2026 CCFY - Three Cords & The Truth

“Three Chords and the Truth” educates young adults to the fundamentals and best practices in songwriting. Through engaging in group discussions, song analysis, individual and group songwriting, and performances, participants develop the foundational skills needed to express their unique voice and call for change.

PROGRAM FOR AGES

11-18

DATES/ TIMES: 

• Tue, April 7, 2026 | 11AM - 4PM

• Wed, April 8, 2026 | 11AM - 4PM

TEACHING ARTIST:

Arthur (Trey) Carlisle | EMCEE P.O.E.T.R.E.Y

Brianna Nicola | Bree Soul

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Students are required to attend all classes in the series.

• Students will be asked to provide daily check ins/evaluations.

• Light snacks will be provided.

• Supplies will be provided.

WHAT TO BRING

• Students will need to bring a packed lunch each day to the program (Required).

• Students are also invited (but not required), to bring the following items to the program:

  • Composition notebook (for writing and drawing)

  • Writing utensils (pencils or pens)

**After Registering Parents/Guardians will be contacted via email in order to complete required paperwork and receive important updates.

ABOUT THE CLASSES / WORKSHOPS

The activities in the “Three Chords and the Truth” workshop are curated to help participants gain the fundamental knowledge, wisdom, and skills in songwriting.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Students will -

• Engage in facilitated conversations learning/analyzing the fundamentals and best practices of songwriting

• Learn the key components of a song from a musical lens (e.g. song structure, melody, harmony)

• Learn the best practices and components of a song from a literary/poetic lens (e.g. imagery, messaging).

• Co-write and perform an original song in small groups.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Students will develop knowledge and skills in the following fields -

• Songwriting (lyric writing)

• Composition

• Collaboration

• Communication

• Critical Thinking

• Creativity

• Performing & stage presence

ABOUT THE TEACHING ARTIST

Music in Common (MIC), a band and nonprofit that strengthens, empowers, and connects communities through the universal language of music. For 21 years, MIC has traveled the globe curating experiences for people across social divides to find common ground through facilitated conversation and music. Grounded in two foundational principles --- it is hard to hate up close and music can change the world --- MIC programs and projects have directly served more than 100,000 people in over 400 communities worldwide.

Behind every great artist and excellent performance is a great song. This workshop teaches the basics of songwriting. Topics covered include: Song structure. Hooks, riffs, and melodies.

___

Arthur (Trey) Carlisle | EMCEE P.O.E.T.R.E.Y

EMCEE P.O.E.T.R.E.Y uses the power of storytelling and song to be a voice of hope and healing for our generation. A spoken word artist, singer-songwriter, rapper, and multi-instrumentalist, Trey Carlisle aka EMCEE P.O.E.T.R.E.Y is a "Neo Griot." His calling is telling stories to help others heal, thrive, and honor our shared humanity and planet. Trey is the Program Director for Music in Common (MIC), a nonprofit that curates experiences for people across social divides to find common ground through music and facilitated conversations. He is a youth alumnus who came up through the ranks from program participant in 2016 to program director and a lead facilitator trained in MIC's unique methodology. A 2020 Fulbright Award recipient, devoted “artivist” (artist+activist), and 2020 graduate of Soka University, his widening leadership role within MIC has led to the development of new programs, including the Black Legacy Project.

___

Brianna Nicola | Bree Soul

Bree Nicola is a 24-year-old singer-songwriter from the Berkshires and a graduate of Rider University, where she earned her BFA in Musical Theatre. Raised on the stage, Bree’s roots in musical theatre have shaped her dynamic storytelling and performance style. Since 2018, she has been an active member of Music in Common, using music as a platform to advocate for equality and social change, and is now honored to join the organization’s administration as Community Engagement Coordinator. Blending artistry with activism, Bree is dedicated to creating work that resonates beyond the stage.

REGISTRATION

Guardians please note you can only sign up 1 student at a time. For those signing up for multiple students you will need to complete a separate registration/payment for each student.

**After Registering Parents/Guardians will be contacted via email in order to complete required paperwork and receive important updates.