Diane Warren's Unyielding Commitment to Music Education Honored at ETM-LA Gala
On January 27, 2026, the legendary songwriter Diane Warren, celebrated for her remarkable 17 Oscar nominations, was honored at the Education Through Music-Los Angeles (ETM-LA) 20th Year Benefit Gala. This milestone event, held at the Skirball Cultural Center, recognized not only Warren's contributions to music but also the vital work of the ETM-LA non-profit organization which has positively impacted over 190,000 students in under-resourced schools since its founding.
The gala brought together a vibrant mix of music educators, talented performers, and a supportive community to celebrate the transformative power of music education. Among those honored alongside Warren were Sonic Fuel Studios, represented by Christopher Lennertz and Tim Wynn, and music educator Ryan Gonzales. The evening was filled with heartfelt performances, including a moving rendition of Warren's Oscar-nominated song "Dear Me" by the ETM-LA Student Choir Ensemble, which evokes a message of self-acceptance and empowerment.
Warren expressed her deep emotional connection to the students’ performance, sharing, "I didn’t realize it was going to really touch me emotionally... it was amazing. If I’d had music teachers like [ETM-LA’s], I wouldn’t have cut school all the time." Her reflection highlights the significant role of educators in fostering creativity and motivation in students' lives.
The gala was not just an honor for Warren but also a platform to acknowledge the ongoing contributions of music advocacy organizations. A notable surprise during the event was the presentation of the Champion Award to the Milagro Foundation and the legendary guitarist Carlos Santana, accepted on his behalf by Salvador Santana. In his acceptance speech, Salvador emphasized the critical nature of investing in youth through music education, saying, "If we want a brighter future, it starts with educating and investing in the youth, and what better way to do that than through music."
Tributes paid homage to previous honorees such as Gordon Goodwin and Arthur Hamilton, with performances that moved the audience to reflection. The ETM-LA Student Alum Krista Sims delivered a poignant rendition of Hamilton's classic "Cry Me a River," while Warren led a powerful chorus of "I’m Standing With You" alongside vocal soloists and alumni, all emphasizing the theme of unity through music.
Co-chaired by Sharon Farber and Lola Debney, the event was a resounding success, raising over half a million dollars to further the mission of ETM-LA, which provides music education that enhances academic achievement and personal growth among students. Since its inception in 2006, ETM-LA has provided over 155,000 music classes and more than 60,000 professional development hours for educators, reinforcing the crucial intersection of music and learning.
Major corporate sponsors including Walt Disney Imagineering, RBC Wealth Management, and Sonic Fuel Studios contributed to the gala's success, underlining the collective community effort to support this vital cause. ETM-LA's work continues to resonate, inspiring future generations with the messages and opportunities that music education brings, and events like this gala remind us of the power of musical mentorship in shaping lives and futures.
As Diane Warren and her fellow honorees basked in the celebration, the importance of music education echoing through the venue served as a potent reminder of the harmony created when community, education, and creativity come together. The ETM-LA 20th Year Benefit Gala not only honored a legacy but also paved the way for the continued growth of music in schools, ensuring that every child has the chance to experience the joy and potential of music.
The gala brought together a vibrant mix of music educators, talented performers, and a supportive community to celebrate the transformative power of music education. Among those honored alongside Warren were Sonic Fuel Studios, represented by Christopher Lennertz and Tim Wynn, and music educator Ryan Gonzales. The evening was filled with heartfelt performances, including a moving rendition of Warren's Oscar-nominated song "Dear Me" by the ETM-LA Student Choir Ensemble, which evokes a message of self-acceptance and empowerment.
Warren expressed her deep emotional connection to the students’ performance, sharing, "I didn’t realize it was going to really touch me emotionally... it was amazing. If I’d had music teachers like [ETM-LA’s], I wouldn’t have cut school all the time." Her reflection highlights the significant role of educators in fostering creativity and motivation in students' lives.
The gala was not just an honor for Warren but also a platform to acknowledge the ongoing contributions of music advocacy organizations. A notable surprise during the event was the presentation of the Champion Award to the Milagro Foundation and the legendary guitarist Carlos Santana, accepted on his behalf by Salvador Santana. In his acceptance speech, Salvador emphasized the critical nature of investing in youth through music education, saying, "If we want a brighter future, it starts with educating and investing in the youth, and what better way to do that than through music."
Tributes paid homage to previous honorees such as Gordon Goodwin and Arthur Hamilton, with performances that moved the audience to reflection. The ETM-LA Student Alum Krista Sims delivered a poignant rendition of Hamilton's classic "Cry Me a River," while Warren led a powerful chorus of "I’m Standing With You" alongside vocal soloists and alumni, all emphasizing the theme of unity through music.
Co-chaired by Sharon Farber and Lola Debney, the event was a resounding success, raising over half a million dollars to further the mission of ETM-LA, which provides music education that enhances academic achievement and personal growth among students. Since its inception in 2006, ETM-LA has provided over 155,000 music classes and more than 60,000 professional development hours for educators, reinforcing the crucial intersection of music and learning.
Major corporate sponsors including Walt Disney Imagineering, RBC Wealth Management, and Sonic Fuel Studios contributed to the gala's success, underlining the collective community effort to support this vital cause. ETM-LA's work continues to resonate, inspiring future generations with the messages and opportunities that music education brings, and events like this gala remind us of the power of musical mentorship in shaping lives and futures.
As Diane Warren and her fellow honorees basked in the celebration, the importance of music education echoing through the venue served as a potent reminder of the harmony created when community, education, and creativity come together. The ETM-LA 20th Year Benefit Gala not only honored a legacy but also paved the way for the continued growth of music in schools, ensuring that every child has the chance to experience the joy and potential of music.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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