NILES, ILLINOIS, June 17, 2011 — Funding for school music programs is disappearing nationwide, but there’s no shortage of people with a burning desire to sing or play an instrument.  Recognizing a need for education, rehearsal, and recording facilities, microphone manufacturer Shure Incorporated is providing microphones and headphones to the growing list of Guitar Center Studios, as the music retailer expands its music education facilities in the U.S.

“Music education programs are disappearing from public schools, and individual lesson providers are challenged to deliver a broad offering of learning opportunities and tools,” says Tom Hemphill, Director of Guitar Center Studios.  To counter this trend, Guitar Center Studios has taken the fundamental elements of music education—learning to play, connecting with peers, rehearsing together, and recording—and made them the cornerstones of a progressive learning pedagogy.

“Guitar Center Studios not only provides best-in-class music education, but a wide range of opportunities to apply that education,” Hemphill continues.  “We serve as a community where musicians can learn, meet, rehearse, and record using professional equipment.”  The facilities use a subscription model under which students can take advantage of any or all of these resources for one price.

In addition to providing music lessons and training in Pro Tools and Logic software, the program encourages musicians to get together, rehearse, and record themselves.  Having access to professional-caliber equipment is a key component of this part of the program, and Shure has outfitted every Guitar Center Studios facility with SM58® handheld microphones, MX395 low-profile microphones and SRH240 professional headphones.  “Shure has been a tireless supporter of what we’re doing, and we’re grateful,” says Hemphill.  The microphones and headphones enable performances to be recorded easily, allowing musicians to review their performances and identify areas for improvement.  “You can walk in, rehearse, and walk out with a CD that you can learn from,” says Hemphill.

“The Guitar Center brand is known and respected by musicians at every level, from beginners to working professionals,” says Abby Kaplan, Sales Director, Western U.S., at Shure Incorporated.  “We’re proud to partner with Guitar Center Studios to help develop the next generation of performers.”