The Power of Music

Our Mission

Give a Beat’s mission is to use the power of music as a pathway to healing and opportunity for those impacted by the criminal justice system.

Our Vision

We envision a world where those most affected adversely by incarceration are not only shown compassion and dignity, but empowered to forge talents and creative careers. By connecting to music industry professionals, we will widen the pathways for people to thrive, reduce recidivism, encourage empathy, and unite to contribute to the larger movement of transforming the criminal justice system.

Our Values

We are a community united by peace, love, compassion, and understanding (the values embodied in the foundation of electronic music culture) and believe in the restoration of dignity, hope and opportunity to those who have experienced injustice.

Our History

Give a Beat was founded in 2014 on the guiding principles of electronic music culture: peace, love, compassion, inclusivity, and understanding. Since launching our Youth Music Production and DJ program in 2015, we’ve expanded to having three variations of our landmark programs and routinely offer DJ, music production, and educational programs inside and outside youth and adult correctional facilities.

In 2019, in collaboration with the California Arts Council and the Arts in Corrections program, Give a Beat launched the Prison Electronic Music Program in two California State Prisons. In 2021, we launched the On a New Track Reentry Mentoring program, pairing formerly incarcerated individuals with mentors in the music industry. In 2022, we launched Give a Beat Records—a music label created to support people after incarceration and offer a platform to share their voices with the world. In 2023, we expanded our Prison Electronic Music Program to four prisons. Give a Beat has positively impacted countless individuals affected by incarceration, offering a therapeutic outlet for creative expression, the chance to discover talent, and opportunities to explore creative career pathways through the power of music.