Guitar Building

Dating back to the mid 1800’s, cigar box guitars were an inexpensive musical alternative to the six-string guitar.  Found through out America, the revival of cigar box guitar and homemade musical instrument building has been growing over the past decade.  In this class students will explore the science of music through the construction and playing of a Cigar Box Guitar. The class will explore the inner workings of stringed instruments and the science behind them while building and decorating their own instrument.  Once completed, the participant will use their guitar to learn the basics of reading and playing music. This class dives into the STEAM world and will immerse the participant in the 5 areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (or Music if you prefer).

Students will be able to take the guitar they build home with them.

Program Objectives: 

  • Construct a functioning cigar box guitar.
  • Explore the science behind guitars and sound.
  • Learn rudimentary music reading, performing and writing.

Mon-Fri, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Grade Level

Entering Grades 9 - 12


Camp Fee and Registration:


Regular Registration Fee: $400
 


Meet Your Instructor:

Robert Miller

Rob teaches 8th grade physical science at Sandy Run Middle School in the Upper Dublin School District.  He has been teaching at Penn State Abington camps for several years.  Rob has spent 20 years in education and enjoys the real world creative aspects of his job.  His hobbies include woodworking, playing and writing music, and ice hockey.