Transcript Guitars in the Classroom (GITC) offers professional development programs that inspire, train and equip regular classroom teachers to integrate standards-based music making across.

Guitars in the Classroom (GITC) offers professional
development programs that inspire, train and equip
regular classroom teachers to integrate standards-based
music making across the curriculum!
Teachers meet together once a week for an hour
with a GITC instructor after school to learn to make
and share music with students.
What do teachers learn from GITC?
To play guitar, sing and lead students in song!
 To facilitate classroom music using the standards.
 To integrate music from many cultures and time periods.
 To write topical lyrics based on familiar melodies.
 To plan musically rich lessons in all subject areas.
To integrate music making for classroom management.
 To engage all styles of learners with music making.
 To assess student learning using TPR.
 To integrate movement, art, and performance.
 To promote musicality, creativity and self confidence!
Teachers are free to borrow a guitar from GITC
for the duration of their participation in the program, and
for as long as they need it in their classrooms.
These guitars are donated to GITC by one of
many generous manufacturers and foundations.
Teachers are also treated to free strings, picks, and
other musical supplies thanks to GITC’s sponsors!
GITC programs can be offered in a half day in service,
and in six week modules that serve teachers in a region
or a particular faculty… GITC adapts to fit local needs.
GITC’s song-based approach to learning leads to
student improvement in these areas:
Focus and participation
 Classroom citizenship
Listening and communication skills
Deeper emotional connection to lesson content
Detailed comprehension of subject matter
 Memorization of factual and rote information
 Language learning, fluency, and confidence
 Applied math and science – musical relevance
 Creativity, collaboration, and creative problem solving
 Retention of all information learned through music
With 6 levels of sequential instruction available,
teachers complete training when they feel satisfied
with their present skill level.
GITC continues to provide teachers with online support,
in and out of class.
Some attend for 6 weeks and get the basic skills they
seek to facilitate classroom music making.
Others come back class after class, year after year!
They start as Beginners and finish as Rock Stars.
But basic music integration skills are achievable in just 6 weeks!
And no matter how far teachers take the training,
students benefit when teachers integrate music
into academic lessons and classrooms processes.
Music’s innate and universal power to promote well-being,
coupled with GITC’s tried and true methodology naturally
revitalizes teachers, energizes classrooms, and provides a
rich learning experience for every kind of student.
Our bilingual training module (AMIGO) specifically trains
teachers of English Language Learners to put expressive
language skills, vocabulary, comprehension, and
language fluency on a fast track through music
with “Lyrics for Learning” and group singing.
The results GITC brings
are visible in higher test
scores, better grades,
testimonials, and smiles!
Teachers say it best of all…
GITC has helped me as a teacher in many ways. First and
foremost it has given me a tool to reach out to students of every
culture and every academic level. It has engaged my students in ways
Jenni’salone.
testimonial
that I rarely see with just curriculum
It continuously puts smiles
on all of my students’ faces and it encourages even the quietest wall
flower to join in and have some fun.
We do not have the resources in our district to have pull-out
music education for our students. Unfortunately, the only exposure to
music my students have seen this year is because of this
program. Luckily for them, I am involved with GITC and have learned
to use music in conjunction with the curriculum.
My students love when I get out the guitar. They always ask if
we can sing and dance and every time they learn a new song their
faces light up with joy. I can see how the music affects their mood,
behavior and overall well-being. Not only does the music fill their
hearts, but it also helps their minds to learn and grow.
Jennifer Voci, 1st grade teacher
Nichols Elementary School,
Oceanside, California
May, 2008
As an outgrowth of the program, many teachers
also share hands-on guitar instruction with their students.
GITC helps them set up classroom guitar stations, working
with local music stores to provide GITC teacher discounts.
Quite a few also start after school guitar clubs and classes.
GITC offers free ongoing advice, resources, and
downloads for these extra-curricular activities.
These classes build teacher
competence and enthusiasm
This work increases teacher effectiveness
and job satisfaction. It reduces attrition of
veteran teachers because leading music
becomes a new source of inspiration!
And deepen the teacher-student bond.
Teachers who demonstrate creative risk-taking
quickly gain the trust and support of their students
and show by example that learning something new
requires both effort and courage!
GITC has helped many career teachers
bring greater passion, joy and meaning
to their final years in the classroom.
So for new teachers, those in mid-career, and
seasoned educators alike, Guitars in the Classroom
spells true professional growth and satisfaction.
As a side benefit, the program’s good news
attracts positive local press…
And garners
community awards
Over the past two
years, GITC has also
been covered in the
national press by
EDUTOPIA,
National Public Radio
(NPR), and
TEACHER Magazine!
This year, Guitars in the Classroom is lucky to
begin working with internationally acclaimed
artists Muriel Anderson, (top left), Laurence
Juber, (bottom left), Tony James, (top right),
and George Winston among others, to
strengthen their connection to schools through
joint advocacy efforts for music, special
projects, concerts, and school visits.
So please join the magic.
Bring GITC to your school and district.
It’s easy to do and affordable.
Classes can hold up to 24 teachers and cost just $1000
to run for six weeks.

The process of starting a new program takes time. We
work together to locate and train a qualified local
instructor, bring in your instruments and supplies, and set
up the location. Then we are ready to roll.

Once that is accomplished, running 3 consecutive six
week sessions for up to 24 teachers throughout the
school year costs just $3,000.

GITC is a California 501( c ) 3 organization. Local
sponsors who believe that every child deserves music
can make your GITC program a reality and write
their charitable contribution off at tax time!
Let GITC give your teachers the skills, tools, and
confidence they need to make music a daily part of
learning for every student. They will thank you.
So will the students and their grateful parents.
It really doesn’t get any better than this.
Guitars in the Classroom is funded by these sponsors
and many more. For a full list, please visit our website
at www.guitarsintheclassroom.org!
For information on GITC, please visit
www.guitarsintheclassroom,org or call us at
(858) 755-2239. We look forward to hearing from you!