Traveling Guitar Foundation

The Traveling Guitar Foundation is a non-profit organisation which provides assistance and support to instrumental music programs in school systems in need.^[2] They strive to ensure that elementary and high school students have access to music education and musical instrument instruction while they are in their school years. The foundation accomplishes this mission in two ways: one is to travel to schools.^[3] and put on a music educational clinic for the kids - providing musical instruction, performance, and discussion on a wide variety of topics related to music, instruments, and music education. The other is that they donate guitar kits and other instruments directly to the schools to supplement their music programs. This alleviates the financial burdens on the schools and helps them maintain sustainable musical education programs.^[4]

HOW IT WORKS:

Renowned guitarist and songwriter Damon Marks brings the same passion and energy he displays on-stage to his charitable work. In 2009, Marks established the Traveling Guitar Foundation donating instruments to schools whose music programs are endangered due to budget cuts. Based in New Jersey, TGF and is reaching a national level.

Damon Marks has developed a roster of artists and music industry manufacturers to support the cause. The joy of making music is displayed in the live performances at schools. In addition to young artists, he also brings along other renowned music personalities to help deliver the message and the guitars. These include Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC and producer Kasseem “SWIZZ BEATZ” Dean.^[5] Sponsoring guitarists include Bruce Kulick, Eric Johnson and Steve Lukather.

The Traveling Guitar Foundation’s name derives from the “Traveler” which is a Dean Vendetta 4F donated to the foundation by Dean Guitars. The guitars are signed, then auctioned off with proceeds helping the foundation fulfill its mission. Yamaha Guitars ^[6] and Mogami Cables ^[7] also contribute product to the cause.

References

1. ↑
   • “TGF / SUNDAY STAR LEDGER” August 15, 2010
2. ↑
   • "Guitar Player Magazine"
3. ↑
   • "New Guitars and Experiences Visited Benjamin Franklin Middle School Students," Teaneck School District Website, November 3, 2010
4. ↑
   • "Witty Sparks / NJ12"
5. ↑
   • “TGF / SWIZZ BEATZ” September 18, 2010
6. ↑
   • “TGF/YAMAHA”
7. ↑
   • "Mogami Cables and TGF"

External links

WABC NJ "VIEWPOINT" on May 9, 2010 (originally aired February 14, 2010)

• http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news&id=6587508

NBC Nonstop Sound: Traveling Guitar Foundation

• http://www.nbcnewyork.com/around-town/events/Nonstop_Sound__Traveling_Guitar_Foundation_New_York.html

TGF On Z100

• http://www.z100.com/event_portal/view/calendar/calendar.html?type=2&page=4

WPIX PIX11

• http://weblogs.wpix.com/news/local/morningnews/blogs/2010/09/traveling_guitar_foundation.html