By Caley Cook

A few years ago, John Marshall Elementary School music teacher David Beldock received 10 guitars through the Taylor Guitars for Schools Program. Beldock had never even considered asking for guitars in his classroom and he definitely never considered getting them for free.

"There would be no guitar instruction in our schools without this donation," Beldock said. "Kids want to learn guitar, but they're usually too expensive for schools to purchase."

John Marshall Elementary School is one of 63 schools that has received guitars through the Taylor Guitars for Schools Program, which is a beneficiary of the San Diego Music Awards. At least six new schools are added to that list every year. While many schools around the nation are cutting music programs because of budgetary restrictions, the program puts guitars in the hands of kids all over San Diego County. [Editor: Check out a list of schools we've donated to...so far!]

"It's become a privilege for our fourth and fifth graders," Beldock said. "Each student that plays in these classes is picked by teachers who think they have been doing a good job with their homework and other responsibilities. A lot of these kids can't wait to get to music class, which is refreshing."

Money from San Diego Music Awards proceeds goes to purchasing "Baby" Taylor guitars. There is no other program like it in the country and since its start, more than 1,271 guitars have been donated across San Diego County. While it has always been the focus of the San Diego Music Awards to give funds to school music programs, the organization changed in 1999 with the inception of the San Diego Music Awards Foundation, which teamed with El Cajon's Taylor to create a fundraising program called Taylor Guitars for Schools. The first donation was 12 guitars that went to Emerson-Bandini School in Logan Heights. Their instructor called back and asked for more.

"This was a popular program from the start," says Taylor Guitars Media Relations Manager Andy Robinson. "The guitar is a little bit of a neglected instrument on the elementary level. It's fun and popular and it doesn't get the attention in the schools that other classic instruments do. This keeps the arts and music alive for these kids."

Research suggests that music education can provide lasting benefits for kids that learn instruments early in life. Early musical training develops the part of the brain that controls learning and reasoning, according to the Children's Music Workshop. Researchers have also linked early music education with spatial intelligence, development of creativity, problem solving, standardized test scores, compassion, work ethic, teamwork, discipline and self-confidence.

"Every child in our class learns to read music, chords and tabs," Beldock said. "I teach them scales so they can improvise and you just see them light up. It's freedom for them to be creative in that way."

The "Baby" Taylor also allows kids to learn an instrument that would otherwise be too big for them to handle or hold. While full size guitars are made with solid wood tops, backs and sides, the Baby Taylor uses a laminate to make it lighter, smaller and more affordable.

Many kids at John Marshall are picking up guitar as a lifelong habit, Beldock said.

"This is one of the only joys a teacher gets," Beldock said, "when you see the light in their eyes. You say to yourself, 'I know that light because I saw it in my own eyes once."