Musicambia

MISSION & VISION

Musicambia facilitates music-making prisons throughout the United States. Through working closely with incarcerated individuals on performance, music theory, ear training and composition, our professional musicians build artistic communities that nurture the humanity of all involved.

Musicambia uses the power of music to build supportive communities where incarcerated individuals can build human connections, engage in learning and rebuild their lives. Through performance and creation, participants develop self-confidence, positive self-image, and communication skills. By sharing their skills, musicians grow as teachers and citizens committed to humanizing our justice system.

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

•Sing Sing Songwriting Workshop participant, August 2023: "This program goes far beyond music. Outside of teaching us new skills, we are also taught how to function in a productive community. Personally I have benefited from a much-needed boost in confidence and self-esteem as well as simply being proud of myself and becoming more willing to express myself for the benefit of others."

•Musicambia Participant, August 2023: "People, especially in this environment, tell you all the bad about yourself... However, being in Musicambia the teachers see the value in me and help to reinforce that good. It's a breath of fresh air. It's good to know, from someone you trust, that your talent is worth something."

TEACHING ARTIST STATEMENTS

•Brad Balliett: "From San Quentin to Rikers Island what I see […] is that music is an unparalleled tool for building community and offering temporary relief from the dehumanizing conditions of prison in the United States."

•Hamilton Berry: "I believe that music making is an essential outlet for expression, creativity, and community building within the dehumanizing environment of prison."