Celebrating National Mentoring Month at Give a Beat: The Impact from Jerry, Keith, and Tagus

Celebrating National Mentoring Month at Give a Beat

January is National Mentoring Month, a time when we recognize the powerful impact that mentors have on the lives of individuals seeking guidance and support. At Give a Beat, we are dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through music education and mentorship. This month, we will recap the inspiring impact of Jerry, Keith, and Tagus, three individuals who have made a significant difference as mentors in the program.

As we celebrate National Mentoring Month, let us acknowledge the mentors, teaching artists, volunteers, and individuals who contribute to programs like Give a Beat. Together, we can continue to create positive change in our communities by harnessing the power of mentorship and education.

Jerry Sherk: A Journey from NFL to Mentoring

One inspiring figure being recognized this month is Jerry Sherk, M.A., the founder of Mentor Management Systems and the Director of Training for the California Mentoring Partnership. With 25 years of experience, Jerry has helped numerous mentoring organizations improve their operational systems through his expertise in communication, relationship building, and facilitating group mentoring. Prior to his successful career in mentoring, Jerry was an All-Pro  defensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns and even earned the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award.

"The most important thing in this line of work are relationships. Our team excels in this area because we have extensive experience in mentoring. The strong relationships between mentors and mentees are what they appreciate the most – having someone in their corner."

Jerry shares his experience working with Give a Beat for several years as an in-person trainer and workshop host. He moved on to training and developing teachers/mentors before becoming a program consultant, focusing on understanding staff needs and providing necessary support. Jerry emphasizes the importance of relationships in mentoring and highlights the tremendous impact mentors have on their mentees' lives.

“I think our On a New Track reentry mentoring program is necessary. The decision-makers are developing a program that fills a significant void. It is so necessary that other people want it in their prisons and juvenile halls. It is an idea that is rapidly expanding. I hope that Give a Beat can serve as a model for other programs. The way they have developed their mission can be a model for others to follow. In the coming years, I hope people will contact Give a Beat and ask how they achieved this. It can be a model for others. It is about expression and creativity for individuals who are living on the edge of society. This is a tremendous way to heal. You may lose your identity in trauma and may have to create a new one. The need to discover a new identity and see oneself in building skills and being economically rewarded for that is part of the healing process. Football is encouraged and praised, but just like prison, when you come out, you have to create a new identity too. Navigating depression, bankruptcy, divorce, physical and neurological problems are all factors.”

Hope and Empowerment in Mentorship

Keith Kohn, a highly experienced music producer and sound designer based in Los Angeles, has been an integral part of Give a Beat's mentoring program. With 25 years of experience, Keith owns Feed Your Soul Music and has mentored aspiring artists through programs like On a New Track Reentry Mentoring Program.

As a mentor with the On a New Track Reentry Mentoring Program, Keith focuses on serving the world as a whole, rather than just pursuing personal success. This shift in mindset has had a profound impact on his goals and priorities. Keith shared,  “My time spent with the people at Give a Beat has been incredibly valuable, in a way that words can't quite explain. It brings a different kind of fulfillment, one that lasts longer than money. The feeling of being helpful has made me realize that I have the capacity to serve beyond my wife and children; and Give a Beat’s mentoring program has been a perfect fit.”

Keith's mentees have taught him the importance of resilience and finding solutions even in challenging circumstances. His dedication to helping others navigate through life's obstacles is a testament to his character and commitment.

‘Seeing the progress and confidence built in the mentees, who were initially very challenged when it came to computer literacy, beat making and Djing was very inspiring. I witnessed my mentees transition from feeling overwhelmed to feeling confident and excited. I believe:  "One thing humans need to feel good is to feel progress." My main objective is for them to become proficient in their chosen fields. This proficiency radiates into other aspects of their lives, boosting their confidence. It has proven to be more valuable than the music they create. I envision a promising future for Give a Beat and the continued impact it can have.’

Keith shared “My mentees reminded me that necessity is the mother of invention. They are resourceful. When they don't know how to do something, they find a way. My mentees constantly teach me that where there is a will, there is a way.”

Tagus: A Multi-Talented Mentor with a Heart for Music

Tagus is an extraordinary individual with diverse talents ranging from athletics to art dealing to being an owner of a yoga studio. However, it is his passion for music and mentoring that shines through his work with Give a Beat. Tagus's motivation to become a mentor came from his friend Malachi, who introduced him to the On a New Track program at Jail Guitar Doors.

“Mentoring and guiding requires building authentic human connections.The advice I would give is to build human connections. See who they are and what they have been through. Meet them where they are without interjecting and understand that they have experienced heavy trauma. Sometimes, all they need is to be heard.”

- Tagus

He saw mentoring as an opportunity to combine his interests in music and supporting individuals who are reentering society after incarceration. Tagus believes that giving back is ingrained in him.

One of Tagus's greatest lessons from his mentees is the importance of focusing on breathing during times of stress or trauma. He teaches them to navigate through challenges by controlling their breath. “I learned this from my wife, Leah, going back to your first relationship is important. It will also be your longest relationship - Breath. Bring the focus back to breathing. I teach resistance in mentorship. The first thing we do is hold our breath in times of stress or trauma. Instead of doing that, I teach my participants to breathe through it. You can navigate anything once you control your breath.” Tagus emphasized.

Tagus's speeches at Jail Guitar Doors were met with enthusiasm and curiosity from his mentees. Sharing his experiences in the music industry and his role in artist management inspired his mentees to be more inquisitive about their own potential. Tagus believes in building authentic human connections with his mentees, understanding their unique experiences, and simply being there to listen when they need it most.

Celebrating the Power of Mentoring

The stories of Jerry, Keith, and Tagus highlight the incredible impact that mentoring can have on both mentors and mentees. Through their dedication, compassion, and genuine desire to make a difference, these mentors have transformed lives and inspired others to follow their dreams.

As we celebrate National Mentoring Month, let us recognize and appreciate the mentors who selflessly give their time and expertise to guide others on their journey. The power of mentoring goes beyond just imparting knowledge; it instills confidence, resilience, and hope in those who need it most.

In the words of Tagus, "Music is medicine. If you can find the balance and discover what speaks to you - whether it's engineering, production, or DJing - follow your heart." Let us all be inspired by these remarkable mentors and let their stories serve as a reminder of the transformative power of music and mentorship.

Read more about out On a New Track Reentry Mentoring Program: