In this conversation, we talk about positively impacting the lives of people who have developmental disabilities (children, teens, and adults), Alzheimer's/Dementia, and drug/alcohol addiction through individual and group music sessions/lessons/performances with Founder/CEO of Key of Awesome Music, Jim Gaven. He has been in the human services field for the past 12 years creating and implementing a comprehensive music program for those with developmental disabilities (children, teens, and adults), Alzheimer's/Dementia, drug/alcohol addiction through individual and group music sessions/lessons/performances.

Armed with the goal of helping others, singer/songwriter, publisher, and author Jim Gaven’s mission is to use the power of music to make you think of a good time in your life, make you feel good about yourself, and most of all, put a smile on your face. Quoted as saying, ‘I want to inspire you to do great things as I have been inspired. The fact that you can create something out of nothing and have it last forever is amazing to me.’ This is a true testament to the everlasting impact we can all have on each other, and Jim hopes to bring that kind of attitude to the forefront through his musical endeavors.

He is a husband and father, and has won Employee of the Year at the Arc Mercer as well as Song of the Year (Kindred Awards) and received a Gold Record for his work in writing personalized songs for children who have terminal illnesses.

Learn more about Jim Gaven and “Key of Awesome Music”: www.keyofawesomemusic.com, www.jimgaven.bandcamp.com, https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Jim-Gaven, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsaVEjBPRoOV77mtYEcZYPg, on Instagram and Facebook @keyofawesomemusic 

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lUrlgb-Ks10

Order your copy of Dr. Burch’s book, “The Business of Choir”: https://www.giamusic.com/store/resource/the-business-of-choir-book-g10713. 

Join us over at Patreon.com/MusicEdMatters for monthly meet-ups, monthly bonus episodes, special content and more!

Support the companies that make The Music (ed) Matters Podcast possible: 

—Kaleidoscope Adventures - find your adventure today, kaleidoscopeadventures.com/.  Including the June 2023 Festival and PD Weekend in Myrtle Beach with Alex & Emmy and their choirs!

— The Kinnison Choral Company - check out their quality resources - or get your tracks made today - at KinnisonChoralCo.com. 

**Show music originally written by Mr. Todd Monsell

**Show photography provided by Dr. Dan Biggerstaff