Believe Music Heals has grown into more than a music program in its first three years, bringing healing and transformative power to individuals aspiring to find their voices.

The program has uplifted dozens on a journey through the creative process. Using breathing techniques, singing, and songwriting, residents from different backgrounds and talent levels tell personal stories that bring light and beauty into a dark place.

San Quentin Rabbi Paul Schefflar started the program when he reached outside the community for an electric guitar, award winning Bay Area musician Essence Goldman responded, and the two collaborated. Goldman has released six albums on independent and major labels. She hopes to create albums for the incarcerated.

Resident Daniel McKie is one of the concept’s beneficiaries. ”This class gave me a voice and made me a whole better version of myself. My self-esteem has improved because Essence works with us at our pace and gives us a belief that we could pursue the vision of putting our songs and writing into music,” he said.

McKie was incarcerated at 19 years of age. He said he has played guitar since he was 10, but he has never kept any of the songs he writes. Now 26, he is pursuing a musical career. “Being an incarcerated lifer, I have finally found an outlet that saved my life,” McKie said.

Self-taught and lacking confidence, McKie said at the beginning of the program he wanted to throw away the songs he wrote like he had always done. But the class made him a better version of himself and allowed him to overcome stage fright and confidence issues.

“I feel confident enough now to pursue my musical dreams. My songs are intended to grab the attention of younger people. I tell my life story to mentor and help someone so they don’t have to go through the same dark path I did,” McKie said.

Goldman believes that healing from illness and past traumas comes through the music created by incarcerated persons and she challenges participants to unlock their creativity. She has recorded more than three albums full of music penned and performed by residents, many of whom had little previous experience composing.

“Music brings people together, creates community, and provides an opportunity to be seen and heard in new ways,” Goldman said. “Doing that, we create authentic connection and new possibilities to pivot in our lives and make change.”

Resident James Talivaa, incarcerated for 23 years, said the program afforded him the opportunity to be himself. He said he would write rhythmic songs that were about his family and lived experiences. 

“This program made me feel like I was noticed. I want others to hear my songs and hopefully they can relate,” Talivaa said.

His songs are usually about downfalls, but he had an upbeat story about empathy for his nine brothers and how they treated each other. He said after he had kids he saw the similarities to his childhood experiences and wanted to tell those stories.

Rabbi Schefflar spoke about the transformation of Chapel C’s space with the establishment of all the music programs. His ongoing support has enabled music in San Quentin to flourish and empower residents to tell their life’s journey through songwriting and performances.

“I do believe music heals not just people making the music. It is a blessing that goes through the player and through their creativity,” Schefflar said. “The more we encourage and do this, the more light and beauty that come into the world.”

Almost 20 of the graduates performed a song they wrote in front of more than 50 residents and guests.

“A lot of music being created is really heartfelt. I enjoyed how the feelings came through in their performances. It was impressive,” resident Raymond Melberg said. “The Spanish performers stepped right into their culture and the music of their environment.”