What is Classroom Guitar?

What is a School Guitar Program? 

Many high schools and middle schools have offered guitar classes in their music departments for several decades as a fine arts elective, and the popularity of these programs has increased in the past two decades. Elementary schools often incorporate small guitars, ukuleles, or mandolins in the music curriculum. 

Guitar programs have a large impact on school communities and cultural developments. Among musical instruments, the guitar is unique throughout the world due to its versatility and charm. With its six strings and various musical styles, the guitar adapts to any cultural context, music tradition, and other characteristics that make it a great tool in what connects people and promotes music through cultural diversity. 

Most high school guitar programs are designed with opportunities to take students from a fundamental level to the highest competitive level over four years. Guitar studies programs provide a wide-ranging course of study in classical technique, music reading, music theory, different music styles and genres, ear training, and listening analysis. Beginning students perform in an ensemble at the end of each semester, and advanced students may participate in various performances and concerts throughout the year. There are an ever-increasing number of competitive opportunities available at the local and state levels, too. 

There are many benefits of having a school guitar program.  

According to Bob Habersat, a guitar, music tech, and music theory teacher
at Oak Lawn Community High School in Oak Lawn, Illinois, 

"A guitar program will provide a musical opportunity to students who would not usually join traditional band, orchestra or choir.   Guitar is one of the most ubiquitous instruments in the world.

Chances are there are guitar players in your school and there are definitely students who want to learn guitar.
The type of student who is interested in guitar is not usually in the traditional band, choir and orchestra program. They are their own breed; they are guitar players. Starting a guitar program is a great way to provide a musical opportunity to students who would not usually receive it while broadening their experience and enriching the music department at your school."

Have you ever experienced a school guitar ensemble performance?
Check out the following videos of high school guitar ensembles: