Believe Music Heals
is dedicated to bringing

healing through music

to those who need it most.

We are a not-for-profit organization that brings people peace and hope during times of distress and hardship, or at the end of their lives, by using music as a vehicle for self-expression, creativity, comfort, and transformation.

16 Week San Quentin Music Program

We were just approved for a 16-week Finding Your Voice Music Program for 25 individuals at San Quentin Prison. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT to make this happen!

Music can become a legacy and a path to transformation. I know I am not the first person to bring music into prisons. Of course, Johnny Cash paved the way by bringing his music behind bars in San Quentin and by recording Folsom Prison Blues. But I have wondered to myself, what impact would it have, if inmates had the chance to tell their own stories through music? Because EVERYONE HAS A STORY, and EVERYONE HAS A VOICE.

Please help us support this music program at San Quentin, visit our Give Butter Donation page for more details and to donate today!

The story of ‘Bernie and The Believers’ is the most powerful I’ve ever come across at the Tiny Desk.”

Bob Boilen, Host and creator of NPR’s ‘All Songs Considered’ and The Tiny Desk Concert series

Essence Goldman

Essence Goldman, Founder and Executive Director of Believe Music Heals, award winning singer-songwriter, has been immersed in art and music since childhood…

Healing Through Music

Healing through music is a powerful way to help individuals treat, cope, and transcend physical, emotional, cognitive and social challenges. Music helps reduce heart rate…

Bernie’s Legacy

Bernie & The Believers is a project no one could have planned. The story began two years ago when Essence was teaching voice lessons to a man named Bernie Dalton…

“Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to the loneliness.”
—  Maya Angelou

Recent Press

San Quentin prison gets a new music program: ‘It will make an incredible difference’

San Quentin prison gets a new music program: ‘It will make an incredible difference’

Article written by Aidin Vaziri, published on Oct 19, 2023 in the San Francisco Chronicle. Hoping to transform…

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Singer Essence Goldman helps people heal through the power of music

Singer Essence Goldman helps people heal through the power of music

KALW 91.7 FM Crosscurrents, this aired in the April 5, 2023 episode. Music is healing. A report from…

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Essence Goldman Is Changing Lives Through the Power of Music

Essence Goldman Is Changing Lives Through the Power of Music

Article written by Daniel Jewett and featured in Marin Living Magazine: Essence Goldman, whose family has roots in San Francisco that…

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