The San Diego Music Awards started in 1991, as a way to recognize the achievements of our diverse local music community. Now in its 32nd year, the San Diego Music Awards presents awards in multiple categories, recognizing many different genres of music including Rock, Jazz, Hip Hop, Americana and World Music. Past performers include Jewel, Jason Mraz, Switchfoot, P.O.D., Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek). The San Diego Music Awards is the primary fundraising vehicle for the San Diego Music Foundation’s Guitars for Schools Program.

The San Diego Music Foundation has been actively involved in keeping participatory music programs in San Diego County elementary, middle, and high schools for almost 32 years. The Guitars for Schools program was launched, in partnership with Taylor Guitars, as a way to augment existing programs and to offset the loss of arts instruction due to budget cuts. The guitar familiarity and popularity among young people makes it an excellent tool for getting them interested in music, and in performing arts in general. Over its history, the organization has served over 70000 K-12 students in 83 schools (68 currently) from the Mexican border to San Onofre.

Contact us if you would like more information about the Guitars for Schools program, or would like to involve your school.