Making beats behind bars: How ‘The Free Studio’ helps incarcerated New Yorkers find their voices

For seven years, music producer Ryan Burvick has given people incarcerated on Rikers Island and in other correctional facilities around New York City the chance to learn the art of hip-hop through a program called “The Free Studio.”

The students range from people awaiting trial, to teens held in juvenile facilities. Burvick spoke to Gothamist about what it has been like to bring music production classes into the jail system and what it means to his students.

For the full conversation, click "Listen."