Thank you so much for being our Featured Speaker at Mardi Gras Night. We raised over $100,000 in one night for Bay Area school music programs! And, my dear, you played a huge role in that success. You now have an army of new fans. You were so inspiring, dynamic, funny, and got folks so jazzed about music. You are the MFM poster child and embody the fact our mission works!
Sonja Palmer
Here are some of the other subjects and services Cory presents to organizations of purpose, meaning, ambition and community.
Meaning, Purpose & Community Why I Make Music & Teach
This talk was first given to the Stanford University Women’s Club by request of their leader Sarita Skidmore. Brainstorming with Sarita really got Cory thinking about why we make art and share knowledge… and how he learned he could not exist without doing so. It was a big hit, and inspired a lot of people there to think about the meaning, purpose and community in their own lives. It was supposed to be a one-off talk, but it was so meaningful to Cory and others there that he now offers it elsewhere as well.
Sophistication Matters… More Than Ever In An Internet World
This is a real passion subject of Cory’s. So beware if you get him started. He started talking about this in the 2000s, to no avail, to music radio hosts, tech movers and shakers, media creators and more as he noticed that “keep it simple” was becoming a mantra claiming quality instead of commercial expediency. Devices and DJs alike inspired us to play singles instead of albums; then shorter, simpler singles instead of more sophisticated ones. Books were replaced by online articles were replaced by 7 seconds on TikTok. And on and on. Attention spans were becoming shorter. And they still are. This talk and interactive discussion challenges audiences to consider how, in a modern short-attention-span world, with its disposable media and distractions, pursuing sophistication over simplicity builds your soul and purpose and creates a skill set to bring you fulfillment and success beyond what the commercial and media world is shaking like shiny keys in front of you.
Custom-Tailored Keynotes Made To Order For your Organization
Custom Keynotes are topical talks and interactive discussions we create together, moderated by Cory for any organization or group, adults or kids, utilizing his experience as a teacher, artist, performer, wit and entertainer. Organizations contact Cory because they know through his art, teaching or advocacy that he resonates with a certain subject; or they contact because they know he’ll be an engaging and fun moderator or host for an event.
Event Moderator & Interviewer
Speaking of which… Cory is increasingly contacted to be the host, interviewer or moderator for events, both in person and online via Zoom. He’s hosted talks for Stanford and Harvard, music awards ceremonies, and more. He’s a well-read quick wit who learns about the people and subjects he’s engaging with, but the conversations and events often take decidedly unique and unexpected directions that make attendees think, smile, and engage more comfortably with one and other.
To Keynotes | To Demystifying Excellence