Keith Richards described Lou Pallo as, “The Man of a Million Chords.” Lou was an incredibly accomplished guitarist who recorded and performed with countless world-renowned musicians. He was a dear friend of the Rockit Live Foundation and guiding mentor to Rockit students.
Gibson Gives and the Rockit Live Foundation have established a scholarship in Lou Pallo’s name for guitarists. Guitarists selected to receive the Gibson Lou Pallo Scholarship receive a Gibson guitar and one year enrollment in Rockit Academy (private guitar instruction, band rehearsals and live performances).
Gibson Gives and Rockit Live Foundation are honored to keep the spirit of Lou Pallo alive in our hearts while offering the opportunity for young musicians to follow their passion in music education.
About Gibson Gives
For over 130 years, the iconic, and leading American instrument brand Gibson has been shaping sound across generations and genres. Gibson, and its charitable arm Gibson Gives believe in the power of music, and that getting instruments into the hands of those with a desire to make music is a life-changing event. Gibson Gives–a 501(c)(3) is committed to making the world a better place by supporting non-profit organizations in their efforts to advance musicians, youth-focused education, music, health, and wellness initiatives. 100% of all donations to and from Gibson Gives go towards giving the gift of music. In the last three years, Gibson Gives has raised over $4.5 million dollars and enabled $46 million in funding for key organizations through product donations and meaningful giving worldwide. Gibson Gives believes investing in music education will yield better people, better leaders, and a better world. For more information, visit: www.gibsongives.org.
2025 Gibson Lou Pallo Scholarship Information
- Gibson Gives is awarding one year’s enrollment in Rockit Academy in the form of a $5,000 cash grant paid directly to Rockit Live Foundation to offset tuition.
- Enrollment includes private guitar instruction, band rehearsals and live performances.
- Recipient will also receive a Gibson brand guitar.
- The combined value of this scholarship is worth up to $7,500.
- Rockit Live Foundation has the right to hold or terminate a scholarship student’s activity in the program based on lack of commitment, progress, or performance.
- Applications are due October 1st
- Auditions will be held on October 4th
- Recipient will be announced on Sunday, November 24th at House of Independents at Rockit Academy’s fall concert.
The 2025 Application Process Is Closed
The 2026 Gibson Lou Pallo Scholarship application will be available in the summer of 2025.
Scholarship Spotlights
2025 Gibson Lou Pallo Scholarship Recipient
Arianna Manzanares
Ari’s scholarship includes a Gibson SG Standard ’61 in Vintage Cherry guitar and one year’s enrollment in Rockit Academy (private guitar instruction, band rehearsals and live performances).
Ari shares, “Justin announced my name and the moment felt surreal! I was in complete shock! I was thinking, “No way! This is crazy! Is this really happening?” I was ecstatic! Winning the scholarship feels like one of the biggest accomplishments of my life.”
2024 Gibson Lou Pallo Scholarship Recipient
Teddy Kurdyla
In his essay Teddy wrote, “I will strive to be as humble and impactful as the great Lou Pallo.” Gibson Gives and the Rockit Live Foundation established a scholarship in Lou Pallo’s name for guitarists. Teddy received a Gibson Les Paul guitar and one year enrollment in Rockit Academy (private guitar instruction, band rehearsals and live performances).
Teddy shared, “I was completely shocked and overjoyed when Eddie Brigati called out my name! Playing the Les Paul for the first time on stage was a magical experience and a dream come true for me. At first I was a little nervous to play the hardest solo I have ever played live on a brand new guitar that I hadn’t played before, but as soon as I ripped into the first chords of Mr. Crowley the nervousness I felt was overcome with joy and excitement!”
2023 Gibson Lou Pallo Scholarship Recipient
Sebastian de la Cruz
“Playing that Les Paul for the first time took me straight off my feet, I couldn’t believe it. It’s a milestone and an honor that I will never forget. One of many I’ve had in Rockit,” said Sebastian.
Sebastian de la Cruz, a junior in high school who plays guitar, received the Lou Pallo Scholarship in October of 2022. This spectacular scholarship included a black custom Les Paul guitar and one year enrolled in Rockit Academy (guitar lessons, band rehearsals, and live performances). Gibson Gives created this scholarship specifically for Rockit Live Foundation.