Guitars in the Classroom (GITC) inspires, trains and equips general classroom teachers and specialists to integrate music and music making across the academic curriculum through “song-based instruction” so students of all ages have the opportunity to learn through making music together in class, everyday. Our work prepares and supports educators to lead the way competently and confidently, employing music as a powerful tool for reaching all learners, teaching all subjects, and building character and community in their classrooms.

Guitars in the Classroom is now working with a United Nations committee for the establishment of Millenium Development Goals. This committee, titled "Music As a Natural Resource," is examining ways to create a plan for the alleviation of suffering in isolated communities and developing nations by implementing group music making that draws people together where they can receive valuable support, training, and helpful resources.
The committee's hope is to develop a plan to bring the work of GITC to Mexico, South Africa, Taiwan, and Lebanon to start.

Music for Life Alliance is funding the creation of a short video piece showing the core of Guitars in the Classroom’s trainings for potential supporters of this work.

Chris Hills has trained 48 teachers in New York City to integrate music. Music for Life Alliance is an official sponsor of this program.

Already severely affected by the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, financially depleted, and the teachers and children of Jackson County have very few resources. GITC instructor Kate McMahon offers a course for teachers of children with special needs, as well as for teachers of children who are learning English as a second language in conjunction with Head Start of Jackson County. Music for Life alliance is an official sponsor of the Jackson County GITC Program.

Severely affected by the downturn in the auto industry, and the economy, many people living here are at or below poverty level. The community has a large number of itinerant migrant farm workers whose children do not speak English. Amy Martin is a seasoned GITC instructor, who launched the program here 2 years ago, and continues her work. She provides a class for teachers to learn how to integrate music into their classrooms.

The Hawaiian public schools have so few resources, that until recently it looked as though there would be 17 non-teaching Fridays in the current school year. Despite the rich musical heritage of Hawaii, there are no music education programs in the schools, and people cannot afford to buy musical instruments.

Guitars in the Classroom received a small grant from The Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation (Jack Johnson) to develop teacher training materials and offer a single workshop to train teachers to integrate lessons of eco-sustainability into the school science curriculum.

To contact Guitars in the Classroom, please write to Executive Director, Jessica Baron at jess@guitarsintheclassroom.org