About Us

A Brief Overview of GITC

GITC reaches over a quarter of a million students each year by training their teachers to lead the music making. Our free programs are offered in 25 states at this time, with plans to expand to all 50 as we grow.

GITC brings people and companies together for the purpose of reviving the music in American classrooms while boosting student engagement and academic performance. Parents and teachers, school administrators, musical products manufacturers, music retailers, business owners, local foundations, trade associations, and music lovers of all kinds who understand the importance of music find a way to make a difference- right away- through Guitars in the Classroom.

GITC reaches all kinds of students- English Language Learners, children at risk, those with special needs, learning disabilities, pre-schoolers through middle schoolers, children and youth from every income bracket- by training their classroom teachers to play guitar, lead singing, facilitate student songwriting on academic topics, and include music making in the school day.

Through our free guitar-loan program, teachers may participate in ongoing weekly classes without owning an instrument. Musical supplies are provided to them free of charge. This is made possible by generous in-kind contributions of many fine guitar companies including Godin Guitars, KAMAN (Ovation and Takamine), Samick (Greg Bennett), Daisy Rock Girl Guitars, Hoshino (Ibanez), C.F. Martin & Sons, and others- as well as makers of musical accessories including D'Addario Strings, Dunlop Mftg, and Levy's Leathers.

Contributors are invited to designate assistance for specific projects or geographical regions as well as supporting crucial infrastructure development.

We believe in acting locally, growing nationally, and working tirelessly to restore music making in our schools and communities "from sea to shining sea."

Guitars in the Classroom is a California public charity 501(c)3.
Our tax ID number is 71-1013691.

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What is Guitars in the Classroom? (GITC)

Guitars in the Classroom trains and equips classroom teachers to integrate singing and playing guitar into children’s daily school experiences. By providing instruction, access to instruments, resource materials, and program supervision, GITC empowers educators to transform classrooms into musical environments that bring out the best in every student, engaging them in studies across the curriculum. GITC launches and supports the development of regional programs nationwide.

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Why Do We Train?

GITC programs are offered to pre-kindergarten through eighth grade teachers and through universities that integrate GITC training into teacher education. Teachers bring their guitars into their classrooms and use playing and songs as a tool for instruction on all subjects. If educators to not have a guitar, one is provided for them (on loan) along with instructional materials and musical supplies. Much of the program’s funding for instruction comes from NAMM, The International Music Products Association.

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Where Is GITC?

Thanks to the contributions of philanthropic foundations, individuals, and the manufacturers of musical products, GITC is constantly starting new programs around the country. GITC is currently offered in over 20 states. Please visit our website to see our latest locations at www. guitarsintheclassroom.org.

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You Can Join The Choir!

  • Donate to GITC programs at our website and help bring music back to education!
  • GITC is always assisting people to start new programs. Write our executive director, Jessica Baron, at jess.gitc@sbcglobal. net for information about how to get started. Send your old guitar to school.
  • GITC welcomes tax- deductable contributions of instruments and musical supplies.
  • Donate your time, talent or expertise to help start a GITC program in your community. Together, we are making education a more musical experience for thousands of students each day.

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Testimonials

“Through GITC, I have learned the basics of guitar strumming, how to write songs and how to “piggy back” onto existing tunes. This has been a great way to teach information to children while reaching the diverse needs of my classroom. I often hear my students singing GITC songs to themselves throughout the day.”
— Tammie McGee, Rutland, Vermont

“Playing the guitar—and the simple songs they love—gets and keeps my students’ attention like nothing else.”
— Judy Dodge, Tucson, AZ

“...the addition of the guitar to our classroom activities has been motivating and inspiring to me and my fourth grade students. The use of guitar has improved instruction and student achievement, has had a positive effects in our classroom climate, and has been a powerful inspiration for creative expression.”
— Candice Camp, Oakland, CA

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Contact Us

GITC is a 501 (c) 3 organization. All donations are entirely tax deductible.

Write us at:

884 Viva Court
Solana Beach, CA 92075

or call us at (858) 755-2239.

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