Application Overview

Are you a veteran carrying experiences that are difficult to put into words? You are not alone, and you do not have to tell your story publicly to be heard.

Encore Center for Performing Arts, in partnership with Freedom Sings USA, is offering a music-therapy-based program for up to 10 veterans from all eras who may be experiencing emotional stress, trauma, or PTSD.

Many veterans are understandably uncomfortable talking openly about their experiences. This program offers another path.

Through one-on-one collaboration, professional Nashville songwriters meet privately with selected veterans, listen to their stories, and translate those experiences into music. The songwriter then writes an original song inspired by the veteran’s story and performs it on their behalf.

Veterans are never asked or expected to perform. Your role is simply to share, at your own pace and in your own way.

By hearing your story reflected through music, many veterans experience a sense of relief, validation, and connection that can be difficult to achieve through conversation alone. The performance honors each story while protecting participant comfort and privacy.

Program Timing and Commitment

This program will take place during Memorial Day Week 2026, with a final songwriter performance on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

To participate, veterans must be available on the following dates:

• Wednesday, May 27, 2026: Participating veterans and their families will meet Grammy-nominated or Grammy-winning songwriters from Nashville in Elmhurst, Illinois.
• Thursday, May 28, 2026: A continental breakfast will be provided. Veterans will meet one-on-one with a songwriter to share their story and help shape their song. That evening, each song will be performed at the Elmhurst American Legion for fellow veterans, families, and community members, followed by an open discussion. Dinner and drinks will be provided for participating veterans.

The performance will be recorded and may be shared across multiple platforms to help other veterans through their own journeys and to preserve these important stories.

Application Process

Veterans interested in participating should complete the application form by March 15, 2026.

Up to 10 veterans will be selected, with confirmations issued by April 15, 2026.

If you are interested in participating alongside other veterans with similar experiences, please indicate that preference in your application