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…

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