Rutherford County Correctional Work Center Residents Experience Musical Therapy with World Class Musician

Rutherford County Correctional Work Center (RCCWC) residents were treated to a performance by world-renowned pianist and composer Eric Genuis. 

The two performances at RCCWC were like the thousands of performances that Genuis has given around the world. He was accompanied by Jun Lee, a world-class cellist; Seung-ah Kim, a violinist; Jaeyeon Kim, a lyric soprano; and his daughter, Anastasia Genuis. 

Genius transformed the conference room into an exceptional music experience with state-of-the-art sound equipment and spotlights. When asked why he performs at correctional facilities, he said, "Prisons are void of beauty. I'm a firm believer that beauty elevates people's humanity."

Genuis' concerts combine music, inspirational reflections, and humor to take the audience on a spiritual journey of loss, forgiveness, acceptance, self-reflection, and hope. 

Promotional materials for Genuis' nonprofit organization Concerts for Hope take "Carnegie Hall" into prisons, VA hospitals, homeless shelters, and inner-city schools, anywhere music can uplift the human spirit. The reaction is most often spoken of as hope, especially by men and women in maximum-security prisons. Genuis never says "no" when asked to perform in these venues. RCCWC is the first correctional facility in Tennessee that Genuis has performed.  

When he performs, Genuis's goal is to present music that is beautiful, inspirational, and moving to lift the audience's humanity. He believes that when people hear him, they will be able to feel a depth of their own dignity that they may not have felt before. Beauty is a language that speaks to the heart, mind, and soul in ways that words could never touch. 

The concert featured songs exclusively written and composed by Genuis.  His style has been described as classical in form but with a modern twist. 

One of the few songs performed with lyrics was a song titled "Here I Am," written for Genuis' daughter Anastasia. He wrote the song while in a hospital waiting room during Anastasia's heart surgery when she was three months old.  He and his wife didn't think the baby would live.  That surgery was over twenty years ago, and the family has navigated life with Anastasia's special needs as she was born with Down's Syndrome.  Many with Down's Syndrome have difficulty with speech due to articulation problems and low muscle tone with other language difficulties. Anastasia sang the special song with all of her might and ended the last note to receive thunderous applause and a standing ovation.  The lyrics portray the love and devotion of a father. 

Now be still
when you’re back’s against the wall,
Victory there seems no hope at all
I’ll be your wings that soar so high,
this side of paradise.
Now be still until you’re strong;

Here I am
I’m your fire when it’s cold;
Here I am
I’m your guide when you lost your road;
I’m your armor in the fields of war
when the enemy storms the door;
Here I am forevermore.

Take my hand
when shadows hide your way,
Take my hand
there’ll come a brighter day,
for the love of you and me
is for eternity
take my hand
close by I’ll stay;

Here I am,
I’m your fire when it’s cold;
Here I am
I’m your guide when you lost your road
I’m your bridge above the stormy sea
when earth’s shakes violently

Here I am, forevermore

 

Here I am
I’m your fire when its’ cold
Here I am
I’m guide when you lost your road
I’m you’re your shield when arrows fly
I’ll never leave your side

Here I am forevermore

After the concert, one unit was moved so much that they immediately created a thank you card for Anastasia.

A session with Genuis is more than a concert. It's not just classical piano pieces mechanically played; the audience is automatically drawn in and engaged by hearing about the musician's personal struggles and achievements. 

Genuis shared the personal details of dealing with his son's suicide while he was performing far from home.  His son, who struggled with Asperger's syndrome, a developmental disorder that is part of the autism spectrum disorder, considered him to be his only friend. He shared the heartbreak, guilt, and self-condemnation that plagued him during the difficult drive home as he rushed to get back to his family.  

Rutherford County Superintendent William C. Cope, CJM believes correctional programming plays a crucial role in reducing recidivism, enhancing public safety, and preparing incarcerated individuals for successful reintegration into society. 

“Eric Genuis brought more than just music—he brought dignity, humanity, and a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of beauty and grace, Cope said.  “His performance will be remembered not just as an event but as a moment of true emotional and spiritual connection.  We are incredibly grateful for his time, talent, and the kindness he shared with all in attendance.”

The RCCWC has been the stage for various award-winning musicians, vocalists, and guest speakers.  During Cope's monthly presentation to the Public Safety Committee,  he distributed a document stating that correctional programming is an essential investment yielding significant social, economic, and public safety benefits.  Supporting correctional programming is not just a policy choice but a wise investment in public safety, financial stability, and social well-being. 

Genuis left his contact information behind in case any of the residents ever wanted to reach out to him or just needed to talk with someone.  

More information about Eric Genuis can be found at https://www.ericgenuis.com/.