Guitars are generally allowed in federal prisons in the U.S. Of course, under indisputable conditions. Although, state prisons mostly don’t allow prisoners to have any instrument.
That’s because in state prisons all the prisoners are usually accused of doing serious crime, for instance, Murders, rapes, kidnapping, treason, robbery, arson etc.
Inmates are not allowed to play guitar in the cell. That’s due to safety reason, strings can be used as suicide tool, or to be used to commit murder.
Usually prisons provide separate instrument rooms with various instruments. That is generally sound proof.
Sometimes, there in prisons they allow prisoners to have annual shows, directed by a group of prisoners, generally that means prisoners can organize a show for their colleagues.
Nothing in prison is universal, however many states do offer music in prison and allow prisoners to buy an instrument from a vendor approved catalog. Or some prisons accept instrument donations.
Some prisons allow prisoners to have their instrument in their cell, but it depends on the warden and the specific facility rules. Regardless of the prison’s tight rules, prison is where they continue or even develop musical talent.
In some prisons showing emotions is a weakness so prisoners hide their emotion by playing guitar or other instruments.
Some prisoners also write lyrics. In some prisons musical instruments are used for church services, and felons who meet the requirements are allowed to play them.
Playing Instruments In Prison
The prison’s environment can be pretty depressing, especially for the first timer. Music counts as one of the quality therapies worth clinging on for relief and consolation.
Nowadays, lots of prisons have special programs for music and music instruments. Interested prisoners need to register their name to participate in these programs.
They can attend these sessions in their free time. In some cases, some of the prisoners are allowed to own these instruments.
Some prisoners can take guitar or other instruments to their cells. Or else prisoners have to purchase instruments on their own.
Although the authority of prisons must certify that the instrument is from a recognized catalog and seller.
Lucky prisoners join those prisons with recording studios. In these prisons’ prisoners are often given limited access. Also, there is close monitoring.
Some Hit Songs Written By Prisoners
- Johnny Cash- At Folsom Prison and San Quentin
- Lil Wayne– I Am not a Human Being
- Shayne– Godfather Buried Alive
Do Prisons Offer Music Programs As Well?
There are music programs in prisons. Usually these are in the form of volunteer-driven programs. Music programs can range from prison choir, solo singing, song recording, instrument learning.
Music programs are always present in most of the prison, often as a rule. Music programs within prison facilities relent to more success and even more subdued destructive behaviors.
In some prisons music programs are held because music can be helpful and beneficial for reducing stress, anger issues.
Music can encourage mentally ill prisoners for healthy communication and give inmates a contact zone with music that can help inmates in and out of prisons.
In California, to help relapse they have expanded their prison arts and music program. These music and instrument programs aim to reduce relapse, support rehabilitation, and create a safer environment inside prison.
AIC (arts in corrections) program is a partnership between California DOC and California Arts Council.
They offer many music programs throughout their provision, they vary from Afro-Cuban drumming to hip-hop. They also offer theatre, creative writing, sculpture, and poetry.
In 2017, California straightened a month-long arts and music program extension into all of their adult facilities, which made it the first state funded of this kind in the United states.
Studies show that after California executed their AIC program, 75% of participating inmates had fewer disciplinary actions.
They were 27% less likely to reoffend after they were released. The psychological impact is even greater.
AIC’s music program shows a positive impact on inmates’ ability to manage their emotions and also to have healthy communication with others, and to work with others.