ABOUT THE PLAN: Over the past thirteen years the Teaching Guitar Workshops have given training to approximately 2,000 accredited music teachers. The enthusiasm, interest and accomplishments have made the Adopt-A-Music-Teacher program one of the the most successful to come on the school scene...ever. Our estimates suggest that the program has influence over $50 million in sales.

By conservative estimates, in the year 2010 there will be over 2,500 teachers attending the very popular summer workshops and over 1,556,850 students learning guitar in the classroom. (Who knows, the next Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, or Stevie Ray Vaughan might be lurking in the classroom.) This represents a guitar, accessory and book potential of over $66,000,000. Quite an accomplishment for a "new" industry that only a few short years ago was struggling for acceptance.

What are the benefits to schools and students?'At-risk' students are saved, they don't drop out. Teaching abilities are improved. More parents become stakeholders. Band, orchestra, choir are not hurt by guitar. Music in the school is strengthened. New entry points to music are available in grades 6-12. There is music diversity beyond band, orchestra and choir. And teachers feel a partnership with the guitar industry.

Teachers enthusiastically endorse the program.
"I love teaching guitar! It reaches a different type of student."
"It makes general music class relevant and exciting for students. They love guitar. The standards are easier to authentically address."
"I look forward to guitar classes. The kids want to be to there."
"I have all "non-music" students in my classes who are not in band, choir or orchestra. All these kids love playing and the BOC kids almost envy them for being able to be in the guitar class"
"I have a lot of kids involved in music that have previously dropped out of the music program."
"Guitar has expanded the course offerings therefore making my job more secure."
"Parents are saying, "My child enjoys school more", "My child has been getting better grades in other classes since starting guitar", "My child has better school attendance since starting guitar."

GAMA WANTS YOU! It's about time! Band, orchestra and choir have been very successful school music programs for years. They have proven their value to the schools, students and parents. School music retailers have logically been an important part of the programs. They have worked with the music teachers making available the music, instruments and necessary accessories for the program. NAMM, the International Music Products Marketing Association, has been a founding sponsor of this program and continues to provide substantial financial support. Over 2007 products were contributed by Godin, Fender, Martin, Babicz, Kaman, Daisy Rock, Taylor, Ibanez, Yamaha, Westheimer, Dunlop, D'Addario, Planet Waves, Black Diamond, GHS, D'Andrea, Korg, Levy's Leathers, Grover Trophy, Alfred Publishing, Class Guitar Resources, Hal Leonard, Mel Bay, eMedia, Acoustic Guitar, Workshop Arts, Sonoma Wire Works, CVLS and Premier Guitar.

This year GAMA, in its desire to expand the program, is inviting retail music dealers to become sponsors of their local music teacher by providing a monetary gift:

BRONZE LEVEL - $100 - $999
SILVER LEVEL - $1,000 - $4,999
GOLD LEVEL - $5,000 - $9,999
PLATINUM LEVEL - $10,000 and Above

In the past we have received sponsorship from Guitar Center, AIMM, Sam Ash and Brook Mays, but we need more dealers to get involved. The funding will help to ensure more program expansion and create...band, orchestra, choir AND guitar music programs throughout the entire country.

All retail music dealers are being asked to join in this rapidly expanding and rewarding school program. For complete details contact...

GAMA The Guitar & Accessories Marketing Association
PO Box 757
New York, NY 10033
t: 212-795-3630
f: 212-795-3630
e: AssnHdqs@earthlink.net
www.discoverguitar.com