Guitar Lab

Funded Dec 13, 2013

Thank you so much for funding this project. My students from last marking period were able to spend time learning how to hold the guitar and play simple melodies. They often worked in pairs, helping each other and monitoring one another's progress. It was wonderful to see them so excited about learning music and about helping each other. My former students expressed their jealousy! Even students from other classes wanted to transfer so they could learn the guitar. The hands-on experience is very engaging!

The unit culminated with a performance of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy." The students loved being able to play the song and seeing how fast they could play it. All the work we had been doing with notes and rhythms suddenly had more meaning and depth of understanding. Because they were able to directly apply their learning, they began to read music as easily as they read text. Some of them have become inspired to get a guitar of their own or start learning an instrument at home.

Thank you once again for providing these students with an experience they will remember their whole lives. Your contribution will not end with these students; they will pass on their inspiration to their families and, someday, to their own children.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Pytel