Julian Powell

Founder/Executive Director

Julian Powell is Music Share for Seniors’ Founder and President, and is responsible for overseeing the organization, managing the day to day operations, and orchestrating the short and long-term vision for the organization. He founded Music Share for Seniors in 2017 while completing his B.A. in Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU formerly Ryerson). With a pre-existing passion for social entrepreneurship, he was inspired by his time volunteering for Meals on Wheels, and thought that a similar, volunteer driven model, could function to support isolated seniors living in long-term care communities.

Julian has had a life-long passion for music exemplified through his certificate from Seneca College for Independent Music Production and his extensive background performing original music live. He witnessed the connective power of music first-hand and determined that it would be the best tool to help connect youth volunteers with seniors, encourage meaningful social interactions, and increase long-term program participation. Julian also has a background in grant writing and has used these skills to secure two grants for Music Share for Seniors thus far.

As an entrepreneur Julian is dedicated to designing systems that serve at risk populations in effective and sustainable ways. Throughout his time as a member of The Social Venture Zone at TMU he has developed the necessary skills to lead Music Share for Seniors and scale the organization. He has a passion for advocating for seniors living in LTC and hopes that his work with Music Share will encourage others to do so as well.

Jarret Maxwell

Director of Programs and Philanthropy

Jarret started working at Music Share for Seniors in October 2020, and he plays an integral role in developing Music Share’s business strategy and ensuring the implementation of programming that focuses on providing companionship and cherished music to older adults.

Jarret acquired his BA in psychology at Ryerson University in 2016, and is accredited for being a Volunteer Sibling for the sibling Coping Together Program, under the supervision of Dr. M. Barrera, from 2013 – 2015  at Toronto’s SickKids Hospital. He was also trained to be a grievance counselor by the Bereaved Families of Ontario for youth who have lost a sibling, in 2018.

Jarret grew up with grandparents who played major roles in his emotional and social growth during his early years. He learned at a young age how to comfortably interact with older adults, as he was shown off to all his grandparents friends – on his dad’s side – for being the eldest grandchild. During university, Jarret experienced what it was like for his grandmother to live in a long-term care community and saw how much time and effort was required to take care of its residents.

By utilizing his experience Jarret strives to help strengthen the organization and provide clients with excellent customer service. By working with the communities he serves and listening to their needs, Jarret has helped develop an organization that provides programming which is effective, affordable and accessible.