#USA #Los Angeles #Music Education #Diane Warren #ETM-LA

Diane Warren Celebrated for Her Impact on Music Education

On January 27, 2026, the legendary songwriter Diane Warren, known for her impressive 17 Oscar nominations and multiple Grammy Awards, was honored at the Education Through Music-Los Angeles (ETM-LA) 20th Year Benefit Gala. This milestone event took place at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, celebrating ETM-LA's remarkable journey of providing music education to over 190,000 students in under-resourced schools since its inception.

The gala brought together influential figures from the music and education sectors, including Sonic Fuel Studios, represented by Christopher Lennertz and Tim Wynn, and music educator Ryan Gonzales. Some of the standout guests included jazz musician and educator Anthony White, actress/singer Sofia Carson, and stars from the show Galavant, Karen David and Tim Omundson, who presented the awards during the evening.

One of the most touching moments of the night was a performance by the ETM-LA Student Choir Ensemble. They beautifully performed Warren's Oscar-nominated song, "Dear Me," from the documentary about her life, Diane Warren: Relentless. Warren herself shared how profoundly moved she was by the performance, stating, “I didn’t realize that their performance would touch me emotionally… it was incredible. If I had had music teachers like those from ETM-LA, I wouldn’t have wanted to skip school all the time.”

In an unexpected reveal, the Champion Award was presented to the Milagro Foundation and musician Carlos Santana, with Salvador Santana accepting the award. He remarked, “If we want a brighter future, it starts with educating and investing in our youth, and what better way to do that than through music.”

The gala also honored Gordon Goodwin, a past Shining Star recipient in 2009, and composer Arthur Hamilton. The night featured a heartfelt rendition of Hamilton’s classic “Cry Me a River” by ETM-LA student Krista Sims. Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Joyce Hamilton were the honored guests for the evening.

Soloists Eden Kontesz, Prez Blackmon, Bettina Díaz, and Sims, along with ETM-LA alumni like Zanaida Stewart-Robles and Lydia Lee, united to perform Warren's inspiring song, I’m Standing With You. Co-chaired by Sharon Farber and Lola Debney, the gala exceeded expectations, raising over half a million dollars, all embracing the evening's theme, Rhythm of the Night.

ETM-LA aims to provide music programs in under-resourced schools to enhance academic performance, creativity, and overall student development. Established in 2006, ETM-LA has delivered over 155,000 music classes and over 60,000 hours of professional development for teachers and interns.

Prominent corporate sponsors for the event included BTW Productions, Realsongs, Sonic Fuel Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, RBC Wealth Management, and The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.

Warren's unwavering support for music education reflects her belief in the transformative power of music in young people's lives. With her continued advocacy, the future of music education looks brighter than ever.