This non profit nurtures the creative spirit for those who are MOST in need. By providing an outlet of creative expression this organization is forging a spiritual and emotional connection with those who are so often overlooked and underestimated. Bravo. Keep it up.
What an incredible organization! The graduates of their programs are well-rounded, creative, driven men (and soon there will be girls too!) that, through the help of Musicambia, have been able to find focus and purpose in their music. These are the kinds of programs we should be supporting, if we want to to bring down the rate of recidivism.
Musicambia is one of the most important and rewarding organizations I have ever had the pleasure of working with. The dedication of the staff is beyond compare and the commitment to students at any stage of their education - from program participant to alumni - is active, positive, and engaging.
This is an organization that understands that positive impact cannot be achieved with temporary engagement. As long as Musicambia continues to invest in its students, I will continue to invest in Musicambia.
I am a formerly incarcerated participant of Musicambia, and currently a board member. Their honest commitment to sharing the power of music with incarcerated people has been a beacon of hope and light for me and many of my friends. Many people feel that prisoners deserve nothing but punishment, and others idealize prisoners as hapless victims of a larger system. Teaching artists with Musicambia focus on the art of music-making and connect with the best of humanity in all of us. They embody the values of diligent work, prosocial engagement, and open collaboration. Because of Musicambia, I left prison with a significantly more healthy outlook than I would have otherwise.
Musicambia continues to inspire. I am excited to see this organization grow and continue its great work.
Musicambia is changing lives of incarcerated people through music. The powerful stories that are told by the 'graduates' of Musicambia's programs in Sing Sing and other prisons are powerful testaments to the ability of the arts to impact society. The success of Musicambia shows that this organization is trailblazing the way of how to change lives for the better.
Musicambia is dedicated to changing lives of all involved with this non-profit, both the people learning musical skills and the people teaching. Through shared enterprises such as learning to compose, musical training on an instrument or playing in an ensemble, the people invested have not only an activity, hobby, or professional venture but an identity, purpose, and community that immediately connects them to others socially and professionally. This is progress meant for long term well-being and continued life-skills building.
This organization fills a void that is not addressed by any other. It gives meaning, structure, education and hope to a group of people that are too often overlooked and ignored, allowing them to return to society with nothing positive having happened to them while away. I have seen the good that has been done and the transformations that have occurred. I know that any contribution that is made is very carefully spent to bring the very best results. I highly endorse Musicambia.
Howard K
Previous Stories
I reached out to Musicambia because I was looking for way to support an organization using music performance and education to further social justice. I was already inspired by their mission statement going in, but after volunteering for a few events and seeing Musicambia's impact firsthand, I am still blown away by the amazing work they are accomplishing. The powerful stories of Musicambia alumni -- besides bringing the entire room to tears, without fail -- prove that this type of programming should be universal.
Musicambia is truly a life-changing nonprofit that benefits incarcerated people before and after their release from prison by providing wonderful music education from inspiring young professionals. Inmates are taught to play instruments as well as write music; they then perform music both before and after their release from prison. Musicambia has had a positive effect on those who play and perform the music as well as those who listen to the performances. Playing and performing music gives confidence to those who are re-entering society.
Musicambia does really important work and is a really exciting organization. I am honored to be a part of what they do.
Musicambia aligns with my values of what art truly is and can be for all people: an experience of personal growth and integrity, tested with incremental changes over an extended period of time. The Musicambia staff/instructors are the best in the business and they participate in this project out of an amazing passion and commitment. Matching great teachers with great students, this is a well run and visionary non-profit organization.
Musicambia is just amazing! This organization pairs world class musicians with those incarcerated at Sing Sing. Learning to play an instrument and then playing with others requires a whole set of skills that will help these men as they are reintroduced to society. The musicians who meet with the prisoners are supurb role models! Hopefully Musicambia will be able to expand into other facilities and/or be a model for other programs throughout the country.
Musicambia is an incredible organization which I am proud to support. Music has incredible power to uplift the soul and bringing this to individuals who are incarcerated is such an important part of their rehabilitation. Too often one hears about how the correctional system is riddled with problems and inefficiencies leading to worse situations for those who have ended up within those confines. It's important to see the good in humans and focus on amplifying the great qualities that we all have. I'm a proud supporter of this organization and encourage others to donate to the cause.
An excellent initiative that is going a long way to bring about change and empowerment in the lives of these incarcerated men. I wholeheartedly applaud this organisation and its efforts to show the difference that music can make in peoples lives.
This is a wonderful organization run by individuals dedicated to creating a better society, for the incarcerated and for everyone. Their mission is to use music for rehabilition has the real potential to create social change.
Musicambia is providing an invaluable service to this stigmatized population!
Its important to support organizations like this ESPECIALLY at times like this. The organization full of passionate folks working to make positive change- giving underserved and overlooked populations the opportunity to see the world, and see themselves in a brand new light. Bravo.
Creating art of any kind is a discipline as well as creation. The opportunity to practice learning an instrument for incarcerated people is a liberating experience. It lifts the heart as well as the spirit helping the prisoners to find meaning and a healing space. Bravo to both teachers and pupils
I met Nathan Schram about a year ago in an attempt to get involved with Musicambia. Although it didn't materialize I'll never forget the dedication and passion he has for this program. These musicians truly are focusing on others, nothing is done for their own benefit. They have deeply rooted compassion and are generously sharing their time, energy, and money to change lives in prison. I know very few others causes worth supporting as much as this.
Musicambia creates extraordinary outcomes for incarcerated individuals throughout the US on a shoestring budget. I am constantly amazed by the organization's capacity for growth and ability to reach new communities. The staff works extremely hard and truly values their students. Visiting a prison for a single concert is a wonderful thing but the weekly investment that this program makes in giving participants the ability to create their own art rather than just receive it is outstanding.
The subject of recidivism is central to the global conversation on incarceration. Students who participate in this program and are later released from prison seem to return to their communities invested in having a positive influence on their friends, neighbors and families. I have met many alumni at Musicambia fundraising events. These men are now pursuing jobs and advanced education - and they are all still playing music. It is truly inspiring.
Musicambia is a wonderful organization run by an incredibly dedicated staff and faculty who give so much time and energy to create a meaningful program. It is undoubtedly one of the most mission-driven organizations I know. Their priority is always the people being served. Great thought and care is put into crafting curricula that serve incarcerated students. Long-term relationships are built, community is fostered (within prisons--not an easy thing!), and communication is maintained even after students have been released.
I have volunteered with this program as a teaching artist (and I continue to be a supporter), and it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. There is nothing like seeing firsthand the community that can be created--literally anywhere--simply with music and caring, dedicated individuals. Musicambia has already provided that to many, and their impact is only just beginning!
