A key component of Law Rocks’ mission is to promote youth music education. In 2023, the Law Rocks Board founded the Music Matters grant, given to a local nonprofit that supports youth music education in each of our US tour cities. Omi Crawford, Executive Director of Law Rocks, says of the grant initiative:
“Law Rocks has always been about championing nonprofits, especially local organizations that make a real difference in their community. The Music Matters grant deepens that commitment, helping support music education organizations nationwide as they change young lives through the power of music. It’s inspiring and exciting to learn more about each organizations work, truly one of the best things about this work!”
Today’s spotlight is on Guitars Over Guns, the 2026 Miami recipient of the Law Rocks Music Matters Grant. The mission of Guitars Over Guns is empowering youth through music, mentorship, and the arts. We first awarded the organization with a Music Matters Grant in 2025, and are pleased to present the organization with a grant again this year.
We recently checked in with Dave Karmiol, Special Projects Manager for Guitars Over Guns, to hear what the organization has been up to over the past year. Read on to learn more in our spotlight interview below!
The 2026 Miami recipient of the Law Rocks Music Matters Grant: Guitars Over Guns | Photo courtesy of Guitars Over Guns
1) What new successes or milestones have you achieved since we last spoke?
We launched a Peer Mentor Program in August of 2025 to funnel students into an alumni mentor career path. The program has grown from 3 alumni to 6! These recent high school grads are now being paid to support programs at the site level, getting real-world experience by teaching in the programs they learned from! This keeps former students engaged with the program beyond their high school career.
Photo courtesy of Guitars Over Guns
2) Can you share an example of how your programs or initiatives have positively impacted the community in the past year?
Two students, who have been in our program since the sixth grade (where they first picked up an instrument), were accepted into Boston's Berklee School of Music for the Fall of 2026. They both received full scholarships.
Additionally, this past summer, nine students from our program were accepted in Interlochen's summer music program with full scholarships.
Photo courtesy of Guitars Over Guns
3) Have any new programs or initiatives been introduced since our last conversation that you are particularly excited about?
For the first time, Guitars Over Guns launched two 6-week, full-day, artist development summer camp programs in North and South Miami where students created original songs in a small-band setting.
4) What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work over the past year?
Watching our kids set and accomplish their musical goals on and off the stage. It never gets old!
5) What are you most looking forward to in the coming year?
This August, we're launching four new programs. We're looking forward to serving a new population of students and expanding our reach across Miami.
6) What is your favorite thing about having your organization take part in a Law Rocks event?
We love to see accomplished professionals who are still passionate about music get on stage and play their hearts out. It's a wonderful reminder that no matter what you do in life, music is a powerful, inspiring force that always stays with you. It encourages us to keep pushing our mission forward, knowing that our kids will take their music education with them forever!
Photo courtesy of Guitars Over Guns
Learn more about Guitars Over Guns.
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