Guitars in the Classroom (GITC) offers training, support and encouragement to teachers who wish to integrate music-making into lessons and daily activities in preschool through middle school settings. Over 8,000 educators and student teachers in 22 states have already transformed their classrooms by adding the excitement and joy of making music. Classes are offered free of charge and educators who do not have a guitar are given an instrument to borrow, along with instructional materials and accessories contributed by instrument and accessory manufacturers.

Donations are encouraged and appreciated.

Please visit  www.guitarsintheclassroom.com  for more information.

GITC PROMOTES LEARNING & ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Brings students’ focus to the teacher and topic, and keeps it there!

Makes lessons across the curriculum more engaging, creative and joyful

Integrates verbal, auditory, kinesthetic and visual modalities

Promotes factual memorization through song-based learning

Evokes a deep connection with lesson content through creating a personal identification with characters, events and themes conveyed in song lyrics

Promotes language acquisition and expressive language

Improves fluency for English Language Learners

Makes it possible to Integrate creative writing into any subject area  byincorporating topical songwriting as a lesson activity or extension

GITC PROMOTES HARMONY, HEALTH AND SELF-CONFIDENCE                                                                     

Provides an effective classroom management tool, eases transitions

Builds a sense of belonging and classroom community

Provides techniques and positive opportunities for appropriate self-expression

Reduces stress and improves breathing and circulation through singing and movement

Helps anxious or remote children to overcome shyness through singing

Re-directs and channels aggressive and hyperactive energy into constructive kinesthetic activity

Provides opportunities and practice for student collaborations and performances

PROGRAM HISTORY:

Founded in 1998 by child development specialist, educator and author Jessica Anne Baron, Guitars in the Classroom (GITC) differs from other school-based guitar programs because it offers teachers who have always dreamed of learning to make music and play guitar the chance to do so, risk free.  Joining with other admitted “shower singers” and first time players, teachers immerse themselves in an accepting and light-hearted musical environment along with adventurous, creative colleagues who care about the quality of education. This translates into an uplifting weekly experience that boosts personal happiness and makes for real professional development. Together, the teachers learn to play guitar, sing, write songs, and lead students in singing their lessons. A simplified, pain-free approach to playing acoustic guitar makes it possible to find success with the instrument right away, giving teachers the confidence they need to take music making straight into their own classrooms. GITC’s cutting edge approach to lesson planning imparts ways to “teach for meaning” by integrating songs that build not only factual understanding but enduring awareness.

GITC is not a week-end workshop or crash course. We know that developing musicality and comfort playing an instrument takes time. For this reason, teachers are welcome to continue attending weekly GITC classes for as long as they wish, even for years, continually building their repertoire of skills, techniques and songs to bring back to their classrooms.  “Our approach is all about discovering the ease, joy, possibilities, and benefits of making music,” says Ms. Baron, “and building on that in order to pass it onto the students. Most of our participants have never picked up a guitar or sung in public before, but after one class, they are ready to share. The courage and enthusiasm they demonstrate inspires students to join in. When teachers introduce GITC, every school day has the potential to become an artistic, expressive adventure.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining a class, starting a program, or assisting the non-profit by contributing time, talent or ideas, or if you would like to learn more about this work, please visit

 www.guitarsintheclassroom.com for more information.

SPONSORS:

Interested in helping GITC spread the joys and benefits of music making to more classrooms? We welcome your inquiry! Please visit our website at  www.guitarsintheclassroom.com  to see how you can get involved.

GITC’s 2006-2007 corporate sponsors include:

• American Music and Sound
• D’Addario Strings
• Daisy Rock Guitars
• Dunlop Manufacturing
• Godin Guitars
• Hal Leonard
• Kaman
• Levy’s Leathers
• Martin Gutar Co.

• Roland
• Samick
• String Letter Publishing.

GITC’s philanthropic sponsors include:

• NAMM, the International Music Products Association

• GAMA, Guitars and Accessories Marketing Association
• The D’Addario Foundation for the Performing Arts