Musical Celebrations Around the World – International Guitar Month

Founded in 1987 by the Guitar & Accessories Marketing Association (GAMA) and the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), International Guitar Month is observed every April to recognize this popular instrument as well as the talented musicians who bring them to life. You can celebrate International Guitar Month by listening to your favorite guitarists, or by grabbing your pick and strumming away yourself. If you have always wanted to learn to how to play guitar, this is the perfect opportunity for you to learn!

Listening to music can soothe your soul, but studies have found that playing an instrument has more significant benefits for your brain, including improved long-term memory and better brain development (especially in younger musicians). Playing an instrument like the guitar can also help relieve anxiety and boost creativity, making it an incredibly valuable life skill.

For anybody looking to get started, resources like Facebook Marketplace are great for purchasing used instruments. However, thanks to the magic of technology, you can also learn to play on your computer using a virtual guitar app and this guitar syllabus from The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.

If you’re searching for inspiration as you prepare to celebrate International Guitar Month, we have some suggestions:

• Haven’t played in a while? Dust off your guitar, make sure it’s still in tune, build up those calluses, and start playing.
• Visit your local music shop and discover some new artists in addition to your old favorites.
• Buy tickets to a concert or schedule your own!
• Take part in a guitar-themed trivia night (did you know that the world’s biggest functioning guitar is 43 feet long?)
• Explore the history of the guitar and how it has evolved over time.

Are there any songs or artists that made you fall in love with the instrument? Do you have any unique ways of celebrating International Guitar Month? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

This blog post is part of a series linked to our Music Celebrations Around the World calendar. Download the calendar for access to information about musical celebrations and holidays with strong musical components to share in your music classroom or with your ensemble members! Music + Travel = Encore Tours.