When Joy Becomes the Story: A Day of Guitars and Community at LACM
Inside a powerful moment for hundreds of young musicians
Some days remind us why music matters. This past weekend at the Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) was one of those days. Free Guitars 4 Kids partnered with LACM and Sweetwater to host a hands-on music experience and guitar giveaway for students across Los Angeles, including several affected by the Altadena fires. What unfolded was a powerful reminder of how collaboration, generosity, and shared purpose allow joy to take center stage.
Here is why.
Joy Arrives, One Student at a Time
Students entered the event with a range of emotions.
Some were shy.
Some were bright-eyed and eager.
Some carried heaviness from a difficult year.
Others simply could not wait to pick up a guitar for the first time.
As the day progressed, breakthroughs, smiles, first strums, and new connections filled the space. No matter how students arrived, they left a little different—carrying a spark of joy and a brand-new guitar.
“Saturday’s event was a powerful reminder of why music education matters so deeply,” said Erin Workman, EVP of LACM. “Watching these students light up as they received their guitars was incredibly moving, and it reinforced our mission at LACM to open doors for young creatives… We are grateful to partner with Free Guitars 4 Kids to bring hope, healing, and opportunity to kids who truly deserve it.”
Her words captured the spirit of the day.
A Shared Experience: Artists Giving Back After Loss
The event opened with a special segment and performance by Grammy-winning guitarist Brent Paschke (Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, Snoop Dogg), who later joined students for hands-on guidance, photos, and plenty of encouragement. Marko DeSantis, Rick Torres, Dan Kalisher, and top LACM faculty also played meaningful roles, each contributing in thoughtful ways and united in their desire to make the day memorable for the students.
We were honored to welcome a remarkable group of artists, including several who lost their homes in the Altadena fires. They spoke about the generosity they received in the aftermath and how that support inspired them to give back with the same spirit. Their presence added depth, grounding, and authenticity to the day—a reminder that we rebuild best when we rebuild together.
And while the artists filled rooms with music and encouragement, another group was quietly ensuring everything ran seamlessly.
The Power of a Guitar in a Student’s Hands
“Seeing students walk in from all different backgrounds, some carrying the weight of a tough year, others filled with curiosity, and watching all of them leave with huge smiles and brand-new guitars was unforgettable,” said Ben Dudley, Executive Director of Free Guitars 4 Kids. “Our goal has always been to show kids that they are seen, valued, and capable of extraordinary things, and thanks to LACM, Sweetwater, and the incredible musicians who showed up, we did exactly that. I cannot wait to watch the ripple effect of today’s joy.”
Beyond the inspiring moments, the day was also built on an extraordinary amount of behind-the-scenes work.
The Quiet Work That Makes Joy Possible: Volunteers as the Heartbeat of the Day
We first want to acknowledge the volunteers and organizational stakeholders who made the event possible. LACM students, faculty, and community members invested significant time preparing the space, tuning guitars, organizing stations, managing flow, and supporting families.
On event day, volunteers arrived early, greeted families, guided students, troubleshot gear, and celebrated musical breakthroughs with genuine enthusiasm. Their professionalism set the tone and created an environment where joy could flourish.
Their work didn’t happen in the spotlight, but it made every moment in the spotlight possible.
When People Fly In to Help, You Know the Mission Matters
Behind the scenes, FG4K board members, sounding board members, and supporters traveled from across the country to be part of this community event. Their presence was not symbolic—it was a statement of belief.
A belief that this mission is worth traveling for.
A belief that kids’ creativity deserves investment.
A belief that when we show up for young people, it changes everything.
Their commitment demonstrated how deeply people believe in Free Guitars 4 Kids, in LACM, and most importantly, in the students we serve.
And their presence further amplified the joy building throughout the day.
A Final Word of Thanks
We left LACM grateful and energized—by volunteers who showed up fully, by artists who shared openly, and by students who embraced new experiences. For each young musician, the day represented more than a single moment; it marked a step forward.
This event was made possible because a community chose to collaborate:
LACM
LACM Foundation
Sweetwater
Artists and teaching musicians
Volunteers
FG4K board and sounding board members
Supporters who traveled from out of state to help
Every person involved contributed to a day defined by connection, confidence-building, and genuine joy. The event served as a clear reminder that music brings people together—and that rebuilding, learning, and growing are possible when a community stands behind its kids.
