The Juvenile Detention Center’s Guitar Club, which began as a small initiative by detention officers, has expanded through a new partnership with Arizona State University. This collaboration aims to foster positive behavior and personal growth among the youth in detention by teaching them guitar skills.
“There are many talented kids in Detention. They need someone who can help guide them,” said Alex Lopez, a programming officer with the Juvenile Probation Department. “Guitar Club is a great opportunity for them, it gives them hope. Music heals and seeing them perform and achieve their goals has been amazing. It gives them a sense of accomplishment, and it’s such a positive experience to see them witness success.”
The club provides an opportunity for youths to learn guitar, promoting self-discipline and personal development as they prepare to reintegrate into their communities. For many participants, it’s their first exposure to playing music.
“When they started guitar classes, I was only wearing a gray shirt,” shared one participant. “I made my way up to a blue shirt, so I could join the class. When I play in front of the units and everybody starts clapping, that makes me feel good about myself.”
Participants’ shirt colors represent their level within a behavior-based privilege system that indicates earned trust and responsibility.
Free Guitars 4 Kids has supported the program by donating instruments. Upon release from detention, participants leave with both new skills and an instrument to continue their musical journey at home.
Initially taught basic fundamentals by detention officers, the youths are later guided by Arizona State University graduate students who visit twice weekly.
“We love being engaged with the local community,” stated Martha Masters from ASU’s School of Music. “It is critical for our students to understand what it looks like to engage in a meaningful way with the community.”
“One thing that surprised me is the camaraderie of the Guitar Club,” noted Dylan Abernathy from ASU’s Music Therapy program. “Even though the composition of the group is in constant flux, the group cohesion has been astounding.”
Youth practice regularly and participate in scheduled performances throughout the year within Juvenile Detention.
