The Fender ^® Music Education Program ^SM

We all know that music and the arts are key components to providing students with a well-rounded educational experience. These classes are especially important during a time when a student’s intellectual development is at its peak. In the current climate, where budgetary cuts hit music and arts departments first, teachers are searching for creative ways to continually expand their programs. One way educators are doing this is by offering classes that will appeal to a wider range of students with varying interests—for instance, guitar!

Becker Middle School Symphonic Guitar Ensemble, Las Vegas, NV

Today,more and more music directors across the country are discovering the benefits of teaching guitar in the classroom. They are a welcomed addition and help attract new students to existing music programs. And although teachers are overjoyed about the prospect of having more kids participating in music classes, some are concerned about students electing to take guitar instead of “traditional” music courses when in fact the opposite is true. Guitar classes bring more students into music programs that otherwise might not be interested. Some of these groups include at-risk students looking for something to keep their attention in school; kids who may only be interested in athletics, or those interested in learning to play a second instrument.

Since roughly 80% of students don’t participate in school music programs, a guitar class is a great way of reaching out to these kids. Students who elect to take guitar classes often join other performing ensemble groups within the school, and once they are involved in school-sponsored music, the door is open to exploring existing programs such as choir, band and orchestra!

Administrators nationwide are beginning to take notice of this interest and are experiencing the benefits by offering more guitar classes in more school districts every day. They know that these classes help keep kids in school, and give many new music students encouragement that can lead to further success in the standard curriculum.