Naperville Music is a proud supporter and drop off center for Guitars 4 Vets.
Sharing the Healing power of
music with our Veterans
Guitars for Vets (G4V) serves at-risk United States Veterans impacted by PTSD and other service-related trauma. Through their unique, 10-week structured guitar instruction program, we put the healing power of music in the hands of our nation’s heroes, helping to foster renewal, connection and community.
800,000 U.S. VETERANS STRUGGLE WITH PHYSICAL INJURIES, PTSD AND OTHER EMOTIONAL DISTRESS. WE BELIEVE GUITARS CAN HELP THE HEALING PROCESS.
Music helps decrease anxiety, increase self-esteem, and reduce episodes of panic attacks, nightmares and flashbacks. A research study of Guitars 4 Vets students showed a 21% improvement in PTSD symptoms and a 27% decrease in related depression symptoms. The study attributed learning and playing guitar as the primary catalysts for these improvements—and we want to ensure as many vets as possible have that opportunity.
More simply, playing a guitar can help veterans safely connect with their surroundings and other people
WHAT DOES G4V DO?
Since 2007, Guitars for Vets has served at-risk United States Veterans impacted by PTSD and other service-related trauma. Through our unique, 10-week structured guitar instruction program, we put the healing power of music in the hands of our nation’s heroes, helping to foster renewal, connection and community.
HOW IT STARTED
In 2007, a chance encounter between guitar teacher Patrick Nettesheim and Vietnam-era Marine, Dan VanBuskirk, sparked a remarkable journey. Dan longed to learn guitar but found himself grappling with the invisible wounds of war. With Patrick’s encouragement, Dan took a courageous step forward. As their collaboration unfolded, something magical happened. Within just a few months, Dan was not only making music but also rediscovering his joy and vitality. Their partnership evolved into something profound. They realized that beyond learning chords and melodies, guitar lessons became a beacon of hope, a channel for self-expression, and a catalyst for positive human connection. Inspired by their journey, Patrick and Dan shared this transformative experience with fellow Veterans at The Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center Spinal Rehabilitation Unit. Out of this shared passion and commitment, Guitars for Vets was born.
GUITARS FOR FREE TO MILITARY VETERANS
Our weekly private guitar lessons are individually tailored. They’re designed to help Veterans learn at their own pace, while accommodating any physical and/or emotional challenges. After completing 10 lessons, each Veteran is presented with a new acoustic guitar, gig bag, strap, tuner, strings, picks, method book and a certificate of completion. Individual chapters also organize monthly group sessions, where Veterans experience a supportive, communal atmosphere surrounded by peers who understand their experiences. During these sessions, Veterans can connect, talk, play music with other program participants and explore their musical interests.
NATIONWIDE
With The Help of Hundreds of Volunteers
All G4V lessons and guitars are provided to Veterans free of charge. Demand for our programming continues to rise and though virtually all resources go directly into programming and guitars, we sadly cannot help every qualified applicant because funding is limited. So, we’re asking you to take a stand.
FIND A CHAPTER
GUITARS FOR VETS CHAPTERS
Below is a map of our chapters. To contact a local chapter coordinator, please click on the location closest to you where you can find their email address.
If you are a Veteran looking to enroll into the Guitars for Vets program at a local chapter, please email the coordinator closest to you about your interest. Each chapter is located within different departments and facilities that may have a unique admission process.
