Thousands of musicians lost their musical instruments to the LA fires. We are doing something about it.

Introducing Instrumental Giving powered by Altadena Musicians – our registry app where musicians can list the gear they lost in the LA fires – and donors can help to replace them through gifting or purchasing directly. Think of it like a wedding registry for musicians! (And it’s tax-deductible!) Download the app to get started!

Get the App "Instrumental Giving" on Google Play

We also offer a sign-up option if you want help but don’t want to use the app, or you just want to share your story. We will continue to make matches and work directly with you to help you recover items lost.

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brandon jay - fire victim musician altadena looking at all that remains

Brandon Jay, in front of his house with one of two instruments he was able to save from the Eaton Fire.
Photo: Robert Moss, January 22, 2025

Instrumental Giving powered by Altadena Musicians restores the inspiring power of music to those impacted by natural disasters—especially young and emerging artists—by placing instruments, gear, and resources back into their hands.

We believe that music heals, connects, and uplifts. By joining forces with our national creative community, we’re turning loss into opportunity, and silence into song.

ALTADENA MUSICIANS FOUNDER Brandon Jay performing WITH HIS BAND AND KIDS at Pasadena Neighbor Day, JanUARY 19th, 2025

”I have been an amateur musician since I was ten years old. I starting learning to read music and play piano after I turned 50. I had friends play in the living room of my Altadena home, and played by myself into the night when no one was listening. In the Eaton fire I lost 1 Martin small body, 1 Alvarez thin body, and an acoustic guitar I bought in Australia in 2004. 1 vintage Epiphone crest wood with Danelectro nifty 50, 1 Steve Martin banjo 1 vintage ukelele one upright Yamaha piano (2000) one electric piano with weighted keys and a Yamaha snare drum. Thank you for creating this.”

~ Susan Littenberg

“Thank you for looking out for our local musicians. I’m not a musician except air guitar and air drums (I’m quite good lol), but I’m a lover of music, especially youth musicians. I’ve been helping replace instruments for our local students. I’m having trouble replacing a trumpet for a student. She was displaced by the fires – home and school. Her new school does not have an instrument for her. This is a rough time for displaced students. Any chance you know of a trumpet available for gifting or loan? I’m delivering a keyboard to a student today. Today is a good day!”

Raquel Perez-Pedroza

“I lost quite a few instruments from the fire, but the one I miss most is definitely my baritone sax. I bought it is 2003 from Oleg, who made it right here in Los Angeles. He was an eccentric old man with a shop on Ventura Blvd and he made incredible instruments. I’m not sure how many baritone sax’s he produced but I think the one I had was one of few. It was a strong horn, with a beautiful dark tone, and incredible designs along the bell. I haven’t been able to find any for sale in the last month…”

Jeffrey Sapin

“Losing instruments isn’t just about money. Every musician understands the bond with their gear—the way a guitar feels in your hands, the weight of a keyboard, the subtle tones only you notice. You can replace things, but you can’t replace history. And for the kids I taught, those instruments weren’t just objects; they were stepping stones to something bigger. To those who’ve lost something in a fire, I understand. It’s not just about what burned—it’s about the memories and meaning behind it all. But the fire didn’t take my passion for music or my drive to teach. Rebuilding won’t be easy, but the music will continue. And I will find a way to keep sharing it with the next generation.”

Thousands of musicians lost their musical instruments to the LA fires. We are doing something about it.

Instrumental Giving powered by Altadena Musicians restores the inspiring power of music to those impacted by natural disasters—especially young and emerging artists—by placing instruments, gear, and resources back into their hands.

ALTADENA MUSICIANS FOUNDER Brandon Jay performing WITH HIS BAND AND KIDS at Pasadena Neighbor Day, JanUARY 19th, 2025

~ Susan Littenberg

Raquel Perez-Pedroza

Jeffrey Sapin

Michael Towns

Our Partners

Our Sponsors

Our Community Partners

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Thousands of musicians lost their musical instruments to the LA fires. We are doing something about it.

Instrumental Giving powered by Altadena Musicians restores the inspiring power of music to those impacted by natural disasters—especially young and emerging artists—by placing instruments, gear, and resources back into their hands.

ALTADENA MUSICIANS FOUNDER Brandon Jay performing WITH HIS BAND AND KIDS at Pasadena Neighbor Day, JanUARY 19th, 2025

~ Susan Littenberg

Raquel Perez-Pedroza

Jeffrey Sapin

Michael Towns

Our Partners

Our Sponsors

Our Community Partners