Guitar Program Development & Support Services for Schools
Riverside Guitar School partners with schools to design, launch, and sustain high‑quality guitar programs that are musically rich, logistically realistic, and aligned with each school’s mission and culture. Whether a school is starting from scratch or expanding an existing offering, we provide flexible support tailored to your staffing, schedule, and goals.
Partnership Models
Riverside Guitar School can support schools through several partnership structures, used individually or in combination:
- Consulting & Program Design – Strategic guidance to help schools plan a guitar program that fits their schedule, budget, and student population.
- Instructional Partnership – Riverside instructors work directly with students (during the school day or after school).
- Teacher Support & Training – Ongoing resources and coaching for teachers hired directly by the school.
- Instrument & Equipment Support – Assistance sourcing, supplying, and managing guitars and related materials. Options are available for schools to rent or purchase instruments.
Core Program Elements
A comprehensive school guitar program may include the following components:
1. Guitar Integration in General Music Classes
Guitar instruction can be woven into the existing music curriculum in flexible ways:
- Year‑Long Integration – Guitar skills are introduced and revisited throughout the school year as part of general music instruction.
- Time‑Bound Guitar Unit – Riverside Guitar School can run a focused guitar unit (or help design one) that fits within a semester or quarter.
- Teacher‑Led with Support – Riverside provides lesson plans, pacing guides, repertoire, and assessments while the school’s music teacher delivers instruction.
This approach allows all students to gain hands‑on experience with an accessible, versatile instrument.
2. After‑School Guitar Club or Ensemble
An after‑school guitar program provides motivated students with deeper musical engagement:
- Multi‑level instruction appropriate for beginners through advancing students
- Ensemble‑based learning that emphasizes collaboration and musicianship
- Clear performance goals and musical outcomes
- Option for Riverside instructors to lead, or for school staff to lead with Riverside support
3. Student Performance & School Life Integration
Riverside Guitar School helps schools connect guitar learning to real musical leadership opportunities:
- Preparing students to play for chapel, assemblies, and special events
- Developing small ensembles or worship teams
- Coaching students in accompaniment, rhythm playing, and musical sensitivity
- Encouraging confident, student‑led participation in school life
This performance‑centered approach helps students see music as a living, shared practice rather than an isolated class.
4. Staff & Leadership Development
We believe sustainable programs grow from within the school community:
- Collaboration with staff members who already play guitar
- Strategic involvement of musical leaders such and other guitar‑playing faculty
- Training sessions and workshops for teachers and staff
- Clear pathways for staff to take increasing ownership of the program over time
Teacher Support & Professional Development
For schools hiring their own music or guitar teachers, Riverside Guitar School can provide:
- Curriculum frameworks and scope‑and‑sequence plans
- Lesson materials, repertoire, and practice resources
- Pedagogical training for classroom and ensemble guitar instruction
- Ongoing consultation and troubleshooting support
This ensures instructional consistency and musical quality, even as staffing evolves.
Instruments & Equipment
Riverside Guitar School can partner with schools to address the practical side of launching a guitar program:
- Recommendations for age‑appropriate and durable guitars
- Purchase or rental options for instruments
- Guidance on storage and maintenance
Outcomes & Benefits
A Riverside‑supported guitar program helps schools:
- Expand hands‑on music‑making opportunities for students
- Build student confidence and leadership through performance
- Create continuity between classroom learning and school culture
- Establish a scalable, sustainable music program
Next Steps
Riverside Guitar School is happy to meet with school leadership to discuss goals, constraints, and opportunities, and to propose a customized plan that fits your community.
Together, we can build a guitar program that serves students well today and grows with your school for years to come.
Contact: Dean Wiers-Windemuller
616-617-4642
dean@riversideguitarschool.com