About Guitars United/Guitarras Unidas of Monterey County
Introducing Guitars United/Guitarras Unidas of Monterey County
A new chapter in free music education for our community.
Why We’re Not in Monterey County (MC) Gives this year
MC Gives is now live, and some of you may notice that Guitars Not Guns Monterey County is not listed among the participating nonprofits this year. We want to share an important update.
On November 11, 2025, our volunteer instructors founded Guitars United, now officially recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3)(e) nonprofit.
We are the same dedicated local instructors, now operating as an independent Monterey County nonprofit offering free guitar lessons and guitars to people of all ages.
What Happened?
In August 2025, the Monterey County Chapter of Guitars Not Guns was directed by the national organization to cease operations after refusing to pay a retroactive 20% assessment on all funds raised in 2025 — without discussion or an opportunity to confer. Shortly after, the local chapter’s funds were depleted. Rather than end our mission, we chose to continue locally and independently as Guitars United / Guitarras Unidas.
16 Years of Service in Monterey County
Since 2009, our volunteer instructors have:
- Served 2,800+ children with free lessons and guitars
- Donated 650+ additional guitars to advanced students and underserved schools
- Earned statewide and national recognition, including:
- California’s 17th District Non-Profit of the Year (2017)
- National Vision Award (2015) presented to Stephen Vagnini
We were the only chapter nationwide to continue offering online classes during COVID.
Our Classes
Our programs traditionally serve youth ages 8–18 with small groups of 4–12 students and multiple instructors. Students learn chords, discipline, confidence, collaboration, and the joy of making music.
Graduates of our 8-week program keep their guitar and often return for Level 2. Our classes have been hosted at locations across Monterey County, including Rancho Cielo, Boys & Girls Club Seaside, Marina Teen Center, Alisal Center for Fine Arts, Steinbeck Library, CHISPA housing communities, and many local schools.
Our New Mission
Incorporated on September 9, 2025, Guitars United / Guitarras Unidas will continue and expand the mission we built over 16 years.
Our Mission:
To empower Monterey County residents of all ages through free introductory and advanced guitar classes taught by compassionate and experienced volunteer instructors.
Your support helps us purchase guitars, grow our programs, and reach more students than ever before.
Please send your tax-deductible donation to:
Guitars United
c/o Steve Vagnini
P.O. Box 101
Monterey, CA 93942