Guitar Tech - Worthwhile?

Guitars have a wide array of different technologies associated with them, i.e. tuners, capos, humidifiers, etc. But, one thing that is usually overlooked is the instrument itself. In the age of technology, it was a matter of time before the instruments themselves made the leap. There are a wide array of different styles of guitars ranging from non-technological (acoustic guitars) to completely technology based (electric guitars). But, is it worth talking about in a classroom where we are just learning how to play the instrument?

I tend to think so. I believe that some music teachers believe that to prove that a proper music education has occurred, they have to play well. This is a misguided approach to education that relies on the assumption that to be musically literate means that you play well. This false assumption does not align itself with the values of a proper education because it does not encompass what music education is. Sure we want our students to play at a high level (who doesn't), but there are far more concepts to education than performance. Looking at the standards, I think that message is clear.

In my class, the different styles of guitar would be gone over and the variety of different technologies to make it up. Different pickups, strings, wood, hollow-body/semi-hollow/solid and tuning heads. Doing this lends itself to a more comprehensive study of the guitar and helps students focus on more than their playing for an education.