T.RAP
Music production. Songwriting. Studio sessions. And a path to something bigger.
More Than Music
This free creative workforce program blends music production, songwriting, recording, civic engagement, and digital literacy with social-emotional learning and career readiness. Participants earn milestone-based stipends as they build practical skills, create original music, strengthen their confidence, and explore pathways to future education and employment.
Weekly Schedule
- Mondays: Digital Literacy and Workreadiness (5 hours), Tuesdays: Therapeutic Song Writing and Workreadiness (5 hours), Wednesdays: Studio Recording and Workreadiness (5 hours), Thursdays: Certificate Training and Guest Speakers (5 hours)
Nas's Journey
"Before Joining EW, I wasn't confident in myself and didn't know what to do career wise. But when I came here, and built with the team that were genuine and wanted to see me win, it made me believe in myself. Being in the program I gained significant growth and development as well as gained mentoring skills and learned how to do photography. EW gave me the opportunity to do my own documentary and apply my learned skills. Life after the program has been transformational, I see myself in places I never thought I would be. Now being a manager at my job as well as being a Peer Mentor for EW running the T.RAP program in Staten Island as well as starting a new cohort at our EW site and it all started with the confidence from being here." — Nas, T.RAP 2023 Graduate
The Journey From
Day One to Stage
Community Research & Participatory Action
Development of a community research project using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology. Participants identify key issues impacting their communities, conduct research, gather and analyze data, and transform findings into informed insights that drive creative and social outcomes.
Album Creation & Artistic Development
Development of a collaborative album featuring both solo and group songs rooted in the themes uncovered through research. Focus includes artistry development, songwriting, recording, performance skills, and message alignment.
Digital & Career Development Projects
Creation of multiple professional digital assets including a personal website, resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, job tracker, and career dashboard. Participants build essential digital competencies such as Google Suite proficiency, website building, Canva design, and foundational project management skills.
Social-Emotional Learning & Mental Wellness
Ongoing social-emotional development through music and arts-based workshops, complemented by dedicated mental health sessions with a licensed social worker to support reflection, resilience, and personal growth.
Workforce & Education Pathways
Connection to job opportunities, certification programs, and educational pathways. Participants receive application support, interview preparation, and workforce readiness training to strengthen long-term employment outcomes.
Culminating Showcase & Public Presentation
Preparation for a final showcase event featuring live performances of recorded album tracks and presentation of digital projects. Participants gain public exposure, confidence, and experience presenting their work to an audience of peers, partners, and community stakeholders.
Tools & Technologies
From the Studio
How To Really Approach Life Differently
"When I came into EW, I was honestly lost. I had just turned 19, and I didn't know where I was really going. But I learned so much here, from Biggz, from Nas, from Tine, even from arguing with my peers. I learned how to control my emotions, how to communicate, how to present myself, how to really approach life differently."— Sheisty
Break Down Any Barriers
"Before joining Emergent Works I was pretty stagnant with my music career. But when I joined the program I saw how I can use my creative side to open the doors to places I have never been to. The highlight of being in the program was learning how I can apply my artistry in a studio session and it really set foot in me. It created a confidence in me to break down any barriers and just go for it."— Julius
Find Your Voice
T.RAP is free for all eligible participants with milestone-based stipends.
Apply Now →