Musical Freedom

Our Mission

Changing lives through music in the Colorado Department of Corrections

Musical Freedom currently provides piano, violin, viola, cello, and vocal lessons inside The Denver Women’s Correctional Facility. We seek to provide musical skills to those incarcerated as well as promote confidence in interacting with those on the “outside”.

We seek to provide an opportunity to those imprisoned to find a respite from the stresses of day-to-day prison life. Instructors take time to actively listen as well as give musical instruction. We also seek to provide an outlet for leisure time that involves something constructive, relaxing and builds social relations. Learning to play an instrument, sing, or be part of a group are skills that can be valuable in forming new relationships both inside the walls of a prison and on the outside for those released.

Involvement with a caring instructor from the outside helps build confidence and self-esteem. Being able to bring musical skills to a group setting, such as a band, orchestra, or singing group, also provides for a healthy social outlet and group involvement both inside prison walls and in the outside world. We encourage music students to practice together whenever possible and to teach each other. Learning to cooperate and work together are valuable life skills.

There is a need inside the prison system for programs, such as Musical Freedom, which assist offenders to develop new skills, attitudes, and outlooks on life so they have a better chance of becoming productive citizens once released back into society.

The Need for Funds / How Funds are Utilized:

Instruments to expand the program
Bookcases to house music
Lesson Books and Instructional Materials
Music
Bows for String Instruments
Music Stands
Repairs to Instruments
Replacement Strings
Stipends for Instructors

What We Do

Changing lives through music in the Colorado Department of Corrections

Benefits of Music

Promotes joy
Reduces stress
Improves mood
Reduces anxiety
Teaches new skills
Improves memory
Improves social skills
Enhances self-esteem
Improves sleep quality
Improves mental health
Reduces blood pressure
Creates a happier person
Helps with critical thinking
Boosts the immune system
Enhances intelligence and focus
Enhances patience and discipline
Is mentally relaxing and enjoyable
Provides a bridge to a larger culture
Offers a creative and enjoyable outlet
Contributes to a sense of personal fulfillment
Develop skills necessary for working in groups
Engages the part of the brain involved in paying attention
Changes the brain in positive ways / strengthens brain functions
Provides individuals with a disciplined approach to solving problems
Trains individuals to think differently and process different points of view
Activates three parts of the brain at the same time - language, hearing, and rhythmic mortor control

We currently provide Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, and Vocal lessons. We hope to expand our offerings in the future. Much depends on obtaining qualified instructors and generous donations.

Mentoring is an important part of what both our professional instructors and our volunteer assistants do when meeting reqularly with the offenders.

Music provides a respite from the stresses of prison life, assists in the development of social skills and provides for a healthy social outlet both inside the prison walls and outside in society. Working cooperatively in a musical group leads to valuable life skills upon release.