Steve Bagmanyan’s work may be quiet, but its impact is loud and clear. He is the heart and soul behind “The Last Repair Shop” in Los Angeles, a workshop that repairs thousands of musical instruments for students, completely free of charge. As a young boy, Steve fled his home in Azerbaijan as an Armenian refugee, eventually finding his way to the United States. Now, for more than two decades, his hands have been a source of hope, bringing violins, flutes, and pianos back to life.
Steve’s dedication ensures that no student ever has to stop playing music because of a broken instrument. After an Oscar-winning documentary about the shop aired, donations poured in. The Los Angeles Unified School District launched a $15 million fundraiser to train new repair workers, purchase better tools, and get more working instruments into the hands of eager students.
For Steve, the reward isn’t fame or awards. He says, “My Oscar every day is the job I’m doing for our kids. My cup is full knowing that children might carry a love of music with them for a lifetime.” It’s a powerful reminder that some of the greatest heroes are the ones working quietly behind the scenes, changing lives one repair at a time.
📸 (Photo: Ben Chapman / LA School Report)
