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BUILDING COMMUNITY
THROUGH MUSIC

Learn More


WHEN WE SING WE CHANGE WHO WE ARE, WHEN WE CHANGE WHO WE ARE WE CHANGE THE
WORLD.

FIND OUT MORE


WHO WE ARE

AT UNLOCKING HARMONY, WE ENVISION A FUTURE WHERE MUSIC BECOMES A TRANSFORMATIVE
FORCE WITHIN THE CRIMINAL REHABILITATION PROCESS.

We believe in the power of music-making and singing to heal, unite, and empower
individuals, fostering a sense of community both inside and outside prison
walls.

By asking, “Who isn’t singing and why?” we commit to amplifying silenced voices,
advocating for inclusivity, and ensuring that the healing power of music reaches
every member of the prison community.

Join us in creating a harmonious future where every voice is heard and valued.

Learn More

Unlocking Harmony with the Chesterfield County Jail’s HARP Program


UNLOCKING HARMONY: SONGS FROM THE INSIDE

GIVING VOICE TO THOSE WHOSE VOICES ARE SILENCED. ONE SONG AT A TIME

Unlocking Harmony is a pioneering program that collaborates with incarcerated
individuals to share their unique stories and voices through the powerful medium
of songwriting.

Our mission is grounded in the transformative power of music as a tool for
healing and a means to practice and enhance interpersonal skills. These skills
are not only crucial for navigating life during incarceration but are also vital
in the process of rebuilding lives post-incarceration.

We are committed to creating a space where creating music translates into
personal growth and healing. Through music as a way of self -expression, we
empower individuals by giving them a sense of agency. This can lead profound
personal and communal transformations.


OUR PROGRAM

UNLOCKING HARMONY OFFERS A SUITE OF UNIQUE SERVICES DESIGNED TO AMPLIFY THE
VOICES OF INCARCERATED AND FORMERLY INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS THROUGH THE POWER
OF MUSIC AND STORYTELLING.

Our programs facilitate personal transformation, foster community connections
and promote social awareness. They also support personal growth and healing
while engaging the wider community in a dialogue about justice, rehabilitation,
and the transformative power of music.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAM


SONGWRITING WORKSHOPS

Documentary Songwriting is a unique step-by-step method of collaborative
songwriting that builds connection, empathy, and a shared sense of humanity. The
Documentary Songwriting Method breaks down the creative process to allow anyone,
regardless of their musical background, to transform a personal story into an
enduring song. Click here to learn more about Documentary Songwriting.


LIVE WORKSHOP PERFORMANCES

Following a song-writing workshop, songs created are performed live by the
songwriters for their fellow residents and facility staff, showcasing the fruits
of their creative journey.


AUDIO RECORDINGS

Participants are given the professional audio recordings of the songs they have
written during the workshops, allowing them to share their stories beyond the
workshop setting (as permitted by facility)


LARGER SCALE PERFORMANCES

Songs developed during workshops are performed on a larger scale within prison
and rehabilitation centers. These performances include our songwriters and
“singers from the outside,” making these stories accessible to family, friends,
and community members.


PROFESSIONAL OUTSIDE PERFORMANCES

Songs crafted during workshops are performed by professional musicians in venues
outside of prisons and rehabilitation centers, broadening the audience and
impact of these powerful narratives.


PROFESSIONAL RECORDINGS AND VIDEOS

The songs are professionally recorded and produced and performed by choirs or
soloists. Recordings are shared with the public through platforms like YouTube
and Spotify, amplifying the voices of those involved.


COMPREHENSIVE WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE

5-day Workshop with 5-15 resident participants and two teaching artists.
Together, they collaborate to write 3-4 songs based on personal stories. The
process culminates in a performance and Q&A session, providing an intimate space
for reflection and connection.

TESTIMONIALS


FROM UNLOCKING HARMONY WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS

Writing a Documentary Song was definitely a healing process for me. I realize
that I am not a victim anymore, unless I choose to wear that title. I’m not
saying it doesn’t hurt, it still hurts. But this is different. I feel like the
only way out is through. The DocSong process definitely helped me with that.

Stephanie S.


Writing my story with the Documentary Song method changed my life.

Sarah R.


Everybody needs a chance to tell their story. Some people may have never been
heard. And all they need is to be heard. Writing a Documentary Song was
therapeutic for all of us. My story is now a song that is in the world. And it
may be heard by someone else that can understand and relate to it. I released
this story and I am free.

Danielle C.


Since telling my story through creating a Documentary Song, I am content. My
story no longer has a hold on me.

George R.


For me it was the process of witnessing everyone telling their stories, and
hearing their stories, that allowed me to see them a little closer. Gave me more
sympathy and understanding about them. I could see them clearly.

Amy S.


Writing a Documentary Song was definitely a healing process for me. I realize
that I am not a victim anymore, unless I choose to wear that title. I’m not
saying it doesn’t hurt, it still hurts. But this is different. I feel like the
only way out is through. The DocSong process definitely helped me with that.

Stephanie S.


Writing my story with the Documentary Song method changed my life.

Sarah R.

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TESTIMONIALS


FROM STAFF MEMBERS

Music is powerful, it is very powerful when you are hearing someone’s personal
journey face to face. Unlocking Harmony completed a group setting at our
facility this past week. I was able to see the final production at the end of
four days. To say it was moving would be an utter understatement, the residents
who participated shared their story through music. The program targeted the core
values and mission of our department, as evident in the discussions and feelings
shared between staff, residents, and volunteers. I highly recommend the program
to any area where you are looking to strengthen
…



Music is powerful, it is very powerful when you are hearing someone’s personal
journey face to face. Unlocking Harmony completed a group setting at our
facility this past week. I was able to see the final production at the end of
four days. To say it was moving would be an utter understatement, the residents
who participated shared their story through music. The program targeted the core
values and mission of our department, as evident in the discussions and feelings
shared between staff, residents, and volunteers. I highly recommend the program
to any area where you are looking to strengthen the culture and engage with
people at a different level.



Read more “From Prison Staff 1”

Ben Beale, Warden
Maine Correctional Center, Windham, ME

It was a pleasure observing your work in the Maine Women’s Correction Center
here in Windham, Maine. In a very short period of time, you and Malcolm were
able to make such a profound impact on the woman you supported and their peers.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work in the community as well as here
in the prison. My primary focus in therapy is through a trauma lens. I found the
experience of listening to the songs created over a week span was a unique
platform for trauma processing that would stay with these women as
…



It was a pleasure observing your work in the Maine Women’s Correction Center
here in Windham, Maine. In a very short period of time, you and Malcolm were
able to make such a profound impact on the woman you supported and their peers.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work in the community as well as here
in the prison. My primary focus in therapy is through a trauma lens. I found the
experience of listening to the songs created over a week span was a unique
platform for
trauma processing that would stay with these women as well as those that heard
their narrative. Narrative processing in therapy can often take months to years.
In a week you were able to engage women to work together for each to create
their own trauma narrative and share openly with the world. I was beyond
impressed; I was inspired. I hope to see more of your work in these communities
plagued with intergenerational trauma. As each song significantly empowers the
women writing their narrative for the song, a ripple effect forms to help
others.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be enriched by your program.



Read more “From Prison Staff 4”

Jessica Pao, LCSW
Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention– Maine Health

The Unlocking Harmony workshop created an opportunity for the women to tell
their stories, then through a guided process create their song. I wish you could
have been here when they sang their songs to the group. The songs were heartfelt
and empowering for not only the women but to those who attended. The women
through song and music turned what happened to them into an opportunity to find
strength. I laughed, I cried as most of the audience did, but most of all I
listened. This workshop was amazing. The women expressed an interest to have
this workshop again.
…



The Unlocking Harmony workshop created an opportunity for the women to tell
their stories, then through a guided process create their song. I wish you could
have been here when they sang their songs to the group. The songs were heartfelt
and empowering for not only the women but to those who attended. The women
through song and music turned what happened to them into an opportunity to find
strength. I laughed, I cried as most of the audience did, but most of all I
listened. This workshop was amazing. The women expressed an interest to have
this workshop again. Of all the workshops I could recommend I would recommend
having Mimi and Malcolm back.



Read more “From Prison Staff 3”

Linda D. Fearon, Office Associate
Scheduling Coordinator, Women’s Center, Maine Correctional Center, Windham, ME

Through the Unlocking Harmony Program, I had the honor to observe Mimi Bornstein
and Malcolm Brooks successfully support a group of traumatic, shy, timid women
perform individual songs that told their stories of how they ended up
incarcerated and their dreams and aspirations moving forward. It was hard not to
want to tear up, these women were brave and exposed something that is rare to
see in a correctional setting. They exposed their fears, their hearts, and their
souls. This experience has driven me to envision creating a larger event of a
coed team of singers with singers from the
…



Through the Unlocking Harmony Program, I had the honor to observe Mimi Bornstein
and Malcolm Brooks successfully support a group of traumatic, shy, timid women
perform individual songs that told their stories of how they ended up
incarcerated and their dreams and aspirations moving forward. It was hard not to
want to tear up, these women were brave and exposed something that is rare to
see in a correctional setting. They exposed their fears, their hearts, and their
souls. This experience has driven me to envision creating a larger event of a
coed team of singers with singers from the outside joining our incarcerated
singers. The goal is to continue to build community at the Maine Correctional
Center. I would like to continue to humanize the experience of incarcerated
individuals, to support empathy, compassion, and respect through music. I can’t
thank Mimi, and Malcolm enough for the incredible difference this event has made
on the residents, staff, and our community of men and women.



Read more “From Prison Staff 2”

William Segler, Unit Manager
Maine Correctional Center, Windham, ME

Music is powerful, it is very powerful when you are hearing someone’s personal
journey face to face. Unlocking Harmony completed a group setting at our
facility this past week. I was able to see the final production at the end of
four days. To say it was moving would be an utter understatement, the residents
who participated shared their story through music. The program targeted the core
values and mission of our department, as evident in the discussions and feelings
shared between staff, residents, and volunteers. I highly recommend the program
to any area where you are looking to strengthen
…



Music is powerful, it is very powerful when you are hearing someone’s personal
journey face to face. Unlocking Harmony completed a group setting at our
facility this past week. I was able to see the final production at the end of
four days. To say it was moving would be an utter understatement, the residents
who participated shared their story through music. The program targeted the core
values and mission of our department, as evident in the discussions and feelings
shared between staff, residents, and volunteers. I highly recommend the program
to any area where you are looking to strengthen the culture and engage with
people at a different level.



Read more “From Prison Staff 1”

Ben Beale, Warden
Maine Correctional Center, Windham, ME

It was a pleasure observing your work in the Maine Women’s Correction Center
here in Windham, Maine. In a very short period of time, you and Malcolm were
able to make such a profound impact on the woman you supported and their peers.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work in the community as well as here
in the prison. My primary focus in therapy is through a trauma lens. I found the
experience of listening to the songs created over a week span was a unique
platform for trauma processing that would stay with these women as
…



It was a pleasure observing your work in the Maine Women’s Correction Center
here in Windham, Maine. In a very short period of time, you and Malcolm were
able to make such a profound impact on the woman you supported and their peers.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work in the community as well as here
in the prison. My primary focus in therapy is through a trauma lens. I found the
experience of listening to the songs created over a week span was a unique
platform for
trauma processing that would stay with these women as well as those that heard
their narrative. Narrative processing in therapy can often take months to years.
In a week you were able to engage women to work together for each to create
their own trauma narrative and share openly with the world. I was beyond
impressed; I was inspired. I hope to see more of your work in these communities
plagued with intergenerational trauma. As each song significantly empowers the
women writing their narrative for the song, a ripple effect forms to help
others.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be enriched by your program.



Read more “From Prison Staff 4”

Jessica Pao, LCSW
Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention– Maine Health

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