From David Kay, Jazz Faculty Interlochen Arts Academy: I want to thank you for the scholarship that enabled my participation in the 2008 Indianapolis Teaching Guitar Workshop. The fallout from such a generous undertaking will have major positive repercussions in my musical life and those I touch. Again, thanks and keep up the good work.

From Catherine Zwink, Indianapolis IN: Dear NAMM Foundation and GAMA: While I have taught choirs for many years, last year was my first year to teach general music. I decided, without knowing much about it, that guitar might be the best medium to reach these students. I jumped in with both feet and fingers crossed. The classes were very successful, but I am amazed that they were, because I now know how much I didn’t know! Because of your generosity, 200+ kids will enjoy the benefits of what I have learned this summer alone. Thank you for making such a difference in the lives of these kids. I can’t wait to get back to school!

From Emma Ruth White, Atlanta 2008: “For the past two years I have turned down requests to teach guitar to my elementary students because I felt so inadequate. Thanks to you I now have the confidence to start a beginner guitar class at my elementary school.” Thank you!

From Brian Meisenburg, Atlanta 2008: “I will be able to implement a much more effective guitar program at my elementary school. Teaching guitar has always been a passion of mine. Your sponsorship of this workshop has reinvigorated my passion for guitar!”

From Connie Fuller, Atlanta 2008: “Because of your generosity my students’ lives will be musically richer.”

From Marilyn Dowd, Atlanta 2008: “What a great learning experience I had at the Teaching Guitar Workshop. The instructors were well qualified and knowledgeable. I’m going home and rewrite my curriculum! Thanks for offering such a wonderful course.”

From Sabra Hatley, Atlanta 2008: “Thank you for helping me reach the other 90% of our students who love music, but do not wish to be in a performance group. I’m looking forward to the development of this course in our school.”

From Carolyn Groover, Atlanta 2008: "I have “played at” the guitar for many years as an elementary school music teacher. The guitar workshop has no only improved my skills and self-confidence, but has prepared me to offer guitar instruction to my students as part of the curriculum. Thank you for the generous scholarship that made it possible for me to attend."

From James H. Attebery, Atlanta 2008: "To GAMA from Atlanta participants 2008: I want to thank you for this powerful opportunity to gain valuable knowledge that I can apply directly to my students. Your willingness to sponsor this event speaks volumes for your support of music education and for it’s ability to further reach our population. Because of your efforts, educators are able to promote and enhance music and make it tangible to a greater student population. I will be forever indebted to GAMA for the opportunities you have allowed me to experience. I will be a better teacher for my students because of your efforts."

From Darlene Dawson, Washington DC 2007: "We had a marvelous first year with the guitar program at Metz Middle School. There were two teachers, myself and Wendy Pierce, also a GAMA grad from a few years back. We had four sections with a total of about 40 students. Next year, we're looking at double those numbers and probably at least 7 sections of guitar to fit everyone in. Our principal has joked with us that we have created a monster, so many kids want to take the class! Our school division (Manassas City Public Schools) has recognized the success of the program and agreed to initiate a new class at the high school level for the fall to accommodate the rising students that we started this year in the 8th grade. That class will be taught by another GAMA grad from several years back, Anastacia Rubach (who is taking the Guitar II class this summer). Long story short, the program seems to be taking off like a rocket and we are thrilled beyond words to have this new and exciting offering as part of our music department. We have learned so much and continue to work hard at learning ourselves so that we can offer our students the very best we can. We could never have done it at all without the GAMA program. Thank you all so much!"

From Erik Larson, Boise, ID-2008 Hi Glen! I was in Las Vegas (level 1) last year and was excited to see your name on the forum list this month! I'm the burr in Suzanne's saddle in getting more workshops out west (especially a level 2 next year!). Anyway, it's been exciting to take on 2 sections of guitar at my junior high this year (reaching about 70 kids), most of whom are not in the performing groups. I was SO much more prepared after the workshop last summer! Thanks for all you did in facilitating that for us!

From Margaret Yount, (formerly Andring) of Walla Walla, WA-2008 In the Summer of 1999, I attended a class in Hollywood, CA. I had two absolutely wonderful instructors, Nancy and Bob! When I got back that summer I started to teach my 3rd grade through 5th grade students. I was amazed what they could learn! I have applied the great stuff I learned in my elementary music ed classes for the last 8 years. I have taught kindergarten through 5th! What a great experience."

"Hopefully this next fall I will finally get to teach a high school guitar class. I will finally graduate to a new level! Keep your fingers crossed for me."

"Thanks again, Bob Morris and Nancy Marsters! You were my inspiration!"

From Jon Trask, Long Island, NY - (Pittsburgh 2006) " Thanks to the Guitar Task force for another incredible experience.
I thoroughly enjoyed Level 2 at Duquesne University this July. We had the pleasure of 2 great instructors, Romana and Rob, whose creativity and diverse backgrounds added up to a most unique learning environment. I took away with me many new approaches to teaching not to mention the enormous amount of method books, CD's, and guitar goodies! The people I met from all over the USA were amazing too. Please keep me posted for Level 3 !!! "

From Brianne Turgeon, Atlanta 2006 "I am still reeling at how much I learned, and how my skills went from pitiful to passable. I had a great time."

From Glen Grant, Las Vegas 2006 What a great time I had in LV, Nevada. It was very refreshing to go to a workshop that actually applied to what I do. I learned so much...Thanks very much.

From Renee Hanson, Dodgeville, WI 2005 The Teaching Guitar Workshop is the most wonderful class that I have
attended. Not only did we receive a beautiful guitar and teaching
materials, but we had phenomenal teachers. The instructors did a great
job! They provided us with a lot of information that we can use in our
classrooms as well as techniques to help fund the program. I have already met with my principal to get some things in action and have found a music dealership who will help me set up our guitar program. Thanks you so much for this great program!!