Berklee College of Music Freshman Awarded $10,000 Wilshire Quinn Musical Arts Scholarship

SAN DIEGO, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wilshire Quinn Capital, Inc. proudly announces Oliver Charles, an 18-year-old guitarist from Los Angeles, California, as the recipient of this year's $10,000 Wilshire Quinn Musical Arts Scholarship. The scholarship funds will be applied directly to Oliver's tuition at Berklee College of Music, where he is pursuing a degree in Guitar Performance beginning this fall.

Wilshire Quinn received an impressive array of submissions from talented young musicians across the country. Each entry revealed the passion and individuality that define this new generation of musicians.

Among them, Oliver Charles' artistry stood out for its depth, authenticity, and vision. Oliver's musical journey began at the age of two, when he first picked up a guitar. By five, he'd started formal lessons, merging natural talent with 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. Reflecting on its deeper impact, he shared, "It's been therapy, a source of courage, and a way to become my best self."

Growing up amid LA's vibrant music scene, Oliver embraced the art early on. By nine, he was performing with School of Rock and taking the stage at legendary venues like The Troubadour, The Roxy, and Whisky a Go-Go. His journey also extends online, where he has built a YouTube community of nearly 50,000 subscribers dedicated to the guitar. In high school, he founded a schoolwide rock band, led guitar ensembles, and booked gigs — most notably performing original music at Harvelle's Blues Club in Santa Monica.

His influences are vast and eclectic—spanning guitar icons like Jason Becker, John Petrucci, and Marcin, to classical composers such as Frédéric Chopin, whose music he describes as his heart and soul. Oliver is both technically skilled and thoughtfully devoted to honoring music's deeper beauty.

Looking ahead, Oliver is eager to join Berklee ensembles where he can improvise, arrange, and collaborate with like-minded musicians—all while pursuing his dream of performing for diverse audiences in ways that connect and inspire.

"We are truly moved by Oliver's story, talent, and the deep intentionality behind his musical journey," said Christopher M. Garcia, CEO of Wilshire Quinn Capital. "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."

About the Wilshire Quinn Scholarship

The Wilshire Quinn Musical Arts Scholarship is an annual $10,000 award presented to a qualified applicant who embodies leadership in the musical arts through both talent and character. Funds are applied toward tuition and paid directly to the recipient's educational institution.

The application includes a brief personal statement and a three-minute video showcasing their musical skills. Applications for the 2026 scholarship will open on March 1, 2026, with the winner announced on or around July 1, 2026.

Visit www.wilshirequinn.com/scholarship to learn more about the scholarship and application process.

About Wilshire Quinn Capital, Inc.

Funding for the Wilshire Quinn Musical Arts Scholarship is provided by Wilshire Quinn Capital Inc. Founded in 2004 by CEO and Chief Investment Officer Christopher M. Garcia, the firm oversees the privately held Wilshire Quinn Income Fund, LLC.

As one of the premier private lenders in California and across the nation, Wilshire Quinn Capital is committed to strengthening local communities by supporting the arts with awards such as the Wilshire Quinn Musical Arts Scholarship.

Media Contact: Natalie Snyder, (619) 872-6000, [email protected]

SOURCE Wilshire Quinn Capital, Inc.