Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriters Project To Take Place At Belmont University

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Belmont University. Photo: Garrett Ohrenberg/Belmont University

The 18th annual Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriters Project will take place at Belmont University this June.

Funded by a grant through the foundation, the program welcomes aspiring songwriters, ages 18-30, to Belmont to strengthen their skills and hone their craft. In aspects such as lyric writing and melody composition, it aims to provide participants with personalized guidance and feedback to help them reach their full potential as songwriters. Participants will then finish the program with a closing concert showcasing their work.

This year’s master teachers include composer Craig Carnelia (Working, Sweet Smell of Success), songwriter and producer Stephen Bray (The Color Purple) as well as CCMA Artist of the Year and Belmont University songwriting instructor Victoria Banks.

“The relocation and reimagining of the program in the songwriting capital of the world, will allow participants to benefit from the expertise and experience that only Nashville can provide,” says Jonathan Brielle, Executive Vice President, Johnny Mercer Foundation. “We had a great run at Northwestern University for the last 17 years and are so grateful to its staff for helping facilitate this program.”

“Over the years we’ve always encouraged our songwriting students to attend the Johnny Mercer summer program, and several did,” says Drew Ramsey, Songwriting Co-Chair, Belmont University. “We had been exploring summer camp opportunities to host at Belmont and had just cemented a new relationship with the Songwriters Hall of Fame, which Johnny Mercer founded. So, when the Johnny Mercer Foundation contacted us about hosting their summer Songwriters Project, the timing couldn’t have been better and seemed meant to be. Our synchronous vision for nurturing young songwriters exemplifies our shared commitment to help shape the future of music.”

Applications are open now through April 5, with final notifications sent May 13. For more information, click here.

Liza Anderson
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