Makin' Music Magazine Discusses GNG

This article appears in the July/August edition of Makin' Music Magazine:

Guitars Not Guns Program an Inspiration for Youth

By Kelly Peters

Ray and Louise Nelson see the guitar as an instrument, not just for producing music, but for inciting social change. They are the founders of Guitars Not Guns, a California-based nonprofit aimed at improving the lives of struggling children through music.

This organization provides youth with one-on-one guitar lessons, once a week, over an eight-week period. Most of the children, who range in age from eight to 18, are part of the foster care system or are “at risk” based on environmental factors.
“All the kids come from families where there is domestic violence, drugs, incarceration, even murder, and these kids will come to every Guitars Not Guns session. That says something, not only about Guitars Not Guns, but about the kids. It’s working,” says Juli Rositas, an intervention services manager for STAND, an agency for families free of violence that frequently collaborates with Guitars Not Guns.
While inspiring children to pursue music is the focus, instilling a sense of responsibility in them is also at the core of the program. Students are taught each week by volunteers, who act both as guitar instructors and life mentors. By teaching these children to appreciate a possession and value a skill, Guitars Not Guns hopes to extend these lessons into the future for the children, says Director of Public Relations and Vice President of Fundraising Barbara Gorin.
“It’s about giving kids something positive to do instead of something destructive to do,” she says. “Instilling confidence, giving them encouragement, and something fun to do.”
Rositas recalls one instance when a grandmother stayed to listen to her grandson’s lesson, and by the end, was brought to tears, saying, “I have never seen my grandson in 11 years focus on anything. He’s completely transformed. The only time that kid has peace is when he’s playing that guitar.”
The program began as a result of the Nelsons’ own experiences with the foster care system. In 1992, they decided to become foster parents. Wanting to introduce the children to the joy of live music, Ray provided them with donated, used guitars. Thus, Guitars Not Guns was born. Though the organization began in California, chapters now exist throughout the US and Canada.
The organization prides itself in never turning away a child from participation. The students, or their guardians, may simply sign up. The organization is entirely nonprofit, so its operation is completely dependent on donations. Guitars Not Guns collects both electric and acoustic guitars, as well as accessories, like guitar picks and strings. Cash donations are also welcomed.
Guitars Not Guns also raises funds through celebrity endorsements. For example, Slash, former lead guitarist for Guns N’ Roses, autographed a Gibson Epiphone Les Paul that was auctioned on eBay, with the proceeds going directly to the organization. The group is currently auctioning an acoustic electric Yamaha autographed by Sammy Hagar. Through this type of support, Guitars Not Guns looks to a hopeful future.