talk, Danny pulled back the curtain on the business side of music, offering students an inside look at the business of creating, producing, and promoting music. He also shared details about his recent projects, including developing tracks for high-profile artists such as Lil Nas X and A$AP Rocky. Danny emphasized the importance of setting goals, planning, and putting those plans into action as vital skills for a career in contemporary commercial music. 

 

"It is vital for our students to see that a career in the arts is not just a dream, but a viable, strategic career path," said Sarah Stone, Middle School Music Teacher and Coordinator for the Arts Department Mentor Program. "Having Danny share his journey from the halls of KCD to the professional music industry makes that possibility real for them."

The session provided 7th graders with critical insight into the opportunities available to modern music professionals, emphasizing the value of the diverse artistic training received at KCD.