Guitars Not Guns Music Program Home

Changing the World, One Kid at a Time

The goal of Guitars Not Guns is to help prevent violence in schools and on the streets by providing foster kids and at-risk youth with focus and self-actualization. We aim to empower them with the most fundamental tool to succeed:

Believe in yourself and you can accomplish anything.

Using music as a catalyst we encourage children and teens to use their creativity to foster personal development and to help divert them from self-destructive influences such as drugs, alcohol and gang-related activities. By providing free guitars and lessons we hope to engage their creative potential and help them achieve their dreams.

Our programs are for children and teens ages 8 - 18 using low teacher-to-student ratios. Each class consists of a maximum of 10 students with three adult instructors. In addition to learning how to master changing from one chord to another, children learn perseverance, discipline and self-esteem. More importantly, the kids learn to enjoy the interaction and have fun in a group setting. Those who complete the full 8 week program are allowed to keep the guitar and are encouraged to return for Level 2

Note: GNG is not anti-gun. We are anti-gun violence.

"Music can heal. It can do more than ease the pain. It can throw a lifeline to kids who can't be reached in any other way."

Paul McCartney

public letter and notice - June 2013

This letter clarifies the relationship between GNG-NCA and the Guitars not Guns Music Program. Please take a moment to read it and understand the issue. Thank you.

Founder's Corner Update

GNG's Ray Nelson - "Celebrating Teachers Day"

Guitars Not Guns on iTunes

Gregg Hammond's GNG Guitar Anthem "Set Me Free" is now available for download on Apple's iTunes. The download is only $.99 with all profits going to GNG.

You can also watch a video of Gregg showing how the song is played as well as a video of the song with the lyrics displayed.

Here you can download a .PDF file of the guitar tabs and lyrics.

GNG is profiled in the book, "Changing The World On A Tuesday Night." If you purchase the book by clicking through the link below $2.00 of the purchase price will be donated to Guitars Not Guns. You can read more about it here.