Meet Our Founder
Kathryn Cloward
Founder & Creative Visionary
Kathryn Cloward is an award-winning songwriter, author, teaching artist, and media executive who has spent more than two decades founding and leading purpose-driven companies and creative community initiatives. She founded SELebrating Music™ to expand access to arts education through music, storytelling, and self-expression, supporting youth success by cultivating social-emotional learning and character development and equipping young people with skills and experiences for lifelong goodness.
A Quick Bio
Kathryn's Professional Purposeful Path
Entrepreneur & Changemaker
For more than two decades, Kathryn has founded and led purpose-driven companies and creative initiatives that connect business, education, and the arts.
#1 Best-Selling Author
Author of 32 books and 250 original songs, Kathryn has earned more than 70 regional and national honors for excellence in family media and business leadership.
Certified SEL Instructor
Kathryn is a Certified Social-Emotional Character Development Instructor (Rutgers University) who brings research-informed practice, real-world experience, and educational expertise to Kathryn the Grape® and SELebrating Music™.
GRAMMY®-Balloted Artist
As a songwriter, producer, and performer, Kathryn is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy, has been GRAMMY®-balloted multiple times, and actively advocates for creators' rights and a stronger future for the music community.
A Note from Kathryn
I have experienced firsthand the power of music, art, and storytelling to transform lives, strengthen connections, and inspire lifelong growth.
That belief is why I founded SELebrating Music™.
Research consistently demonstrates that social-emotional learning is one of the strongest predictors of a child's long-term well-being and success. When young people develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, healthy relationships, empathy, and responsible decision-making, they are better equipped to thrive in school, at home, in their communities, and throughout life.
Through research-informed music, art, storytelling, and meaningful shared experiences, SELebrating Music helps children build the social-emotional skills that support whole-person wellness, confidence, resilience, kindness, and a lasting sense of belonging.
Thank you for believing in this mission. Together, we can invest in youth today and help create stronger families, healthier communities, and a more compassionate future for generations to come.
With gratitude,
Kathryn Cloward
Founder & CEO, SELebrating Music
What SELAH™ Means to Kathryn
Social-Emotional Learning Activates Harmony
Four Parts of Harmony
Harmony Within
Harmony begins with knowing ourselves authentically. It starts with understanding our feelings, recognizing our unique qualities, and embracing our capacity to grow. My own journey began in 2009 and inspired me to create books, songs, and art that help others cultivate self-love, self-awareness, and personal accountability.
Harmony With Others
Harmony with others begins with harmony within ourselves. As we grow in self-awareness, empathy, kindness, and respect, we become better listeners, stronger communicators, and more compassionate people. From that foundation, we build relationships that honor each person's unique voice and help everyone feel seen, valued, and included.
Harmony in Community
Harmony in community begins with belonging. When people feel seen, valued, and connected, they are empowered to share their unique gifts, strengthen their communities, and contribute to something greater than themselves. Together, we create inclusive spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Harmony With Our World
Harmony with our world is the natural result of living in harmony within ourselves, with others, and in our communities. As we deepen our self-awareness and social awareness, our daily choices create positive ripples that help shape a more compassionate and connected world.