Sing Sing Correctional Facility Flagship

Musicambia currently serves 32 incarcerated men at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Every other weekend between September and June, our dedicated faculty of world-class Teaching Artists offer men incarcerated at Sing Sing a diverse syllabus that focuses on instrumental music instruction, music theory, composition and ensemble performance skills.

Students demonstrate a wide variety of musical skills. Some have spent years as Musicambia students, some are picking up an instrument learned in childhood, and others are discovering music for the first time. As good concerts are a collective responsibility, our more experienced students are encouraged to mentor their less experienced colleagues throughout the year to strengthen the ensemble and build teamwork skills. In addition to our regular workshops, we also organize several student concerts throughout the year. Participants perform their original music for audiences of up to 150 people including members of the general prison population, corrections officers and administrators.

Faculty members travel to Sing Sing on a rotating schedule with some attending as often as twice a month. While these frequent visits are the most expensive aspect of the program, they are also what make Musicambia successful. Students respond positively to seeing the same faces return every week. There is a recognition that the faculty is investing time and energy in the program and this stimulates the drive to succeed in their musical studies.

Last updated: 10-9-23