Recently I've been working with Park View Business and Enterprise School in Birmingham. On these "Enterprise Days" I go in with a kit of parts, and the students make a 3 string guitar, learn a little about the history of the instrument, learn to play a simple tune..and get to take their home the instrument they've made with their own hands.

 

Here's a typical kits of parts and materials. This can be tailored to suit the student's abilities and the time available.  The kit shown allows 25-30 guitars to be made in a morning session, with the afternoon devoted to learning to play and showing some videos about cigar box guitar making and music. This has been developed over several sessions, so it it is a tied and tested package that forms part of an achievable and practical day project.

 

Some of the classroom activity...looking amazing calm and organised! The staff and classroom assistants have been invaluable in making these days work.  It is very demanding on both students and staff to keep the flow of work going to ensure that every student manages to complete their tasks. It really does help develop disciplined working and teamwork..and the results are really worthwhile.

"The best day at school..ever!" was the verdict of one student on the 2nd time we ran the workshop. 

 

I always start the day with a short playing demonstration...here's music teacher Helena Rosewell in close attendance, as later that day she learned to play and share the teaching part of the session.

 

I've made a quick YouTube video, and here's an example of one of the school project guitars being played.

 

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