”[A]rts and art therapies were invariably found to be associated with improvements in arousal levels, emotional literacy, and quality of life.”


 

Learning the act of making music together with others and collaborating to create original songs gives participants a proven means of non-confrontational, non-violent expression and self-esteem building.

This process also helps to reduce institutional tensions by giving the participants agency, time, and space for creativity. Skills learned are:

-how to focus on a task.

-how to start and complete a project.

-how to process challenging emotions creatively.

-how to work with others collaboratively.

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All are required skills that will benefit the participants upon release as they re-enter school and/or the workforce. Workshops culminate in ceremonies where participants are awarded certificates of completion, accompanied by participant performances of original songs created during workshops. 

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