On a New Track
Reentry Mentoring Program
Give a Beat provides a cutting edge group mentoring model dedicated to empowering returning citizens through the art of music production, DJing, and the acquisition of essential business and branding skills within the music industry.
Since 2021, Give a Beat has been delivering our comprehensive 12-week program in collaboration with the California Mentoring Partnership, Anti-Recidivism Coalition and Defy Ventures. On a New Track is designed to equip formerly incarcerated individuals with technical proficiency, harness the healing power of music, foster positive social connections, and impart practical knowledge relevant to the music business. Our overarching mission is to cultivate pathways to creative careers, reducing the risk of recidivism while simultaneously opening doors within the music industry to a more diverse group of artists.
Each participant is paired with a seasoned music industry mentor, receiving personalized guidance and support. They embark on their unique journey by creating an Artist Development Plan, a strategic timeline that outlines their creative goals. Through this mentorship, participants gain hands-on experience in music creation, live performance, and the development of crucial entrepreneurial skills.
We host "guest speaker" and "mentor spotlight" days, during which returned On a New Track graduates, agency representatives, and mentors engage in insightful discussions about their backgrounds, personal histories, and extensive experience in the music industry.
Upon graduation, program artists have the option to maintain their mentor relationships, all the while concentrating on their Artist Development Plans to accomplish their creative aspirations. Give a Beat remains committed to nurturing individuals by investing in their objectives and providing ongoing support as they secure gigs and other opportunities.
On a larger scale, our initiative connects artists from the music industry to be in close proximity with our participants. This engagement reshapes conventional narratives surrounding system-impacted individuals, fostering greater compassion and understanding within our community. This is a critical piece of our Theory of Change, an initiative aimed towards transforming our system of mass incarceration.
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Developing Entrepreneurial & Life Skills
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Powering a Cycle of Change & Reducing Recidivism
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Building Creative Career Pathways
Photos by Sue Hudelson
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“On a New Track” family outside of Jail Guitar Door’s C.A.P.O. Center.
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Malachi guiding aspiring artists into the world of music production.
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Robert experimenting on his Traktor turntable.
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Teaching Artist, Malachi, empowering Lakrisha on her artistic journey.
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Daniel embracing the art of DJing.
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“Mentor Spotlight” day for Tagus, a professional DJ.
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Chanel finding her groove as she dives into the world of DJing.
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Patrick joyfully taking notes during a captivating “Mentor Spotlight” session.
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Keith, the experienced mentor, and Tarrance, the eager participant, exploring Ableton Live’s software together.
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Patrick, Tarrance, and Daniel engaged in DJ Celeste’s presentation.
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The “opening circle” lead by Teaching Artist, Billy.
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Teaching Artist, Chaz, supporting geriFree.
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“On a New Track” graduates with Teaching Artists; Todd, Billy, and Chaz.
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Sithy getting familiar with Native Instrument’s Traktor turntables.
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Todd kicking off the class with an introduction to branding and business skills relevant to the music industry.
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Alejandra locked in while learning the ropes of DJing.
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“Give a Beat let me know I can accomplish anything I set my mind to as long as I’m focused and determined, whether I know how to do it or not.”
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“The only time there’s light or a ray of hope is when we get to participate in these programs. The mentors are amazing. It’s the only time we are treated as human beings.”
Sithy
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“This program was really great. I felt this is exactly what people should be doing as far as wanting to give back in this way. It’s not just to give back but actually to build capacity in people and go on to become your best self.”
Alejandra
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"A lot of us felt intimidated by the idea of going into something new and foreign, especially being formerly incarcerated. But the fact that we were all in this together made it much easier and it made me more comfortable to take risks and push myself to doing what I’ve been delaying in my time here in this world."
Sean
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“Having a mentor in this program helped me through a lot. They actually let me know that the process is always within.”
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“On a New Track gave us an outlet, a way in which we could articulate ourselves through music, speech, emotional awareness and emotional intelligence.”
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“To people who are formerly incarcerated, you do have a second chance. There are plenty of opportunities, never give up on any dreams you have. Just because you've been dealt a bad hand, doesn't mean that you can't turn it around and try to make the best of it, or find ways to rise above the occasion.”
Juan
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“I learned how to trust myself and the process. I had to fail a few times to figure things out. I’m now embracing the power of self-trust and opening myself up to new possibilities.”
Patrick
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“I learned the invaluable lessons of patience, stepping outside my comfort zone, perseverance, to keep going, and becoming more sociable through my participation in the On a New Track program.”
Lakrisha
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"My biggest lesson with this program is learning the importance of setting goals and the value of sticking to them. I've been so busy with work, it's been challenging to fit in music. But when I set goals and plan my time, things are a lot better.”
Tarrance
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"On a New Track provided a support team. I have a family of artists here."
Lafonzo
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"The On a New Track program helped me rediscover my inner artist. I'm really finding out a lot about myself, like discovering what I really love. And being able to ask myself, ‘what don't I know?’ There's just so much to discover."
Robert
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“On a New Track enabled me to do what I've always wanted to do.”
Daniel
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“I never thought I would have an opportunity and be valued as a formerly incarcerated person. On a New Track shifted the perspective of how people viewed me and boosted my confidence. Now, I know that I can be offered opportunities despite my experiences. I know I am more valuable because I have overcome circumstances and have been given a second chance. The journey has been hard and painful, but Give a Beat reminded me that after a great fall, I can always land on my feet again.”
86%
of participants reported that they have an increased ability to handle stress.
100%
of participants got a DJ gig after graduating.
71%
of participants are more aware of opportunities in the music industry.
2021 data
Our On a New Track Mentors
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Camille Ramirez
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Danny Goliger
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DJ Vegas Tagus
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Celeste Lear
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Keith Kohn
“After mentoring one of the graduates of the first On a New Track, I realized it was a gift
Give a Beat gave both of us. It has been so fulfilling beyond words.”
— Keith Kohn
Alumni Network
The Give a Beat Alumni Network provides continued support, mentorship, and opportunities for justice-impacted artists who have completed the On a New Track Reentry Mentoring Program or the Prison Electronic Music Program. Designed by and for alumni, the network fosters creative growth, career development, and community connection.
Participants engage in workshops and events focused on DJing, event planning, branding, and other industry-relevant skills. Monthly Zoom calls and in-person gatherings—led by alumni leaders—offer space for peer support, collaboration, and resource-sharing. Alumni are invited to participate in paid DJ gigs, quarterly showcases, and a growing network of opportunities through Give a Beat’s border community.
For those recently released from prison, the network provides an immediate, welcoming space to reconnect with peers, build professional pathways, and stay creatively engaged. By sustaining these connections, the Alumni Network harnesses the power of music to build meaningful opportunities for success.
As an extension of On a New Track, we launched Give a Beat Records:
A label for social change and a voice for the underrepresented.
Stories from Our Blog
This activity is supported in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov.