| The Classic Guitars International 'Pay it Forward' Program |
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| I started the 'pay it forward' program in 2009 so that from time-to-time I could provide a free guitar on behalf of one of my generous clients, to someone who might not otherwise have been able to obtain a guitar. I recently was able to provide a free guitar to a young player in Canada who was very talented but his family was unable to buy him a guitar that matched the level of his talent. I was able to arrange for a donation of a fine Smallman to the San Francisco Conservatory for use by the students of that institution free of charge to them. And I was able to provide a free guitar to a talented woman who was at one time voted 'the most talented young musician in Ireland', and who recently lost her father and moved to Santa Barbara on limited funds. It is a pleasure to give back to our guitar community in this way, and the only requirement of any recipient of a free guitar is that they never sell it, but instead 'pay it forward' by giving it to someone else in need of an instrument.
"If you have a quality guitar that you think you might wish to donate for this program please drop me an email and let me know. If you feel that you deserve to be the recipient of one of these donated guitars, please drop me an email and let me know your story! To those of you who have already donated guitars for this purpose, my heartfelt 'thanks' for sharing the music."
- Chris Kamen |
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I am very excited that one of my super generous clients, who wishes to remain anonymous, has donated a like new Dake Traphagen Anniversary model Classical Guitar to the " Burma Guitar Project" the guitar program in Burma started by German guitar instructors Wilfried and Mechthild Halter. I am also very honored to donate two new student guitars to the school through the Pay it Forward Program, so that the school will benefit from two new student guitars and one fine concert guitar! Through these efforts many lives are being touched through music and the teaching and efforts of Wilfried and Mehthild. It makes me very happy to know that these three guitars will be making music and changing lives half way around the world for many years to come. If you can donate a guitar to this effort, or a small check of any amount, it would be extremely welcomed. Please contact me for further info. |
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Yi He, David Tanenbaum, Marc Teicholz, Lawrence Ferrara, and Sergio Assad of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, accept a fine 80's "Pay it Forward" Smallman donated for use in the conservatory 'guitar library'. |
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| Gloria is nearly 12 years old and has fallen in love with the classical guitar but was playing an inexpensive 'toy' guitar because she did not have the funds for anything better at this time. I heard about her from her father. I was able to provide Gloria with a free 'pay it forward' guitar from my inventory and I know that she will study hard and practice for hours with her new guitar. Her father promised that when the day comes that she deserves a concert level instrument, that Gloria will 'pay it forward' by gifting her guitar to another young aspiring player like herself. Enjoy Gloria.... |
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Evan is a talented young player in Canada, who quickly outgrew his beginner guitar. Evan's father contacted me and shared that the family finances just could not support buying Evan a guitar that he could grow with as he improved. I was able to provide a fine older Manuel Rodriguez "Pay it Forward" guitar to Evan, and his dad says his playing is already more inspired! |
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| Orla was once voted the "the most talented young musician" in Ireland. Now living in the USA, she recently lost her father and decided to move to California to start a new life. As you can imagine, finances were tight and though she is a talented player, she was unable to find the extra cash to buy a guitar and continue her playing. I was able to give her a great guitar donated by a wonderful client, so that Orla will once again be able to play guitar. Orla has already composed several new songs with her "Pay it Forward" guitar! |
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Jennifer with her free "Pay it Forward" guitar. Jennifer wrote to me and shared that some serious medical difficulties had left her basically home bound, and her singular joy in life was to play music. Unfortunately her Pharmacy expenses were so high a decent guitar was out of the question, and I was very glad that I was able to provide her with this free guitar, I hope her time alone at home is much happier in the future.... |
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