What is "Taylor Guitars for Schools"?
TGS is a program developed by the San Diego Music Foundation and Taylor Guitars, to introduce the guitar to public elementary-school music curricula in San Diego County, both as a way to augment existing programs and to offset the loss of arts instruction due to budget cuts. The guitar's familiarity and popularity among young people makes it an excellent tool for getting them interested in music, and in the performing arts in general.

Much of the funding necessary to provide so many guitars comes from the San Diego Music Foundation. SDMF hosts an annual concert/award show to honor local musicians, and proceeds from ticket sales are used to purchase some TGS guitars, with Taylor donating the rest. By the end of 2008, more than 1300 Baby Taylors will have been donated to San Diego area schools since the program's inception in 2000.

How does the TGS program work?
Subject to advance approval and available budget, Taylor Guitars will donate and/or loan a pre-arranged number of Baby Taylors to a San Diego-area public elementary school for use in day-class or after-school music programs.

All donated guitars will remain the property of Taylor Guitars, and must be returned if the guitar program is cancelled or inactive for an extended period of time. Each Baby Taylor comes with its own padded "gig bag", which affords protection from moisture and shock. Repairs to guitars (due to normal wear and tear) will be done at Taylor, at no charge to the school. If the school chooses to replace a lost or stolen guitar, Taylor Guitars will provide a replacement at the lowest-possible cost.

How can a school participate in TGS?
San Diego area teachers and administrators are encouraged to send a letter of request, on school or District letterhead, informing us of the number of guitars needed and outlining the plans for their use. We also must know the name of the instructor who will be responsible for the instruments. Both the instructor and principal of the school should sign the letter of request. We will consider and respond to all letters in a timely manner.

Please send your letter of request to:

Suzie Reed
Taylor Guitars for Schools
1980 Gillespie Way
El Cajon, CA 92020-1096