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Guitars 4 Vets
Well they say the best way to learn is to teach ….. Last year I started teaching with “Guitars 4 Vets” after being inspired by Tonys commitment to the organization. I teach group sessions with up to 5 Veterans who live at the Washington Soldiers Home in Orting WA. These are folks who are having a tough time and in transitional housing for a few years while they get the help they need. I learn something new with every group. After 10 weeks they get to experience their first “New Guitar Day” with all the extra stuff to go with it. This is a video with one of my heros….Rod, who is a great singer. He was learning G an C chords. I often use a technique where I tell them not to make the chord change. Just hang out one of the chords and a get used to strumming while singing and just enjoy making music.
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31 Replies
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OMG Terry – this brought tears to my eyes, tears of joy and happiness, and I was just so grateful for people like you being able to teach the veterans and to see the joy on Rod’s face was priceless, and he was enjoying himself. You were enjoying the moment, I thought just thought that was so cool to watch. Thank you for sharing this! Someday I might have the guts to do something as brave as that I would love to work with the veterans and give back. I just feel that you are so much more advanced than I will ever be. And I’m not jealous or envious in anyway I’m extremely happy for you and how far you’ve come in a short amount of time but it just happens that way with certain people and it’s been a joy to watch you and you know a few others that have that gift you’ve brought me many Smiles and times of laughter. Kudos to you, my friend..
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Loraine, well you are very kind. I think you would be surprised on how much people would benefit from the experience you have had with your own guitar journey! Every time I teach I spend time reassuring them that this does not happen over night. Little by little, bit by bit…… I use some of Tonys messages about a routine and try to touch that guitar everyday, even if just for a few minutes.
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Hey there – this is really amazing. Thanks so much for sharing this. It is one of the most inspiring things I’ve seen on TAC (in my ~2+ years of being here).
Do they have any curriculum or anything for you to work from or do you just teach some chords and songs based on what they like?
Happy holidays – people like you give me hope in the dark.
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@DiscostewLA thanks for watching. G4V does have various tools and suggested curriculum available. However when I looked at it, and the situation these folks are in it was too much. So I created my own resources for the 10 weeks. I focus on 1 to 2 chords a week and then a song or two with those chords. about mid way through the 10 weeks we look at minors and 7ths versions of chords and eventually get to the dreaded bar chords. We also look at the various ways that chords are presented, tabs, numbering systems etc, and other online tools ( I even drop a hint for TAC for when they get some stability in their lives). Many of the folks have physical limitations from injuries so we adapt where necessary. The program also has some accountability rules like 2 missed lessons and you are dropped. I threw that one out right away because they often have appointments for medical, social services or counseling that they dont have control over so I schedule extra private sessions to get them caught up if they miss and this happens a lot. It is not very convenient because I have a 2 hour round trip commute to the Soldiers Home, but these folks have had so much disappointment in their lives I am going to do my best to make sure their guitar journey is not one of them. Unfortunately I have had 2 groups where folks passed away before we finished because they had medical issues they could not overcome. On one had it is heartbreaking. On the other hand, the group stays together and we make music, and as we all know, music is medicine for the soul.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 3 months ago by TMutter.
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Thanks – I just found my local chapter and reached out to them. Rock on.
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TMutter, Very cool indeed. I also started volunteering to teach with G4V about 2 years ago. Sometimes, I am not sure who benefits more, them or me!
I totally agree with your approach. The Lesson lay down from some of the G4V leads is just too much for most, so I use it as a guide and then just freelance as each one of these Vets is different and on a different journey.
I am affiliated with the Lakewood NJ Chapter.
Keep it going!!!
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This reply was modified 1 year, 3 months ago by
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This is a wonderful program! I have been through the San Antonio Chapter, I would love to give back some day as well.
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That’s awesome – congratulations!
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This is great. What happens after the 10 weeks?
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While in the program at the Soldiers Home the students are provided loaner guitars that the staff purchased with Grant money. After 10 weeks the graduates get a package provided by G4 V and their sponsors which contains a brand new guitar, strap, case, stand, capo, pics, music book, extra strings, and guitar care kit. From that point they can participate in the local chapter that has group jam sessions etc. My particular group is a little different because they are actually living at the Soldiers Home. But we are getting more graduates through the program so now they are getting together as a group to continue their guitar journey. When they get permanent housing hopefully there will be a nearby chapter they can participate in with other guitar players.
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That is so awesome!
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G4V is a great program for all veterans and in this particular case, the students really need a lift and as we know, music can be a big help !
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Oh this is wonderful! Thank-you so much for doing this for our veterans and posting this touching video!
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We have a lot of fun and I really do think having this outlet is a big benefit to their mental health!
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Well done. Nothing better than laughter/joy when playing together!
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we do laugh a lot ! As we all know – learning guitar has its challenges but it should be fun!
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This is awesome! Thanks for sharing.
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Hey there – I just wanted to circle back and share that after reading your post I started the journey to get registered as a G4V teacher and as a volunteer at the Los Angeles VA. Earlier this week my first student ‘graduated’ and received his new guitar. These heroes are struggling with all sorts of things, and I can’t thank you enough for your inspiration to get involved. I’m not sure who was happier, him or me.
Rock on and hope you have an awesome year ahead.
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@DiscostewLA Wow you made my day ! Good for you getting involved and helping our Vets ! I am so glad you were able to find a chapter that worked out for you. I have had to take a break due to a broken shoulder but I am almost to the point where I could teach again. Is your Chapter having any problems getting guitars ? In Washington State we got put on hold because they only had 4 guitars allocated to the entire state.
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Hey sorry to hear about your shoulder and hope you are back in strumming shape soon! We also had a shortage of available guitars in LA. The one we just got is a Yamaha Keith Urban which came with a tuner and extra set of strings, but no gig bag and no t-shirt! I’m not the coordinator for our region (there’s one other teacher and he manages everything) but I think we get 4 total guitars allotted for the first quarter, so we each have 2 students and then can take on others if they already have a guitar. With breaks and things it tends to take 12-14 weeks to get through the 10 lessons so the timing works out that our allotment resets at about the right time.
All my best and sending you good thoughts for your shoulder!
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That is Awesome! What a Cool way to pay it forward!
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As a Viet Nam vet and sufferer of PTSD, I appreciate all of the vets who have helped me and still help many other people who gave so much and received so little in return. Thank you.
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Thank you for your service. As a free American I am grateful for those that have served and sacrificed and I’m glad to have found a small way to give something back to those who have given so much.
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New Guitar Day for Charles! My second Guitars4Vets student graduated last week. Charles is a marine at the Los Angeles VA. Charles is meticulous about getting good, clean tones and we played Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door about a thousand times. Here he is unboxing his new guitar. Check out the great form on that C chord, you can almost hear it! Rock on Charles!
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This reply was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by DiscostewLA.
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thats fantastic ! Thanks so much for making a difference through music !
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Thank YOU for the inspiration!
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Rock on Charles!! What a wonderful serve!!! Thanks!
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This reply was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by
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Thank you @TMutter and @DiscostewLA for helping veterans and thank-you all veterans for your service! We are deeply indebted to you! I pray for you, your families and fallen friends!
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This is so great Terry and thanks for sharing. Like many others here youve inspired me to see if I have a local chapter in my town where i can get invloved. Thanks again brother and keep up the good work!
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@Braden thats awesome. The world needs music, needs guitars, and most importantly people like you willing to step in and share your talents with others who will benefit from having music in their life ! Thanks for stepping up !
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Awesome, well done!!
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