Valley State Prison’s Rebirth of Sound supports rehabilitation

August 7, 2025

Music has long played a role in rehabilitation in California prisons, but unique to Valley State Prison is the Rebirth of Sound program. One ally behind the effort is the singer and actor known as Common.

“This is a brand-new music program,” said Sean, one of the incarcerated participants. “It’s revolutionary. There’s never been anything like it.”

Jacob, another participant, said music is important for many reasons, especially inside a prison.

“Music is life for me. Music means a second chance for me,” he said. “It’s giving me a voice, (so) that’s why I’m passionate about it. It’s kept me alive, kept me afloat and it’s given me purpose.”

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Rehabilitation through creative expression

M. Woodruff, lead instructor, believes the program fosters rehabilitation through creative expression.

“I think this program invites the population to become imaginative again, to begin dreaming again,” Woodruff said. “I think out of that dreaming and that imagination, healing happens (and) rehabilitation happens.”

Common speaking to two incarcerated people.

Common sees change in those who take part in the program.

“It’s just genuine human beings (who) are in their creativity and looking forward to doing something out here that’s positive, that’s good,” he said.

Sean said there are many ways this program can be beneficial while incarcerated and after release.

“Also, we’ll be learning Pro Tools and other music industry standard software, to give us tools moving into the future,” Sean said. “Hopefully (we will) be able to translate (these skills) into a career or just as a hobby that brings some emotional growth.”

For Common, the program is inspiring.

“I learn, I listen. Man, I feel fulfilled getting to connect with human beings (like) the brothers I got to meet today,” he said. “Really, I’m grateful for everybody who does the work too. Because, it took people doing this work to allow us to have this program here.”

New program offers hope

Sean said people involved in the program are appreciative for the opportunity to learn new coping mechanisms.

“Having programs like this available here create opportunities for people who are in prison to express themselves and really do work on their rehabilitation,” he said. “If you don’t have a way to process the trauma, the bad decisions, all of the stuff that led to you coming to prison, then you’re never going to be able to break that cycle. Art, music, these programs are crucial to rehabilitation.
They are the backbone on which change and growth are built.”

Common and the warden at Valley State Prison music program, Rebirth of Sound. — Common and Warden Bailey at Valley State Prison’s Rebirth of Sound.

Common said Rebirth of Sound is only possible because of collaboration with prison administrators.

“We’re also grateful to Valley State Prison, Warden Bailey and just the whole team that allowed this to happen,” he said. “We’re grateful, man. It’s been a really great day, great experience, but it’s just the beginning.”

Video by Christopher Medina, Director, TV Communications (Specialist)
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications