Music Programs in Prisons

Gregory Lobo-Jost

Music programs are used in prisons as part of the rehabilitation process. Advocates point to the therapeutic nature of music, the positive outlet of energy, and the stimulation of the creative processes as reasons to support the continuation and proliferation of music programs. Music programs emphasize cooperation and provide a skill that can be used outside of prison—if not as a source of income, then as a productive hobby. Music programs have traditionally been offered in all kinds of facilities, from lower-security to maximum-security places like Angola and San Quentin. Prison music includes music lessons, playing and performing in groups or bands, and the opportunity to make recordings and/or perform live on radio and television. Historically, prison bands existed in many states in the early 1900s. Today, prison groups and bands sometimes travel outside the prison to perform in parades and at local festivals; others are limited to performing inside ...

Users without subscription are not able to see the full content on this title. Please, subscribe or login to access all content on this website.