From Harmony and Hope to The Maestro of Musical Restoration with Steve Bagmanyan

Welcome to Coffee with Convery ☕️, the podcast where we bring you stories of extraordinary people making a difference in their communities and beyond.

Today, we're diving into an inspiring story of dedication, resilience, and the transformative power of music 🎵.

Our guest today is Steve Bagmanyan, a name that may sound familiar if you've recently seen the Academy Award-winning documentary short, The Last Repair Shop 🛠️.

This powerful film, directed by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers, has brought much-needed attention to the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Musical Instrument Repair Shop, where Steve and his team work tirelessly to repair and restore thousands of musical instruments for public school students across the city.

But Steve's journey doesn't begin with the film's success. As the shop's supervisor, he has dedicated years to this vital work, providing students with the instruments they need to express themselves through music. From humble beginnings as a piano tuner in 2003, Steve has played a crucial role in keeping the shop alive despite funding challenges and downsizing.

With the recent Oscar win 🏆, life has been a whirlwind for Steve and his team. Donations and support have poured in, allowing them to dream bigger for the future of the repair shop and the students they serve. Join us as we explore Steve's story and the impact he has had on music education and the lives of many in Los Angeles. 🎶