March is “Music in our Schools” month, and along with encouraging advocacy to keep arts programs alive, it’s also a time to reflect on the benefits of a well-rounded education.  From discovering a lifelong passion to encouraging creativity and problem solving skills, various studies have demonstrated the importance of an enriched environment to teach children basic math, composition, science and more by using a musical instrument.

Our mission at Taylor Guitars through the Taylor Guitars for Schools program is to support music education programs in San Diego County. Since the program’s inception in 2000, and through working with the San Diego Music Foundation, over 1,700 Baby and Big Baby Taylors have been donated to nearly 100 different schools in San Diego County.  Due to overwhelming response, in 2011 we expanded the program to include high schools, and to date, we have placed 100 SolidBody electric guitars in local area high schools. By all estimates, over 20,000 children have benefitted from music instruction through the program.

One such school is Capri Elementary, located in Encinitas, California.  Recently we were delighted to open an envelope which contained about 60 letters, each from a student who is benefiting from music education (some are pictured above).  The letters were heartfelt, with gratitude shown for being able to have the guitar in class. One student wrote, “At my first class, we were told we would be playing the guitar. I was so overjoyed and wanted to start that second! To this day, I have looked forward to coming to school.” Another writes, “Your generosity has really benefitted our school’s music program and helped me find an instrument that I want to play for the rest of my life.”

If you’d like to learn more about the Taylor Guitars for Schools program, or another music education initiative, please visit http://sandiegomusicfoundation.org/#home