Guitars in the Classroom

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Phone: 760-452-6123

1911 Shady Acre Circle
Encinitas
California 92024
USA
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TOP-RATED 2011

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Target demographics: 78% of the teachers we train work in Title 1 schools and have children with disabilities and special needs in their classrooms. 51% are teaching English Language Learners. They tell us how the work engages their students more deeply and passionately in learning across the curriculum. For many, it’s making the crucial difference between failure, marginal participation and success because singing gives them “oral language practice” – the chance to articulate, practice, and memorize what they are learning- out loud. The music making also promotes bonding between students, teachers, and peers. Test scores prove the benefits.

Direct beneficiaries per year: Teachers who train with GITC reach an estimated 900,000 students every year with daily exposure to music in the classroom.

Mission:

Our mission is to transform pre-k through high school classrooms by training teachers to integrate musical learning in lessons in order to increase student engagement, employ oral language practice, and promote student achievement across the academic curriculum. In our free workshops, teachers learn to sing with confidence, play guitar, lead songs, and to select, teach, and facilitate the student writing of educational songs. This daily integration of music with academic learning provides positive, inspiring musical access for all students as part of the regular school day.

Results:

Guitars in the Classroom (GITC) is currently training classroom teachers and specialists in 22 states and 10 universities, with plans in place to expand to 29 states and start workshops internationally.

In 2010, students in GITC classrooms scored significantly higher in all areas of language development, including vocabulary, reading comprehension, and language fluency compared to students in classes taught by teachers who did not know how to integrate music. These statistically significant results came after teachers trained with GITC for only 8 weeks. A stunning 94% of the teachers reported they were able to sing with their own classes, with just 6% still developing confidence in this area. GITC employs the power of music and creativity to engage, harness, and drive children’s growing intellects while supporting their social, emotional, cognitive and physical development.

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lindamacfarlane

10/29/11

I've had the pleasure of teaching Oaks and Acorns a program of Guitars in the Classroom. This intergenerational program is designed to teach both elementary aged students and senior citizens how to play the guitar and sing songs. Three to four times during the school year, both groups get together... more »

Donna23456789

10/04/11

I have been involved with GITC for about 4 years. It has revitalized my teaching. Just adding more music to my teaching was an excellent benefit, but I've gained so much more from my training. Jessica Baron's method of teaching has been such a wonderful example of how teachers should guide and ... more »

dawnrfstaley

10/04/11

I've taken two classes offered by Guitars in the Classroom. I teach blind and visually impaired children. By utilizing this skill I learned, I was able to foster a unique learning opportunity. We would create songs, and the student was motivated to read and write it in braille. The strings and ... more »

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