The
Will Witten
Memorial Scholarship

Music For Life, in partnership with San Antonio Music Academy and Guitar SA are happy to present a very special scholarship opportunity that provides financial assistance for tuition and guitars to deserving active military, military veterans of all ages, and the children of veterans. This memorial scholarship honors the life of Army veteran Will Witten and his life-long love of music.

Scholarship Award: 9 months of 30-minute private guitar lessons + a gently-used electric guitar with amplifier + recital fees covered

Number of Scholarships available: 1

Eligible Applicants – active military, military veterans of all ages, and children of veterans

Stipulations: Scholarship recipients must complete the entire 9 months of lessons in order to keep the guitar given to them. If a student withdraws from lessons before the 9 months are complete, they must return the guitar in good condition to San Antonio Music Academy.

Application process:

Potential recipients must submit a video or written essay describing what this scholarship will mean to them.

To complete the application, click here:

Biography of Will Witten

The Will Witten Memorial Scholarship honors the life of Will Witten, his love of music, and his desire to support active military members, veterans, and their families through the healing power of music. An avid guitarist and Army veteran, Will understood the benefits of self-expression through music. 

1SG Will Witten enlisted in the U.S. Army at the Kansas City MEPS as an enlisted Cavalry Scout in 1984. He completed Combat medic and Licensed Practical Nurse training at Fort Sam Houston, TX and then trained in mountain and winter warfare as a Scout with the 3/17th Cavalry Squadron at Fort Drum, NY. 

As a Civil Affairs Team Sergeant, 1SG Witten deployed to Kunar Province, Afghanistan in 2002-2003 and deployed again as a Civil Affairs Engineer to the Shkin Province, Afghanistan in 2006. He served as a Senior Enlisted Civil Affairs Advisor to the Commander of the Combined Joint Special Operations Command in Bagram, Afghanistan in 2007. In 2010 he deployed to Iraq and served as the J9 Sergeant Major for U.S. Forces Iraq, Camp Victory. His next assignment was as the 1SG of Headquarters Company, 85th Civil Affairs Brigade, Fort Hood, TX. During this time, he served in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Ecuador.

1SG Witten received numerous awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, the Defense MSM, the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, The Army Commendation Medal with 5 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters and many more. 

Will left this world in December 2021. His wife, Kathiey (Kat) and son, Gunnar, the sponsors of this scholarship wish to carry on his legacy by providing this opportunity for the San Antonio community.  Gunnar proudly serves in the Army Reserve. 

Jesusa Pons-Garner

I’ve had both my children attend lessons at this location. The staff is absolutely wonderful. Mrs. Amber is an incredible piano instructor!

Jesusa Pons-Garner / parent
Jennifer Ortega

San Antonio Music Academy is very well organized. My daughter's piano teacher is wonderful! She's been taking lessons for 5 months and looks forward to each lesson. I really enjoy the recitals at the LOL Comedy Club.

Jennifer Ortega / parent
Esmeralda Saavedra

My daughter has been registered here since she was 7. Each instructor she’s had has been very friendly and great to work with. Currently she has lessons with Ms Maria and we are so grateful for her and the entire SAMA staff. I can’t recommend enough.

Esmeralda Saavedra / parent
Elio Maldonado Jr.

Jacob was an excellent guitar instructor. He was patient and prepared. I definitely recommend him to any person wanting to learn guitar.

Elio Maldonado Jr. / parent
Crystal Reyes

We absolutely  San Antonio Music Academy!!! All 3 of my children take lessons and they love it. My daughter Taylor has really improved her vocal abilities with the help of a wonderful vocal teacher.

Crystal Reyes / parent
Steve Dell

San Antonio Music Academy is awesome, my son loves the guitar lessons and is super excited to attend every week! He started with zero experience and progressed surprisingly fast. Randy is an amazingly talented guitarist/teacher. He is very patient, yet knows how to push students to the next level. Highly recommend all the instructors, the staff is great!

Steve Dell / parent
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