Mission

Music education improves grades, graduation rates and critical thinking, but it's not available to five million American children. That's why Lead Guitar builds free guitar ensemble classes in partnership with neighborhood schools nationwide. Daily mentorship, classroom connections with global artists, and college campus experiences empower students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Lead Guitar's vision is to engage every learner with an instrument that appeals across genres and generations, using music from a broad range of traditions, and differentiated materials like Adaptive and Spanish-language curricula. We focus resources on children with the least access to arts education by collaborating with schools where 80% or more of students are eligible for Free or Reduced-Price Lunch.

What We Do

Lead Guitar establishes permanent guitar ensemble classes in public schools in underfunded neighborhoods and low access to the arts. Our Teaching Artists use our field-tested curriculum to co-teach K-12 students while also training certified teachers to teach guitar ensemble classes. This co-teaching method ensures both short-term quality and long-term sustainability. Using a relatable instrument, Lead Guitar provides equitable access to a high-quality instrumental music education to thousands of students in need.