Musical Connections
Deeply committed to helping people achieve positive, meaningful creative goals, Musical Connections invites men at Sing Sing Correctional Facility to create and perform music side by side with visiting professional artists. A series of biweekly workshops focuses on developing skill in composition, songwriting, and performance, while several concerts throughout the year that feature original works written and performed by the artistic community serve and entertain the facility’s residents, staff, and families. Since the music residency began in 2010, more than 200 original pieces have been composed by program participants with the Musical Connections Resident Ensemble collaborating in concert with acclaimed guest artists, including Common, Joyce DiDonato, Arturo O’Farrill, and Rhiannon Giddens.
The workshops serve as a vehicle for personal empowerment and a catalyst for holistic change. Participants unlock their creative potential, build meaningful community, and find healing through music, all the while also fostering a sense of purpose and hope for the future—important skills to develop as they prepare to return to their homes and communities. The advisory committee—made up of men who have returned home—provide support to current participants, empowering them to overcome challenges of reintegration, rebuild family relationships, and create new community ties together. Members of the committee meets also meet monthly as a band in Carnegie Hall’s Resnick Education Wing to support each other, inform the program, and make music. From Carnegie Hall to Columbia University’s Center for Justice, from the Global Citizen Festival to the Beyond the Bars Conference, they appear alongside leading voices.
Partnership Opportunities: Teaching Artists
Available for Partnerships: New York State
Season: School Year
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Learn firsthand about the artistic community at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, part of Carnegie Hall’s Musical Connections.
“I want my music to show that it helped me change my life and gave me a new outlook on how I live my life now.
“I’ve felt so encouraged this season. I know I have so much more to learn, but thanks to everyone involved I never felt like I couldn’t achieve something regarding my musical pursuits. It makes me want to put in all the effort.
“I am so grateful to be part of Musical Connections. It has made me realize that no matter where we come from, what the color of our skin, what God we pray to or what our musical ability is, we have more in common than we have differences. But it’s working together across those differences that makes this work so worthwhile and so absolutely amazing.
“Carnegie Hall deserves an applause for keeping these men connected with their families and for identifying their talents. Everyone deserves a second chance. They are incarcerated men but have more in them than people realize; it’s not all negative when their strengths are identified and acknowledged.
“I’ve learned more than just the technique of performance—I’ve learned about self-confidence and collaboration with others, which I so richly enjoy.
Learn about Carnegie Hall’s work in justice settings through its innovative education programs.
