This week, I was talking to some of my friends back home at my high school, some of who are currently enrolled in a beginner level guitar class. This got me thinking about how ways to integrate guitar in the classroom. Although I'm by no means an amazing guitar player, I can play chords and notes, and could definitely use the guitar in basic ways in(I hope!) any level classroom.
I stumbled upon a non-profit organization called Guitars in the Classroom that's mission is to "make hands on music an integral part of learning every subject for students in their classrooms." Again, this mission all ties back in to what I've been talking about the last few weeks, seeing music's other applications in other academic subjects. GITC has regional workshops, in which teachers from respective host schools can create interest in their school for the program, and then it is opened up to other teachers in the region. 75% of the teachers who enroll in the program have no prior musical experience, which I found very interesting. I think that using this in the school I'll teach in would be a great way to spread music advocacy throughout the entire school and even the district; GITC makes musical integration possible for any teacher of any subject or level.
I really enjoy how focused on music integration you are. I agree with you that music should be explored and used in other subject ares in order to better educate students. This organization sounds great! I think it's awesome that 75% of the teachers were not even music educators. It is exciting to see that teachers of other subjects are willing to branch out and try new ideas and techniques. Cool find :)
ReplyDeleteThat is a really cool idea. It is a little weird that teachers without that much musical experience can teach it to their students, though. That is a really odd concept, but if they can get it to work then I see no problem in it!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post (you just forgot to include a link). Guitar is a great classroom instrument because it allows you to be closer in proximity to the students than if you were stuck behind a piano. I think it's awesome that this organization is promoting that music be integrated into the other subjects. I feel like most of the time people expect music teachers to include their subjects into the music room, so it's nice to see that turned around a little!
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