SU Hosts 'Guitars in the Classroom' Program

SALISBURY, MD---This fall, classroom teachers on the Eastern Shore are the first in Maryland to participate in the national Guitars in the Classroom (GITC) program.

Dr. Diana Wagner of SU’s Education Specialties Department has been working with the national GITC headquarters in California to start a program for local teachers. As a result, SU is hosting Maryland’s first GITC program this semester.

Founded in 1998, GITC instructs teachers on how to incorporate music making, song writing, singing and song-based instruction into their classrooms. The program stresses connections to the regular curriculum, so the music doesn’t displace time spent on other subjects.

“The child who doesn’t like school or who has difficulty with a subject probably loves music,” said Wagner. “Music can be their pathway into academics. Why just memorize the 50 states when you can sing them?”

Through national sponsorships, GITC provides participating teachers with free guitars, musical accessories, resource materials and advice for their classrooms. The SU program is sponsored by many national music companies, including renowned guitar manufacturer C.F. Martin and Co.

For more information contact Wagner at dmwagner@salisbury.edu or 410-677-5490, or visit the GITC Web site at www.guitarsintheclassroom.com.