It’s a fact. Students who participate in school music programs have better attendance, make better grades, are more likely to attend college, and have more lucrative careers than students who do not participate in school music programs. Lead Guitar is a school music program with a 21 year track record of building permanent guitar programs in economically challenged public schools. We currently serve more than 4,000 students each year in 68 schools across five different states. Using music and an instrument to which young people relate, Lead Guitar students learn technique, music reading, theory, performance skills, and ensemble playing through which they develop self-discipline, self-esteem, and the ability to work as a team—attributes that help them realize success throughout their lives. By developing a program that mirrors the curricular integrity of the best band and orchestra programs but appeals to students that are not traditionally drawn to those programs, Lead Guitar is offering all of the benefits of a high-quality instrumental music education to thousands of students who would otherwise not receive them. We actively assert that all students deserve great arts education.