Matt Donovan's Linkedin Analytics

Began playing keyboards professionally at the age of 16 as a regional touring weekend warrior for legendary South Carolina Beach Band “The O’Kaysions” (I’m A Girl Watcher) Worked with John Blackwell (drummer for Prince) on various performances in Columbia, SC as a Piano Jazz Trio. Served on Staff in Worship Leading, Directing, Training, Songwriting, and Production at MorningStar Publications in Charlotte, NC. Worked with such talents as Ricky Skaggs (multiple Grammy winner) Mark Farner (lead vocalist for “Grand Funk Railroad”) Phil Driscoll, Don Potter (producer for “The Judds”), Leigh Reynolds (Garth Brooks co-writer) Gary Lunn (bassist for Dolly Parton) Terry McMillan (Nashville harmonica legend) Suzy Wills (backup vocalist for Reba McEntire) Toured throughout Europe & Romania playing keyboards with The Leonard Jones Trio. A highlight was playing contemporary gospel music in a former Communist Meeting Hall in Constanza, Romania. Toured extensively across the US with singer/songwriter Kevin Prosch & The Black Peppercorns at various mega-churches and Universities. Produced Bethel Music’s Debut Album “Undone” in Redding, CA with Joel Taylor, Brian & Jenn Johnson. Produced “Rhythm Spirit of Native Life” with Walter Barber & Johnny Curtis (Apache Gospel Music Legend) in Navajo Nation Window Rock, AZ. Produced independent album for songwriter and speaker Kimber Everett. During this process worked with and produced Cactus Moser (Wynonna Judd drummer & husband) on location Franklin, TN. Recorded hammered dulcimer & accordion in Nashville with Columbia Records band “Matrimony” (Jordan Hardee, Ashlee Hardee, Christopher Hardee, James Brown) on their release “Montibello Memories” produced by multiple Grammy winner Jay Joyce (Eric Church, Little Big Town) Donovan Academy of Music in Columbia, SC instructed over 50 students weekly. Began instructing Private music lessons and consulting via Zoom in 2019, and *didn’t miss a beat* during the pandemic. Co-Produced “The Music That Moves You” livestream event with Sarasota, FL Nonprofit Organization “Mayors’ Feed The Hungry”. This event involved musicians and artists from Florida and as far as California. The event raised $25,000 to help feed hungry people in Sarasota/Manatee Counties. Multi-Instrumental Music Coach (in-person & Zoom) for Music Compound in Sarasota, FL. Music Compound is owned by Jenny Townsend (2019 prestigious Frank Berlin Small Business Award recipient & Finalist for Small Business of Year 2020 Sarasota, FL)