Success Stories

Thanks to the generous contributions from corporate entities, private foundations, and individuals, we've been able to extend financial aid to veterans, their families, and those in need!

San Antonio Music Academy and Guitar SA | San Antonio, Texas

We are proud to announce that in 2023, Music 4 Life Blues 4 the Soul partnered with San Antonio Music Academy and Guitar SA, in San Antonio, Texas for our first music scholarship – The Will Witten Memorial Scholarship.

Currently 10 students receive the scholarship and we are hoping to provide more slots through fund-raising for 2025.

The Will Witten Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance for tuition and guitars to deserving active military, military veterans of all ages, and the children of veterans.

This scholarship includes one year of complimentary private guitar lessons, and a brand-new guitar, aiding deserving individuals in pursuing their passion for music. Students may keep their guitar after successfully completing one year of lessons.

To learn more about this scholarship and the application process, click below:

San Antonio Music Academy Students Testimonials

Students and/or their parents graciously share their testimonials and experiences following the receipt of their scholarships. It's incredibly fulfilling to see the impact we've been able to make in their lives.

Jack Burns

Thank you to the generous donors for the guitar scholarship that our son, Jack, received. We were all very excited to learn that he was chosen and continue to be impressed by all he is learning through his lessons. He looks forward to it every week. As his parents we are especially thankful for this opportunity as we have five children and a budget to balance with all of their activities and lessons. This scholarship is a blessing and is greatly appreciated.

Javon Pharms

Good afternoon, SAMA Team!

My experience using the Will Witten Scholarship has been tremendous! Working with Jacob (my guitarist coach) and the SAMA staff has been a great honor. Shortly after receiving my acoustic guitar, I immediately started learning how to play the instrument and learn guitar & music theory. This allowed me to successfully perform at the SAMA Student Appreciation Festival within a matter of weeks. I am truly grateful to have this unique opportunity!!

Winston and Caius Leonchoe

The scholarship has been an incredible gift. It has rekindled my love for music and given me the opportunity to learn the guitar alongside my son. Now, we spend countless hours jamming out and practicing together. The joy of learning and sharing music with him is truly priceless. We are grateful for the scholarship!

Denzel Donkor

Dear Will Witten Foundation,

I am immensely grateful for awarding Denzel with a scholarship to pursue his passion for playing the lead guitar. Since receiving your generous support, Denzel has made remarkable progress in his musical journey, gaining confidence and discipline with the guidance of the administrators and teachers at the San Antonio Music Academy. Denzel's recent achievements, including his participation in American Got Talent (02/04/2024) and playing the US National Anthem in his school, were made possible by your foundation's assistance, and we sincerely thank you for alleviating the financial burden that could have otherwise hindered his musical career. Find attached some pictures of him at AGT.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Maxwell

Amy Wagner

I have made so much progress in my guitar skills through weekly lessons. I have progressed in a few months from strumming chords to playing fingerstyle some of my favorite songs, including more advanced techniques that I didn't even think I could do! I look forward to playing in an open mic or showcase to perform some of the songs. Looking forward to continuing to practice, learn and play!

Macel Franco

Receiving this scholarship was one of the best moments of my life! Getting reconnected with music and learning from instructors who are happy to teach all their tips and tricks has been really wonderful for me!

Steven Echternach

To the most wonderful people at Will Witten,

Thank you for blessing my family with the scholarship money to help my son further his skills with San Antonio Music Academy. I am a single mother who is a United States Air Force veteran, and I am truly grateful for the blessing you have given my son. Because of you guys, my son has excelled in his guitar lessons, has played at many events with his band intrepid, and has furthered his interest in the music field. He is currently interested in either becoming a guitar instructor in the near future, or he may possibly go into sound engineering. It is because of you and San Antonio Music Academy, that he has blossomed into the most wonderful happy outgoing person. He continues to thrive with the funding you have given us, and the help allows me to save money which I have used for gas to transport him to band events, and for other equipment improvements such as guitar strings etc.. I can't thank you enough for the wonderful donation, and I hope you share my story to other families so they can see that such a wonderful blessing helped a child grow. I am truly grateful and may god bless you and your organization and families. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

You have changed my son’s life and have helped him blossom. I will always hold a place for you and San Antonio Music Academy in my heart.

Respectfully,

Stacey Echternach