Guitars Over Guns

Guitars Over Guns We offer students in Miami, Chicago, LA & NYC a power combo of music education and mentorship 🎸🚀 We have served more than 5,000 students over the past decade.

Our Philosophy
Guitars Over Guns’ unique curriculum emphasizes social-emotional learning and outcomes through music and arts instruction. After each session, mentors assess students’ academic performance, school and program attendance, artistic progress and peer interactions. We use social-emotional learning measurements to evaluate key competencies such as empathy, teamwork, initiative, responsib

ility and problem solving. Recent evaluations indicate that over 90 percent of Guitars Over Guns students improved their academic performance, overall conduct and decision-making skills. These measurements are byproducts of a greater shift that is occurring in the way these young people think about the world and their place in it. Our Story
Established in Miami in 2008, the organization now operates in Miami and Chicago. Guitars Over Guns began as an informal music mentoring project led by Dr. Chad Bernstein, serving youth from under-resourced neighborhoods in Miami. Upon observing the students’ achievements both on stage and in the classroom, Chad formalized the program and partnered with local schools to impact even more youth. In collaboration with Communities in Schools of Miami, the first official Guitars Over Guns program began at North Miami Middle School in 2008. Over the past twelve years, the program has grown to offer no-cost music instruction, mentorship and academic support at 36 school and community sites in Miami and Chicago. Additionally, Guitars Over Guns now offers a more extensive curriculum that includes dance, visual arts and annual summer camps. With the support of our mentors, staff, community partners, board of directors and passionate advocates around the world, Guitars Over Guns is ready to inspire and empower students everywhere to .

06/18/2026

Some moments become part of a young person's story forever. đź’š

Standing on that stage wasn't just about performing, it was about confidence, preparation, teamwork, and believing that their voices belong in important spaces.

Our friend Eddie Vedder said it best onstage:

“President Obama was aware I’d be playing music with young musicians from the neighborhood, but when he heard we were doing an original piece just for the occasion, he thought that might be a lot of work. And as usual he was right,” Vedder added. “But it’s been great work and it’s everything the center stands for: inclusivity, access to resources, mentorship and opportunity. We thank you for this opportunity.”

Shoutout to The Obama Foundation, OPC, and Eddie Vedder for this honorable opportunity to be part of such a historical celebration.

🎶 Stream “Better Believe” on all platforms: https://EddieVedder.lnk.to/betterbelieve
đź”— Watch full ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/live/A87ohdXcJtY?si=9PZNJZo_YYUR_1iW

What happens when young people are given the space to create, collaborate, and be heard? 🎶Better Believe is now streamin...
06/18/2026

What happens when young people are given the space to create, collaborate, and be heard? 🎶

Better Believe is now streaming on all major platforms!
Created by Eddie Vedder and Guitars Over Guns students, this original song is a powerful example of what's possible when music, mentorship, and opportunity come together.

We're incredibly proud of the young artists who shared their voices and helped bring this project to life.

Listen here: https://eddievedder.lnk.to/betterbelieve and support the next generation of artists. đź’š

CHICAGO 🎶 June 18, 2026, Eddie Vedder, in partnership with young people from Chicago-based Guitars Over Guns Organizatio...
06/18/2026

CHICAGO 🎶 June 18, 2026, Eddie Vedder, in partnership with young people from Chicago-based Guitars Over Guns Organization, has released the original song “Better Believe.”

Debuted during a live performance at the Obama Presidential Center dedication on June 18, “Better Believe” was co-written and performed with Guitars Over Guns and is now available on all major streaming platforms.
đź”— Listen HERE: https://eddievedder.lnk.to/betterbelieve

The Obama Foundation brought Vedder and Guitars Over Guns together for the project. Audio Arts students and alumni from Columbia College Chicago cago, where the song was recorded, joined young musicians from the nonprofit through a collaboration facilitated by Add-2, Columbia adjunct professor of instruction and Chicago regional director for Guitars Over Guns.

All royalties earned by Eddie Vedder and the song’s co-writers will benefit Guitars Over Guns, an arts-based youth development organization that uses music, mentorship, and the arts to empower young people and expand opportunities for their future.

06/15/2026

This month, we’re showing love to one of Miami’s (by way of NYC's) finest, DJ Spinelli. 🎧💜
Harlem-bred and Miami respected, Spinelli brings incredible energy, authenticity, and intention into every space she enters. As a DJ mentor with Guitars Over Guns, she creates an environment where students feel supported, confident, and free to fully express themselves through music.

Spinelli describes her mentorship style as “structured, consistent, and fun,” balancing accountability with creativity and joy. For her, excellence means giving young people the space to discover and share who they are, whether through DJing, conversation, journaling, or simply being heard.

She also reminds us that mentorship is a two-way street. “Working with these students has helped me grow too,” she shared, reflecting on the ways mentorship has connected her to her own inner child and personal growth.

One thing about Spinelli, she always shows up real, grounded, and with the best energy. It’s truly an honor to have her as part of the GOGO family. Thanks, Spin!

Shoutout to Ashley for helping launch our campaign at our recent Menchie's Frozen Yogurt fundraiser event! 🍦💜We’re so ...
06/13/2026

Shoutout to Ashley for helping launch our campaign at our recent Menchie's Frozen Yogurt fundraiser event! 🍦💜

We’re so proud of the leadership and energy she brought while helping raise awareness for Guitars Over Guns and the young people we serve.

Know a high school student who would want to get involved? Reach out to:
[email protected] 🎶

06/11/2026

This year’s Guitars Over Guns Chicago Spring Showcase brought together 74 mentees from across 9 partner sites for an afternoon rooted in music, creativity, and community.

Held at Kennedy-King College, the showcase welcomed more than 120 guests and featured live performances in music, poetry, and collaboration that reflected the growth our students have built throughout the year alongside their mentors.

The event was a celebration of young people showing up fully as themselves, supporting one another, and sharing their voice with confidence.

Special shoutout to Evergreen alumni band 'Twisted U' for bringing incredible energy to the stage, and to all of our mentees for the heart, creativity, and excellence they brought to the day, our sponsors, and of course all our youth who's excellence paid off. đź’š

🎥 Recap video by Haven Cinema

06/10/2026

Another unforgettable Spring Jam Fest in the books. 🎶

On May 15th, Guitars Over Guns mentees from across North Dade took the stage at the Miami Beach Bandshell for a night filled with live music, creativity, community, and powerful student performances.
Every student brought their all to the stage and made us incredibly proud. Watching their confidence, growth, and joy shine through each performance was a reminder of why this work matters so much.

Huge thank you to Asher Raphael, Miami Beach Bandshell, and all of our sponsors and supporters for helping make this experience possible for our young people.

Shoutout to J. Howard Music for keeping the vibes high as host, and to our very own DJ Spinelli for bringing the energy all evening long. What a night! đź©·

06/06/2026

Something special dropped yesterday. 🎶

This spring, Guitars Over Guns Chicago mentees stepped into professional studios, collaborated with mentors and engineers, and reimagined Nirvana’s iconic “Smells Like Teen Spirit” in their own voice.

The result? Teen Spirit: The GOGO Chicago Sessions, a five-track EP created entirely by our young artists.

Streaming everywhere NOW! đź’š
BTS Mini-Doc by Haven Cinema only on Youtube

06/05/2026

It’s here! 🎧

Teen Spirit: The GOGO Chicago Sessions is now streaming on all platforms!

Recorded during Spring Break, this five-track EP features Guitars Over Guns Chicago mentees reimagining “Smells Like Teen Spirit” through their own creativity, experiences, and sound.

Watch the documentary premiere now and hear what happens when young people are given the space, support, and opportunity to create.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0BnopvAd2I
Listen, watch, share! đź’šđź’Ą

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2916 N Miami Avenue #602
Miami, FL
33127

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