For decades, I have carried an acoustic guitar with me to work. As a collection agent for the now-defunct North American Mortgage, I would often play some chords softly while communicating with stressed homeowners who were behind on their mortgage payments. This simple act helped to ease the tension, especially when the person on the other end of the line asked, "Are you playing the radio?"

Transitioning to a New Career

Around the time I started writing this column, I embarked on my second career as a teacher. For nearly two decades, I have been dedicated to teaching students with special needs. When I initially pursued a degree in history, my aspiration was to become a teacher in a traditional local setting. However, that didn't work out as planned, and I entered the realm of special education. I like to think that this vocation found me, and although it presents its challenges, it also brings a level of fulfillment that is not found in a traditional teaching environment.

Keeping a "Beater" Guitar

Just like during my tenure as a collection agent, I have always had a "beater" guitar nearby. It had to be playable, and the one I have had in my classroom for the past four years was in excellent condition. Not only had it aged gracefully, but it also exuded an inviting aura.

Students and the Guitar

Since I enjoyed showcasing my limited musical skills on the instrument, I was truly delighted when students would pick it up and ask me to teach them how to play. These moments reminded me of a song by the Canadian band Rush called "Discovery" from "2112." It serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music in education.The backstory of "2112" is extensive, but "Discovery" tells the story of a person discovering a guitar for the first time and describing it as having "wires that vibrate and give music" and that it "sings like a sad heart, and joyously screams out its pain. Chords that build high like a mountain, or notes that fall gently like rain."Over the years, I have had several students whose playing skills surpassed mine, and a few are even pursuing music as a career. These are prime examples of the fulfillment that music can bring, especially if my guitar served as the spark. Although I may never receive a shout-out at the Grammy Awards, I have been fortunate enough to have students reach out to me to share their original music.

The Broken Guitar

I really hadn't given much thought to the importance of the classroom guitar until this week when I found it in the middle of my classroom with its neck intentionally broken. The sight of the broken guitar was not only a loss for me but also for the students who had come to cherish its presence. It was a tangible symbol of our shared love for music and the power it holds in our learning environment.This situation may seem strange, but that particular guitar and I had a unique bond. Perhaps I took its safety for granted. For years, I have worked in places where the instruments are locked up tightly, like prisoners. Of course, they may get damaged, but the idea of a guitar not being played or handled bothers me. I took a risk and had my fair share of "That's why we don't let students have access to them" speeches.I don't think the student was angry with me any more than Pete Townshend was angry with his audience when he smashed his instrument. It was frustrating, and when students have access to something meaningful, they sometimes react impulsively.Will I get another class guitar? I am still considering it. When I was in third grade, we had a class Guinea pig that passed away, and we were all deeply saddened. You can get a new Guinea pig, but it is not a "replacement." Nevertheless, something needs to fill that void. Not having a guitar in the classroom could mean losing a valuable tool for engaging students and nurturing their love for music. It is a decision that I am still grappling with.As for my now unplayable friend, I will mourn its loss, but I also know that it served its purpose for a long time: to make music.