Why Guitars?

Home / Why Guitars?

Creativity and healing coexist in music.

800,000 U.S. VETERANS STRUGGLE WITH PHYSICAL INJURIES, PTSD AND OTHER EMOTIONAL DISTRESS. WE BELIEVE GUITARS CAN HELP THE HEALING PROCESS.

Music helps decrease anxiety, increase self-esteem, and reduce episodes of panic attacks, nightmares and flashbacks. A research study of Guitars 4 Vets students showed a 21% improvement in PTSD symptoms and a 27% decrease in related depression symptoms. The study attributed learning and playing guitar as the primary catalysts for these improvements—and we want to ensure as many vets as possible have that opportunity.

More simply, playing an instrument can help Veterans foster connection and community.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

The weekly guitar lessons provided by our volunteers are individualized and designed to help students learn at their own pace. Monthly group sessions are organized at each chapter to provide Veterans a communal atmosphere to talk and continue to play music with peers who have shared similar experiences. In G4V group sessions, the connection created between individuals who are both warriors AND guitar players serves as a catalyst for positive human interaction.

Veterans who regularly attend group sessions build confidence to further pursue creative self-expression and engagement within their communities. Some G4V graduates and group session attendees even go on to perform at local fundraisers and teach guitar lessons in their local G4V chapter.

PROVEN EFFECTIVENESS

Over the years, we have observed the many ways that our program is enhancing the lives of warriors suffering with mental, physical and emotional distress. We are very excited to now have clinical trial data supporting our belief in the power of our program. Outcomes from our recently completed pilot study showed remarkable improvements in PTSD symptoms.