Addressing the failures of the U.

S prison system:
Incorporating music into the lives of prisoners to
enhance rehabilitation and decrease recidivism

The United States Department of Justice says there are four main goals of a prison: retribution
which is punishing individuals for committing a crime, incapacitation which is preventing
offenders from continued harm to the public, deterrence which is discouraging people from
committing crimes, and rehabilitation which is of course rehabilitating the mindset and
behavior of offenders to prevent recidivism (the relapse into crime of a released convict) and
promote healing.1 These goals address public safety along with bettering those who are
incarcerated. However, with the lack of mental health support, dehumanizing conditions, and
violence within U.S penitentiary walls, the system meant to help, causes further harm to both
inmates and the public.

The U.S prison population has rates of mental illness at least three times the national
average.2 By recreating a prison scenario with college students, American Psychological
Association Past-president Philip G. Zimbardo in his Stanford Prison Experiment of 1973,
found that prison-like environments can turn psychologically healthy people depressed and
mentally unwell. The experiment that was supposed to go on for 1-2 weeks had to be shut
down after 6 days due to the extreme psychological distress students were facing.3

Overall, the environment of U.S prisons expose an engrained issue within the penitentiary
system; poor prison conditions and the lack of support for inmates fails to lead to the
betterment of offenders which in turn fails to prevent recidivism. This issue brief looks into
how implementation of educational music therapy rehabilitation programs could decrease
relapse of criminal behavior and serve as a therapy for the trauma prisoners have faced and
continue to face in prison.

1
“Goals of Corrections: Perspectives from the Line | Office of Justice Programs.” n.d. Www.ojp.gov.
https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/goals-corrections-perspectives-line.

2
Etienne Benson. 2003. “Rehabilitate or Punish?” American Psychological Association. July 2003. https://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug03/rehab.

3
Etienne Benson. 2003. “Rehabilitate or Punish?” American Psychological Association. July 2003. https://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug03/rehab.
Background: The destructiveness of the prison experience
Despite the destructive
conditions existing in many U.S
prisons today, rehabilitation
used to be a fundamental
aspect of prison policy. In the
1970s, a turning point occurred
and the idea of tough discipline
became the main focus of
prisons’ goals.

Consequently, the rates of

incarceration increased. The
United States has the highest
percentage of incarcerated
individuals than any other
developed country.4

Despite high rates of incarceration, the National Institute for

Corrections has recognized its effect on preventing
recidivism as “minimal at best” and that increased
incarceration rates have no effect on violent crime,
sometimes even increasing crime.5

From solitary confinement to emotional and physical

neglect, the prison conditions and poor treatment faced by
inmates leads to extreme forms of dehumanization and a
lack of ability to express a positive sense of individuality.
Harm and abuse is fueled by the prison power hierarchy; a
system where a correctional officer is tasked with punishing
prisoners leads to an increase in violence between prisoners
themselves.6 Neglectful and violent conditions worsen mental health and disorders such as

4
Etienne Benson. 2003. “Rehabilitate or Punish?” American Psychological Association. July 2003. https://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug03/rehab.
5
“The Prison Paradox: More Incarceration Will Not Make Us Safer (2017) | National Institute of Corrections.” n.d. Nicic.gov.
https://nicic.gov/weblink/prison-paradox-more-incarceration-will-not-make-us-safer-2017#:~:text=%22Despite%20its%20widespread%20use%2C%20research.

6
Mona Lynch. 2015. “Overcoming Dehumanization: The Challenge for a Jurisprudence of Dignity.” Edited by Jonathan Simon. Social Justice 42 (2 (140)): 172–77.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/24871291?seq=4.
PTSD. A commonality throughout inmates' experiences in prison is the lack of ability to
express identity and accompanying feelings of hopelessness.7 Understandably, prison
conditions have a strong impact on the behavior of inmates. PhD Craig Haney’s in his book
Reforming Punishment: Psychological Limits to the Pains of Imprisonment, discusses how
“fundamentally flawed prison policies' ' and lack of rehabilitation in prisons leads to mental
damage while in prison and an increase in crime rate upon being released.8 A rehabilitative
program focused on building social connection, enhancing creative expression, and creating
an educational environment could fight this destructive environment.

The power of music on mental health

Being known as “the universal language”, music has the ability to connect people of all
backgrounds. A study done by science daily found music evokes similar bodily sensations
across the world.9 A rehabilitation program that has the ability to create common experience
and connect many different people could enhance relationships. Strengthened social bonds
could perhaps lessen violent urges.

Three-quarters of people aged 50 to 80 say music helps them relieve stress or relax and 65%
say it improves their mental health or mood.10 Music education in schools has been shown to
contribute to enhanced creativity and confidence, emotional stability, better mental health,
and improved student performance.11 Music is beneficial for people of all ages. Music has the
ability to enhance creative and technical skills, enhance relational connections, and improve
mental and physical wellbeing. Implementation of this music oriented rehabilitation could
help replace the current toxic environment of violence and address deteriorating mental
health in prisons. In an environment where feelings of hopelessness are common, this
program could create more of a purpose, give more meaning to life, and provide more reason
to do good.

7
Information, National Center for Biotechnology, U. S. National Library of Medicine 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD, and 20894 Usa. 2005. 9 Treatment Issues
Specific to Prisons. Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572935/.

8
2024. Apa.org. 2024. https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/4316061#:~:text=Overview-.

9
University of Turku. "Music causes similar emotions and bodily sensations across cultures." ScienceDaily.
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240130133606.htm (accessed March 24, 2024).

10
Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan. "Music may bring health benefits for older adults, poll suggests." ScienceDaily.
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240207120507.htm (accessed March 24, 2024).

11
“Music Education Benefits Youth Wellbeing.” n.d. ScienceDaily.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230118195730.htm#:~:text=Other%20research%20also%20has%20shown.
Addressing recidivism with productive and rehabilitative
programming
A main goal of a music rehabilitation program is to reduce re-offense of people released from
prison. Considering the strong impact prison environment has on inmates behavior,
rehabilitative programming has the ability to create a safer prison environment. When
inmates have productive activities to focus on, it lessens the chance of involvement with
misconduct. 12 Contemporary research shows rehabilitation programs in prisons reduce
recidivism by about 10%.13 Furthermore, prisoners who participate in educational programs
are 43% less likely to return to prison after being released. Considering that rehabilitation is
not a main focus of many U.S correctional facilities, if even more resources went towards
improving rehabilitation programs, these percentages could increase. With reduced violence
and the spread of education, positive behavior and mental health is more likely to improve. As
stated earlier, educational programming, especially that which involves creativity, provides
hope for prisoners giving them an objective and a purpose. This is exemplified in the case of
Sing Sing correctional facility.

Exemplifying a musical approach to psychological rehabilitation:

Carnegie Hall implemented a music education and rehabilitation program by bringing a
year-long music workshop to Sing Sing maximum security prison in Ossining, New York. In
this program, inmates practice songs to perform at an end of year concert. Participants of the
program reflected on the way the music provided them with hope, combating the common
feelings of loneliness and depression that arise while in prison. There were many shared
sentiments of the power of connection fostered by music. People were given more
opportunity to create their own joy and share it with those around them.14

Another study done in Norway that brought music therapy to a correctional facility found
participation in music therapy increased feelings of belonging. It allowed inmates to explore
their identities and address their emotions.15

Though rehabilitation programs involving music and creativity have been shown to have
positive effects on the mental wellbeing and rehabilitation of prisoners, there aren’t many in
12
The United States Department of Justice. 2017. “Prison Reform: Reducing Recidivism by Strengthening the Federal Bureau of Prisons.” Justice.gov. March 6,
2017. https://www.justice.gov/archives/prison-reform.

13
Jamie Santa Cruz. 2022. “Rethinking Prison as a Deterrent to Future Crime.” Knowable Magazine, July. https://doi.org/10.1146/knowable-071222-3.

14
2024. Carnegiehall.org. 2024. https://www.carnegiehall.org/Education/Programs/Musical-Connections#learn.

15
Kjetil Hjørnevik, and Leif Waage. 2018. “The Prison as a Therapeutic Music Scene: Exploring Musical Identities in Music Therapy and Everyday Life in a Prison
Setting.” Punishment & Society 21 (4): 146247451879418. https://doi.org/10.1177/1462474518794187.
implementation in the U.S. To find how best music can be incorporated into prison, policy
recommendations can be discussed.

Various sides of implementing music therapy and education into prison

life
While it’s unrealistic to expect a change in the prison system as a whole right away, certain
programs can encourage an increased emphasis on rehabilitation. Increased positive
outcomes from musical rehabilitative programs will make further implementation more likely.
Taking inspiration from Carnegie Hall, a great way to implement music education and foster
creativity in prisons is bringing in musicians or music teachers to teach workshops where
music is taught and practiced. This workshop could be an extension of existing educational
programs in prisons, an extension of the psychological department, or an intersection of the
two.

Hardships and oppositions of implementing this policy:

Ethical opposition:
One ethical concern with this kind of
rehabilitative programming comes
from considering the people in
prison who are incarcerated for
violent crimes. Victims of those
perpetrators may not support
money going into art programs
rather than discipline based
approaches. However, a study done
by the Prison Policy Initiative
uncovered victims' perspective on
what should happen to perpetrators.
The infographic above shows that victims generally see the value in rehabilitation even
though they have been violated. People recognize the importance of rehabilitation in order to
improve someone's behavior.
Feasibility opposition:
Another hardship is implementation and funding. Correctional facilities already have trouble
keeping up with regular prison caseload and basic mental health services. Not only would it
be difficult to find funding to support a music education/therapy rehabilitation program but it
may take away from pre-existing mental health resources such as drug rehabilitation or
availability of psychologists.16

A musical rehabilitation program requires obtaining equipment and finding qualified

musicians to lead workshops. An argument against this program may be prioritizing basic
mental health services before implementing creative arts. A way of implementing this arts
program without hurting current mental health resource access is crucial.

Despite these hardships, rehabilitative programming that goes beyond basic mental health
therapy and encourages individual expression and creativity would be extremely beneficial.

Funding and obtaining resources

In order to implement an eductive musical therapy program, proper funding is crucial. There
are many different options in addressing this.

Non-government organizations and businesses:

The music education program implemented by Carnegie Hall is a great example of how a
partnership with a business can support focused rehabilitative programing. There are
different organizations making an effort to improve the prison system. With good
advertisement, there may be many willing to provide the resources for this program to
function.

Donations:
Another common way programs get funding is through donations. Recalling the support
victims had for rehabilitation programming, it’s likely there are people willing to donate.
There are already many people working towards improving the justice system.

16
Etienne Benson. 2003. “Rehabilitate or Punish?” American Psychological Association. July 2003. https://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug03/rehab.
Volunteering:
On a similar page as donations, volunteering gives people fulfillment knowing they are
helping a cause. Whether it be volunteers to help with advertising, asking for donations,
finding resources, etc., there are always people willing to help out if you look in the right
places.

The role of communication

Another important aspect of implementation logistics is communication. This means
collaboration with the prison faculty as well as bringing people together to work on the
initiative. Because policies can’t be implemented without agreement from the facility,
partnership with both the educational programs along with the rehabilitation programs
should be pursued.

Initiatives like this are already being pursued which

can be seen in the graphic to the left. Musicians who
cared about justice issues created a discussion
panel to talk about bringing music to incarcerated
people.

Implementing a rehabilitative music program like

this begins with a person or group of people who
care. It can start with a simple conversation that
brings like-minded and passionate people together
to discuss action. An organizer of this community
conversation, saxophonist Caroline Davis, began the
initiative because of her family member who was
incarcerated. Davis was a guest artist at the 2024
Penn State Jazz fest of April 5th - 6th. Whether it is
because of an incarcerated family member or a
desire for criminal justice, there are people who
care. There are people who are willing to make an
effort and communicate to push initiatives that better the system.
Conclusion

Documentation:
After the music workshop program is implemented. Lasting impacts are more likely to be
made if success rates are recorded. If people hear about positive effects of the program,
support for further implementation may follow. This could be done through questionnaires
given to inmates, faculty, and others involved.

The face of success:

Implementing rehabilitative music programs in prisons could create an intersection between

providing education and addressing mental health concerns. Not only could inmates improve
a skill but they would be able to make connections with those around them. Through creating
opportunities of creative expression this kind of program could combat feelings of
depersonalization and counteract prisoners' lack of ability to express themself.

Spending years in prison, the violence, the struggle to express one's authentic self, and the
dehumanization that goes on behind prison walls doesn’t often lead to productive behavior
upon being released from prison. The toxic prison environment in the U.S. teaches people
how to build a wall of defensiveness. Music, which allows people to express themselves while
making connections is likely to lead to positive growth in prison and increased positive
behavior upon being released from prison.

Bibliography:

2024. Carnegiehall.org. 2024.

https://www.carnegiehall.org/Education/Programs/Musical-Connections#learn.
Etienne Benson. 2003. “Rehabilitate or Punish?” American Psychological Association. July
2003. https://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug03/rehab.

2024. Apa.org. 2024. https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/4316061#:~:text=Overview-.

Equal Justice Initiative. 2019. “Prison Conditions | Equal Justice Initiative.” Equal
Justice Initiative. 2019. https://eji.org/issues/prison-conditions/.

“Goals of Corrections: Perspectives from the Line | Office of Justice Programs.” n.d.
Www.ojp.gov.
https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/goals-corrections-perspectives-line.
Information, National Center for Biotechnology, U. S. National Library of Medicine 8600
Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD, and 20894 Usa. 2005. 9 Treatment Issues Specific to
Prisons. Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572935/.

Kjetil Hjørnevik, and Leif Waage. 2018. “The Prison as a Therapeutic Music Scene: Exploring
Musical Identities in Music Therapy and Everyday Life in a Prison Setting.” Punishment &
Society 21 (4): 146247451879418. https://doi.org/10.1177/1462474518794187.

Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan. "Music may bring health benefits for older
adults, poll suggests." ScienceDaily.
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240207120507.htm (accessed March 24, 2024).

Mona Lynch. 2015. “Overcoming Dehumanization: The Challenge for a Jurisprudence of

Dignity.” Edited by Jonathan Simon. Social Justice 42 (2 (140)): 172–77.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/24871291?seq=4.

“Music Education Benefits Youth Wellbeing.” n.d. ScienceDaily.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230118195730.htm#:~:text=Other%20researc
h%20also%20has%20shown.

Santa Cruz, Jamie. 2022. “Rethinking Prison as a Deterrent to Future Crime.” Knowable
Magazine, July. https://doi.org/10.1146/knowable-071222-3.

The United States Department of Justice. 2017. “Prison Reform: Reducing Recidivism by
Strengthening the Federal Bureau of Prisons.” Justice.gov. March 6, 2017.
https://www.justice.gov/archives/prison-reform.

University of Turku. "Music causes similar emotions and bodily sensations across cultures."
ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240130133606.htm (accessed March
24, 2024).

Us Safer (2017) | National Institute of Corrections.” n.d. Nicic.gov.

https://nicic.gov/weblink/prison-paradox-more-incarceration-will-not-make-us-safer-2017#:~:
text=%22Despite%20its%20widespread%20use%2C%20research.