But don’t take our word for it. Please take a moment to read some of the testimonials from teachers across the country that are experiencing first-hand the benefits of instituting guitar programs in their school!
 “The guitar class addresses a lot of students that a typical wind program overlooks. It is exciting to see 50 more new kids entering music programs!”
–Jim Dunlop
Director of Bands
Century High
Hillsboro, Oregon
“I definitely think guitar music has a place in the curriculum. I am in the midst of preparing a proposal for a two-semester guitar class to my administration.
“On the most basic level, I feel that as an educator I should strive to reach as many students as possible and this is one way to do it. Let’s face it, at my school at least, with a wind ensemble, symphonic band, jazz band and creative movement class - I’m reaching a little over 10 percent of the student population. If the choral program reaches another 10 percent (and we know there is a crossover with the instrumentalists) that leaves 80 percent of the student body without a music education at the senior high level. “Guitar class is something that appeals to a wide cross section of students. Everyone wants to play guitar, and if given the chance, most would jump at it. While I think general music classes at the senior high level have merit, discovering music through PERFORMANCE is always preferable to book-learning (in my opinion).
“Outside of the obvious benefit of reaching more students with music, you will be bringing more students into the band room that might otherwise avoid it at all costs. This will go a long way to help recruiting for your other music classes, and will raise the level of respect for your music program. At my school at least, there is a stigma that goes with participation in band. While it is getting better every year, it will improve in leaps and bounds once we get non-band students involved in music.”
–Bill Trulove
Director of Instrumental Music
Limestone Community High School
Bartonville, IL
“A guitar program is a logical companion to the traditional band program. Not only do we share students, i.e. jazz band, but also the combining of these programs for assemblies and pep bands is wonderful opportunity for each group of kids to perform together and the public to enjoy. I see no conflict in resources (budgetary or student). Each program compliments each other rather than competes. Our guitar director looks to support our program with shared resources, personnel, and performances. Teamwork is critical for both programs to succeed and to be able to provide students with new performance opportunities.”
–Jim Irving
Director of Bands
Tigard High
Tigard, Oregon
“After taking a summer workshop hosted by MENC/GAMA/NAMM http://www.guitaredunet.org I couldn’t wait to start a program at the elementary school where I teach. With the help of our local Fender retailer I was able to purchase guitars for my clasroom at a reasonable price that our school could afford. Since beginning the program I have seen a tremendous boost in enthusiasm for the arts program at our school. Students are eager to come in and practice on their own time and they are studying many different types of music.
“The effect of learning guitar has been incredible. It’s a great feeling when I see kids coming onto campus in the morning carrying a guitar case ready to learn more about playing that day!
Our local Fender retailer has also been an instrumental part of the learning process at our school, hosting workshops and sharing knowledge to help boost the kids enthusiasm. Music in any form is the best way to help improve self esteem and give kids a reason to learn. Start a guitar program at your school and watch the interest in your arts program grow!
–Mechell Gross
Desert Harbor Elementary School
Peoria, Arizona
“It is surprising to me that, given the popularity of this instrument, it has taken forty years for guitar instruction to catch on in schools.”
–Robert Caster
Director of Bands
Lebanon High
Lebanon, Oregon
I have taught at Becker Middle School for the past 10years, I have been here ever since the school opened. Our first three years, we did not have a guitar program. The fourth year of our existence, we were fortunate enough to get the funding to start a guitar program. I was always highly in favor of the program, and I think it does not take away from the band program - but it compliments it highly. We have now given some students who would normally not be involved with music a chance to learn music, perform music and take pride in their music.
The guitar program has not detracted in the least from the band program, but it has added another dimension to our program. At Becker Middle School, band and guitar worked together. We supported each other and the end result of this was very favorable to all those involved in the programs.
Before we had the guitar program at Becker I normally had around 500 kids in band. I now have around 400 in band and our guitar program has about 250 students. The addition of the guitar program not only allowed more students to participate in music but also helped me to keep my numbers in check. I never ever felt I was losing students because of the guitar program at our school. I felt fortunate to have another music median for kids to experience. And another cool thing about the guitar program is, for the past seven years, my jazz band has always had a killer guitar player. Thank you guitar program.
My personal belief is that the guitar program in the school system is a true asset to not only any music program but also to any student who is fortunate enough to be involved in it. And besides, a little Rock ‘n Roll never hurt anybody.
–Scott Kissel
Director of Bandsbr /> Becker Middle School
Las Vegas, NV
“My administrator approached me seven years ago about starting a guitar class to supplement my math-teaching schedule at our local high school. I had previously taught guitar at a university and in private studios for over 20 years and knew exactly how to get the project off the ground and flying. I knew that students would not only be excited to have this opportunity to study with a qualified guitar teacher, but they would want to continue their education beyond a beginner course. Each year, we have added another section—sometimes two—and we are now supporting over 140 guitar, bass and percussion students in three levels and four years of high school.”
–Jerry King
Director of Guitar Program
Tigard High
Tigard, Oregon
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