On Saturday, May 5,  Taylor Guitars announced a musical partnership with the Encinitas Union School District, located in the northern part of San Diego County, which will place 100 Taylor SolidBody electric guitars in the school district’s classrooms over the next year. The news came at the beginning of National Wanna Play Music Week (May 7-13), which promotes the many benefits of playing music.

At a special event on Saturday, Taylor presented EUSD officials with an initial allotment of 15 SolidBody electric guitars, valued at over $26,000, which began the first phase of a pilot guitar learning program for district schools.  This educational initiative is intended to support the district’s goal of ensuring that students develop communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity skills. Research studies have found that student engagement and success in learning can be greatly enhanced by a complete education that includes hands-on instruction in music and the arts.

“As part of our continued endeavor to support music education in schools, Taylor Guitars is honored to be a partner with the Encinitas Union School District,” said Taylor spokesperson Chalise Zolezzi. “It’s our hope that this donation inspires students to unleash their creativity and discover the joy of playing guitar.”

In order to ensure that the instruments’ value to the students and community is sustained, EUSD will pilot and assess all aspects of this initiative. This effort will supplement music programs already taking place at key schools, and dovetail with the innovative student iPad learning initiative.