Pasadena Campus Hosts Fire-Affected Students for Guitar Giveaway, Mentorship

Two hundred Los Angeles-area students attended a December 6 event at the Los Angeles College of Music’s Pasadena campus, where many who lost homes, schools, and instruments in the Eaton wildfires in Altadena received guitars, mentorship, and encouragement. The program was organized by Free Guitars 4 Kids and LACM.

The program, called The Sound of What’s Possible and presented by Sweetwater, brought together professional musicians and faculty to support students facing recovery after the fires.

Grammy Award-winning guitarist Brent Paschke opened the day with a performance before joining students for hands-on guidance. Students then unwrapped their first guitars—many fighting back tears—as musicians and mentors cheered them on.

Other artists included Rick Torres, Dan Kalisher, Jeff Miley, and Brad Rabuchin, who led workshops, breakout sessions, and one-on-one mentorship.

“This was one of the most meaningful days we’ve ever had,” said Ben Dudley, executive director of Free Guitars 4 Kids, in a statement. “Seeing students who’ve endured so much walk in with the weight of a tough year—and walk out with huge smiles and new guitars—was unforgettable. Our mission is to show kids they’re seen, valued, and capable of extraordinary things. LACM, Sweetwater, and these incredible musicians helped make that mission real.”

“Seeing them light up when they got their guitars was unforgettable,” Paschke said. “These students showed so much strength and curiosity, and getting to share music with them was a privilege. Music has shaped my entire life, and helping spark that same journey for someone else is incredibly rewarding.”

“Saturday’s event was a powerful reminder of why music education matters,” said Erin Workman, LACM executive vice president. “Watching these students light up as they received their guitars reinforced our commitment to opening doors for young creatives. That’s why LACM also awarded three students a free week of tuition to our Summer at LACM program, along with four individual private lessons through our LAMA Community Program. This experience will stay with all of us for a long time.”

“Helping unlock the power of music for young people is core to who we are,” said Jeff Ostermann, Sweetwater’s chief people and culture officer. “And bringing music to so many students who were impacted by the fires makes this event even more special and inspiring for us.”

“I was 9 years old when I first started playing guitar, and I remember the amazement and joy I felt at Christmas when there was a new guitar under the tree for me,” said Jeff Miley, LACM guitar department chair. “I was noticing that look on some of these kids’ faces. It was so rewarding to see the joy continuing with this group of kids that we had at LACM. It feels good to put some more guitars out into the world, especially in this way to these deserving young kids. I’m so happy I was able to be a part of it.”

Throughout the day, students received 200 guitars, lessons from faculty and touring musicians, and mentorship focused on confidence, creativity, and musical curiosity. Organizers emphasized the long-term goal of expanding access to music education across Los Angeles and beyond.

Free Guitars 4 Kids, founded in 2020, has given away thousands of guitars across 23 states, partnering with more than 70 nonprofits, schools, and after-school programs.

The Los Angeles College of Music offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 12 majors across music performance, production, composition, and industry. Since opening its doors in 1996, LACM has become home to music students from around the world who desire the professional edge that can only be attained by living and studying in the heart of the music industry.