Four days a week, Yu “Paul” Chen gets up early. He makes his way through a checkpoint and then a heavy, medieval-looking metal door to sit behind a 21st-century computer where he works on the sound design for a fictional commercial.
“I read the books inside the cell and use the classroom for hands-on — to maximize the resources available to us,” Chen said.
Chen is one of 12 incarcerated students in an audio and video engineering program at San Quentin State Prison. The curriculum includes the fundamentals of audio engineering, audio post-production, and techniques for mixing music and spoken word. The backbone of the course is Avid Pro-Tools, the industry-standard software for digital audio processing. The students also learn critical thinking and problem-solving techniques.
Four years ago, Chen completed a coding program in which he learned webpage development skills. Chen says that the coding program was good for him and allowed him to refresh his skills and keep up with industry standards for web applications.
“Before I came to prison, the web had not quite launched for everyone,” Chen said. “It had just started. Now, I know that I can contribute and earn a nice living.”
He continued coding until he was selected for the audio and video engineering program.
“I hope in the future, I can combine coding and audio,” Chen said. “This is the first step in learning what’s in the recording industry.”
Chen’s hope turned brighter on Sept. 7 when the parole board determined he was suitable for release.
“My feelings are for the victim’s family,” Chen said. “Twenty-seven years ago, I would be lacking that feeling. I have compassion for the people who are hostile for my release. For that, I feel that I am a better person.”
To qualify for the audio and video engineering program, applicants must have a General Education Diploma or high school diploma, two-to-four years left on their current sentence, an excellent (recent) disciplinary record, no prior record for cyber crimes, and a desire to pursue computer programming and/or education post-release.
Lawrence “Tank” Cox-Da-vis, 33, already an accomplished musician, has performed in churches and clubs since he was16 years old.
“I always wanted to produce music, but I never knew the technical side,” Cox-Davis said. “With the stuff I’m learning, I can go right into a studio because I’m learning the industry standard and I can speak the professional jargon.”
Cox-Davis says he thought the course would be more difficult than it is, but “how we’re taught makes it a lot easier, so when I hit the streets, I won’t have to worry about a paycheck.”
Cox-Davis says the audio and engineering program is “one of the best” investments that taxpayers could make because he’s confident that when he’s paroled he won’t be coming back to prison.
Quinn “Cory” Martin, 42, recalled an interview process that contained a lot of “what if” questions regarding high-stress situations.
“Being asked those kinds of questions made me feel normal,” Martin said. “I felt comfortable, like I’m preparing for a job once I’m out of here.”
Martin said that when he got an acceptance letter in the mail, he felt like his life was picking up. The accomplished musician said that his limited experience in sound design prior to incarceration slowed his career.
“Now, I’m learning sound design the right way,” Martin said. “We have the tools right in front of us and if we have any questions, we have Google Meet.”
Martin talks about using his free time to create his own music. “We’ll get dry audio and learn how to spice it up,” Martin said as he flips through a Step-by-Step Mixing guide-book with color-coded notes.
The program also includes professional development assistance for fundamentals such as résumé writing, how to apply for a Social Security Number, an identification card, transitional housing and other basic services formerly incarcerated persons might need.
Martin says he has less than a year to serve in prison and aims to complete the course before he paroles.
“This shows that I wasn’t wasting my time in prison,” Martin said. “Plus, my daughter sings and I would love to record her.”
