Believe Music Heals, a program geared toward helping residents find their voice using breathing techniques, singing, and songwriting, has graduated more than two dozen residents.

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

After three years, the program has grown into more than a music program, it has brought healing and transformative power to individuals aspiring to find their voice. Goldman said she believes healing out of illness and past traumas come through the music created by incarcerated persons. She challenges participants to unlock their creativity. 

The program started when San Quentin Rabbi Paul Schefflar reached outside the community for an electric guitar, music artist 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.

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

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

Many of the graduates performed a psalm they wrote in front of more than 50 residents and guests.

Resident Daniel McKee said he has played the guitar since he was 10-years-old, but that he has never kept any of his song rights.

“This class gave me a voice and made me hold a better version of myself. My self-esteem has improved because Essence works with us at our pace and gave us a belief that we could pursue the vision of putting our psalms and writing into music,” McKee said.