People in prison have to deal with living a hard life. They experience loss of power, they are rejected by society, and labelled as outcasts.
Prisons are built around retributive justice rather than restorative justice. Music programs try to rebuild lives…increase self-esteem and confidence, they are an outlet for creativity, emotional expression, pleasurable experience. From a social aspect it can strengthen social skills, nurture identity, increase concentration, coordination, and motor skills, it creates positive social networks and a new perspective on how to use leisure time.
The chapter begins by describing history of music coming from people who were in jail, or spent time in jail. The music was an expression of pain, and described the prison experience. The history of the blues is connected to prisons. Some historical blues songs hold knowledge about the history. Notable musician- Huddie Ledbetter aka Leadbelly 1889-1949.
The bulk of the chapter outlines Music programs that have been implemented globally and the positive results. Some of the projects:
Spain. Two cries of Freedom: Gypsy Flamenco from the prisons of Spain.
National music contest for inmates. Winner gets money and reduced sentence. People sent in demo tapes, narrowed down to a smaller group which had to play for panel. Two winners recorded a cd of music. The success of the project and cd lead to provisional parole.
Ireland needs music therapy programs for prisons. Approx. 77% of prisoners re-offend on release.
Hawaiian prison recording by Brian Wong was recorded on donated equipment. The proceeds from the CD are donated to Crime victim compensation commission- aims to help the victims of crime and create reconciliation between offenders and victims.
Rehabilitation and Transformation- Prison Reform
UK 2002: 76 artists or organizations involved in 650 arts projects in UK prisons, half of the projects are with young offenders
York project with women in prisons. The women get to create quality music alongside professionals. Following the music activities, the women get to perform concerts in other prisons around the UK. The project helps build self-esteem, self-confidence.
Men’s project involved a production of Julius Ceaser. Results showed that inmates did not commit other offences during production, and offence rates dropped by half for 6 months after.
Oslo, Norway. Objective is to improve chances of being able to function in everyday life. Music as expression and to change emotions, a creative outlet. Improve social skills, self-confidence, positive use of time.
Project include 3 phases
1 Music in Prison
2 Music following release
3 Permanent music projects
The Prisons Transformation Project
South Africa The reality of male prison is that you dominate or be dominated. BBC documentary- Killers don’t Cry”, showed extremely hardened criminals set to a backdrop of dramatic music, a female music therapist helps inmates face their emotions. The gang of criminals all break down in tears, including their leader a man who couldn’t remember how many people he’s killed, but does recall some of the brutal acts he has committed. This breakthrough leads to reconciliation between two rival gangs.
“Music plays an important role in keeping the peace behind bars. It keeps people’s minds off the negative and provides a healthy outlet for creativity. It increases empathy and reduces animosity. With additional research and funding, music could be utilized even more purposeful to amplify the opportunity for self-expression and enjoyment.” (Jones, 2005)
Jones is a man serving a long term sentence in a prison in the US.