With your support, Guitars & Ukes in the Classroom will provide instruments, medical & physical adaptive tools & teacher/caregiver training in music facilitation so students experiencing profound life altering medical, psychological & physical conditions due to chronic, longterm and terminal illnesses and injuries, as well as those removed from their homes by Child Protective Services and awaiting foster care can receive the healing, learning and life-changing power of learning to make music.
Teachers in San Diego and L.A. Counties, & participating GITC school districts in 38 states are serving thousands of fragile children and youth in isolated programs and locations that keep them safe- but far away from the restorative, healing, educational power of making music. The "home hospital" teachers & therapists training with GITC in group classes need specialized training & adaptive instruments & tools to make a difference for these students in restricted places with very special needs.
This powerful project will provide access to free training, instruments and adapted ukes and guitars with specialized grips, supports, tools, and accommodated playing techniques so children with a wide range of health and life conditions can learn to play "their way" with guidance and care from their teachers & therapists. Sound shape drums, shakers, slides on athletic bands, flexible thumb picks, whistles, kazoos & strumming machines for children whose hands can't move are included.
For students recovering from trauma, displacement, injury or illness who can only be reached by teachers with protected access, this project will provide deep, personal, specialized ways to embrace making music that can regulate breathing and heart rate, reduce Cortisol (stress hormone), relax the body and allow students to express and release feelings & worries. Trainees in our partnering home hospital districts and around the U.S. will learn to adapt music for students now and in the future.
