Harmonious Healing: Self Care Awareness in the Prison Electronic Music Program
Music has always had the remarkable ability to transcend boundaries, unite communities, and evoke emotions. It has the power to heal, inspire, and uplift individuals in ways that no other form of expression can. Research conducted by Chen, Hannibal, and Gold in 2016 found that music therapy can improve anxiety, depression, and self-esteem in incarcerated individuals. Recognizing this potential, Give a Beat has pioneered our Prison Electronic Music Program which offers a positive emotional outlet through music and creative expression.
Give a Beat’s Mission: Empowering Through Music and Creative Expression
At Give a Beat, our mission goes beyond just activism; we strongly believe in the healing therapeutic benefits that music can provide. Through our Prison Electronic Music Program, we aim to empower incarcerated individuals by teaching them technical, business, and transferable life skills related to music production, DJing, and creative expression. By providing a platform for self awareness and creativity, Give a Beat aims to promote transformational healing among participants.
"This is the best 'self help' thing I've ever done"- Program participant
The program is delivered over a span of four hours, spread across several weeks, at various correctional facilities. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to cater to the unique needs and interests of the participants. It covers a wide range of topics, including digital music production, DJing, and transferable life skills. By equipping individuals with these skills, Give a Beat not only empowers them during their time behind bars but also prepares them for a successful reintegration into society upon release.
“This class is very therapeutic for me. I see how music helps us break down our walls. It helps me feel confident.” - DJ Knocturnal
The impact of the Prison Electronic Music Program on currently incarcerated individuals is truly remarkable. Through their engagement with music and creative expression, participants experience positive outcomes related to violence prevention, community building, and cultural awareness. The program serves as an emotional outlet, allowing individuals to express their thoughts and feelings in ways they may have never before experienced.
Give a Beat is especially moved by the profound impact of music in the life of DJ Manchas. He recently expressed how his involvement in our program has transformed his outlook and helped him avoid trouble upon his release. During a class session, DJ Manchas and his peers were captivated by a catalog they had acquired, eagerly seeking advice about DJ gear. The room was filled with their enthusiasm and curiosity, reminding us of the seeds we have planted in this cohort. These moments reinforce our belief that music has the power to change lives, providing individuals like DJ Manchas with a positive outlet and a pathway to a brighter future. Give a Beat remains dedicated to empowering individuals through music, fostering creativity, and instilling a sense of purpose. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those we serve, and we will continue to use music as a catalyst for positive change.
Stress Reduction and Management: The Therapeutic Benefits of Music
Music also serves as a powerful tool for violence prevention, stress reduction and management. The act of creating music allows individuals to channel their energy and emotions into a productive and positive outlet. Our opening circles and breathing exercises are intentionally incorporated to help cultivate mindfulness and self-awareness, contributing to the overall well-being of the individuals involved.
Our student DJ Allluv recently shared a powerful story of personal growth and resilience. While waiting for a phone call to speak with his family, he encountered a major conflict with another individual, causing frustration and anger to rise within DJ Allluv. However, instead of escalating the situation, DJ Allluv drew upon the breathing techniques he had learned and practiced. Taking a moment to center himself, he also reached for his cellphone and began listening to music.
Through these calming techniques, DJ Allluv was able to regain his composure and approach the conflict in a more positive manner. DJ Allluv’s experience serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that with the right tools and mindset, we can navigate conflicts in a constructive and peaceful way.
This demonstrates the significant impact that music can have on one’s mental well-being, even in the most challenging circumstances.
“Music gives me a positive outlook on my days in prison. The instructors are really down to earth and humble, it made this the best class I’ve ever had in prison, no questions asked. This class was a stress reliever.” - Program Participant
One particularly noteworthy aspect of the Prison Electronic Music Program is its focus on breathing and stress management. Through a module called “Breath as a Beat,” participants learn how to harness the power of their breath to destress as they engage in digital music production and DJing with a clear mind. This not only enhances their creative process but also equips them with essential self-regulation techniques.
“After following the breathing exercise I felt at peace, more alert, ready to begin working on (the curriculum,) and what the day brings. During this, I was brought back to the many moments of how we had always begun our class session... I am grateful to still be a part of this great program that brings an opportunity to learn how music is made and brings people together. Thank you!” - Program Participant
Furthermore, for many of those who have been system impacted, music is fundamental to navigating the prison sentence. It can serve as a powerful tool in lessening the impact of incarceration and helping incarcerated individuals cope with their circumstances. This supports the idea of music as an essential part of self-care in prisons. During one of our class check-ins, a student named King Kajari courageously opened up about his recent transition from spending 13 years in cell blocks to living in a dorm unit. He mentioned that he was struggling with this new change. However, at the end of the class, King Kajari expressed deep gratitude for the class and recognized that his mood had shifted since the opening check-in. He shared that he now looks forward to coming to our class as a way to escape the harsh reality he lives in. The next person to share, DJ Kango, echoed King Kajari’s sentiment and reminded him that during tough times, he can always rely on the many skills he has learned in our class, such as conscious breathing. Together, their stories highlight the power of a supportive community and the transformative impact that a safe space can have on individuals facing difficult circumstances.
Transformative Healing: Promoting Personal Growth in Incarcerated Individuals
The impact of the Prison Electronic Music Program is undeniable. The testimonials from participants speak volumes about its transformative power.
Give a Beat’s Prison Electronic Music Program is revolutionizing the way we view incarceration and rehabilitation. By harnessing the inherent power of music and creative expression, this program offers incarcerated individuals a positive emotional outlet and equips them with valuable life skills for personal and professional growth. The transformative impact on participants’ lives is evident through improved emotional expression, reduced stress levels, and enhanced community-building abilities. As we continue to recognize the importance of promoting transformational healing through creative expression, programs like Prison Electronic Music Program stand as beacons of hope and catalysts for change in our criminal justice system.
Join us in promoting transformational healing and rehabilitation by supporting the power of music and creative expression. By donating to this groundbreaking initiative, you are helping to provide a safe space for personal growth, emotional expression, and skill development.
