Gibson Gives & 1500 Sound: Music Scholarships LA, Beijing, Taipei

For over 130 years, the iconic and leading American instrument brand Gibson has been shaping sound across generations and genres. Gibson, and its charitable arm Gibson Gives believe in the power of music, and that getting instruments into the hands of those with a desire to make music is a life-changing event. 

A state-of-the-art music school in Inglewood, CA, 1500 Sound Academy offers comprehensive courses to music students and aspiring professionals who want to learn the craft of Music Production, Engineering, Songwriting, Mixing, Music Business, and Artist Branding. 

Gibson Gives is proud to announce it will partner with 1500 Sound Academy this year to give five music scholarships valued at $25,000. in addition to instruments and gear totaling over $12,500 across the program in Los Angeles, California,  Beijing, China and Taipei, Taiwan.

“Music has the power to transform lives, and at Gibson Gives, we believe in amplifying that transformative potential. We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with 1500 Sound Academy, a beacon of excellence in music education. This collaboration extends our commitment to fostering talent globally, reaching students in Los Angeles, Beijing, and Taiwan.”

–Erica Krusen, Senior Director, Global Cultural Influence and Gibson Global Executive Director, Gibson Gives

“1500 Sound Academy and Gibson Gives share a tireless commitment to providing musicians with the education, resources and support that is vital on their journey. We couldn’t be more excited this partnership and the opportunity the Gibson Gives Scholarships will afford to young, bright minds as they pursue their dreams in the music industry.”

–Twila True, Co-Founder, 1500 Sound Academy and CEO, True Family Enterprises

Students can apply through April 19, 2024 AT 5PM PT for the Los Angeles area program of the Gibson Gives Scholarship HERE, the Beijing program HERE, and the Taipei program HERE.

Gibson Gives–a 501(c)(3) is committed to making the world a better place by supporting non-profit organizations and developing programs in our efforts to advance musicians through music education, and health and wellness initiatives worldwide. 

Gibson Gives is committed to cultivating LGBTQ-inclusive partnerships and offering steadfast support for all communities. 

100% of all donations to and from Gibson Gives go towards giving the gift of music. In the last three years, Gibson Gives has raised over $4.5 million dollars and enabled $46 million in funding for key organizations through product donations and meaningful giving worldwide. For more information, visit: www.gibsongives.org.

A trailblazing music education institution that strives to produce passionate sound creators through mentorship, positive mindset, and professional development, 1500 Sound Academy was created to help enrich the next generation of music creatives. 

1500 Sound Academy’s founders consist of the legendary musical ensemble, 1500 or Nothin,’ aka James Fauntleroy and Larrance “Rance” Dopson, and renowned entrepreneur, executive, and philanthropist, Twila True.

Both are GRAMMY Award-winning industry leaders who have collaborated with many high-profile artists, including Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Nipsey Hussle, and Justin Timberlake. In 2021, Fauntleroy, Dopson, and True launched the educational program in Los Angeles that teaches local residents the fundamentals of music and the industry. 

1500 Sound Academy provides annual scholarships to attendees and offers instructional courses at affordable rates in comparison to other programs in the city. For more information on 1500 Sound Academy, visit: https://www.1500soundacademy.com/.