We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all of the talented music majors who applied for this year’s Musical Arts Scholarship. Each applicant shared compelling stories and exceptional artistry, making our decision an incredibly difficult one.

After thoughtful review and consideration, we are proud to announce that the 2025 Wilshire Quinn Musical Arts Scholarship has been awarded to Oliver Charles—an inspiring young guitarist from Los Angeles, California, who will be entering Berklee College of Music this fall as a Guitar Performance major.

Oliver’s connection to the guitar runs deep—beginning when he was just two years old. By the age of five, he was already taking lessons, merging natural talent with formal training in music theory and composition. What began as instinct has grown into a lifelong pursuit of mastery. As Oliver puts it, the guitar offers an “endless ceiling of possibility,” a sentiment that continues to fuel his curiosity and joy with the instrument each day.

Growing up immersed in the vibrant L.A. music scene, Oliver began performing with School of Rock at just nine years old, taking the stage at legendary venues like The Troubadour, The Roxy, and Whisky a Go-Go. His musical journey has extended beyond live performance to the digital world, where he’s built a community just shy of 50,000 subscribers on a YouTube channel dedicated to the guitar. In school, he led a guitar ensemble, founded a schoolwide rock band, and booked local gigs—most notably performing original music at Harvelle’s Blues Club in Santa Monica.

Inspired by guitar virtuosos like Jason Becker, John Petrucci, and Marcin, as well as classical composers such as Frederic Chopin, Oliver combines technical excellence with emotional depth. Music has been a form of therapy and self-discovery for him, helping him to navigate life and encouraging him to be his best self.

Looking ahead, Oliver is eager to join Berklee ensembles where he can improvise, arrange, and collaborate with like-minded musicians. His ultimate dream? To perform every day for diverse audiences, creating music that connects and inspires those around him.

We are truly moved by Oliver’s story, talent, and the deep intentionality behind his musical journey. On behalf of everyone at Wilshire Quinn, we extend our sincerest congratulations to Oliver Charles and look forward to seeing the impact he will make in the world of music.

Sincerely,

Christopher M. Garcia

CEO