The Emerging Artist program is a summer intensive employment opportunity for youth Canadian musicians. Program participants engage in daily interdisciplinary music business and performance training from world-class industry leaders, and perform multiple times per week in their program location.
What's the audition process?
Step 1:
Submit an application online that includes a 2-3 minute audition video and all required supporting materials (see “What should I have ready?”), or attend a Live Round 1 Audition Date.
Step 2:
Attend a virtual callback audition that will include a live audition in front of a jury, a short media interview, and a formal job interview. You will be required to learn a piece from a pre-selected list that will be made available 48-72 hours before your audition.
Step 3:
Wait for the call to hear if you’ve been selected for the Summer Emerging Artist Program!
What should I have ready?
- Website
- EPK
- Biography (200 words minimum)
- Discography
- Social media/Streaming/Download statistics
- Short summary of your career goals for the summer, one year from now, and five years from now
- List of music- and/or business-specific grant funding received to date
- 2-3 minute audition video of a live, unedited performance (original songs preferred)
Who can apply?
To be considered for a funded position in the Emerging Artist program, you must:
- be between 16 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the program
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment
- have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
Important Information
Time Commitment
Individual funding ranges from 8-16 weeks within the program, and usually has a 30-35 hour/week commitment. Artists are expected to be available in the afternoon throughout the week for training, and evening/weekends as scheduled for performance.
There is some scheduling flexibility most evenings and weekends to assist existing performance bookings. If you have a questions regarding evening/weekend availability, email jobs@canadianmusicians.coop.
Important Dates
Online Application Submission deadlines:
Round 1: March 16, 2025 at 11:59 PM (guaranteed consideration)
Round 2: April 27, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Callbacks/Interviews:
Round 1: March 29 & 30, 2025 Completed
Round 2: May 2, 3 & 4, 2025 Completed
Applicants who were unable to attend Callbacks Round1 (R1) who notified us of their power and data failures due to the ice storm will be accommodated in Round 2.
Please be advised that space was limited for R1 Callbacks and all applicants are still under consideration for the next round.
Application Deadlines
Applications submitted by 11:59 PM EST on TBD will be guaranteed consideration for the 2026 Emerging Artist Program.
Applications received after this date will still be accepted, and will be considered for Round 2, if additional space is still available in the program.
Have Questions?
Drop us an email at jobs@canadianmusicians.coop, and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible!
FAQ
The biggest differences between the two programs is the high level of independent work completion of EA’s, and the complexity of content being discussed during training (e.g., preparing for international export vs. booking a show, writing a strategic release plan vs. writing a bio). EA’s largely choose which trainings are relevant to their needs. Emerging Artists have the opportunity to participate in the Showcase Tour. Emerging Artists will also be held to a far higher standard for completing materials identified throughout the program for their own artistry (e.g., a strategic plan).
If you would like to be considered for both programs, only apply for the Emerging Artist Program. There is a field within the application where you can identify you would like to be considered for both programs. To be considered for both programs, you must submit all supplementary application requirements for the Emerging Artist application.
C.E.P is the foundation upon which you hone your performance chops. It gives you lots face time with different audiences to make new relationships and try out new material. You should also leverage your C.E.P. hours to create opportunities for festivals, events and other talent buyers to get to know you this year, so you might be considered for their events in the future. C.E.P. is approximately 50% of your summer employment time and is not optional. If you wish to take only the trainings, you can become a member and attend any trainings you are eligible for without compensation.
Participants animate public spaces and places like town squares, the beach, dock or marina, public parks, community centers, small business openings, charitable events, summer festivals, community celebrations, and other local events. This is called “Community Engaged Performance” (C.E.P.) and the Co-op pays to licence these performances via SOCAN for (C) copyright use.
For payroll purposes, you will need a mobile device with data to punch in and out at performance locations without WIFI service. It’s a requirement you must maintain throughout your employment. ( 10 seconds of data use per punch) Laptops may be available for participants who do not have reliable access to a computer.
For those that have successfully completed the 3P and E.A. program requirements, you now get a more personalized experience and can request activities be approved on a more individual needs basis, as long as they meet the basic criteria for program approval. You can choose to be a regular MIC and provide waterfall mentorship to others who have not achieved as much as you have to date, you can request rehearsal coaching for your band, or even job shadowing or mentorship with a music industry professional. Some choose to take on admin tasks. There is a lot of flexibility here.
A C.E.P. is a Community Engaged Performance which is provided as part of your summer program to the community you serve. C.E.P.’s are scheduled at the beginning of the summer, so you know when and where you are performing, and can work within any travel or other tour plans. C.E.P.’s are also licenced with SOCAN so you can complete an NLMP to collect for your own compositions.
Digital Livestream Studio/Rehearsal space, and collaborative learn/work at the facility in Barrie, ON is now open to members and the general public. It provides an opportunity for participants to deliver high quality, professional livestream performances, and collaborate with each other easily. You can record BTS footage easily with our four ceiling-mounted Sony PTZ cameras. For audio studio info click here.
Many post-secondary programs require completion of a work term or field placement to graduate.
We are pleased to support you in completing this experience if you are accepted into the EA program and your school approves the placement.
Each funded position is tied to a federal political jurisdiction called a “constituency”, also known as a “riding”. This is where your work is funded to take place. This is the primary location you will physically perform in, however you may be asked to perform in any location indicated on your application. Any approved online digital performances are targeted for delivery to serve your constituency location.
No preference is given to current or previous members, regardless of whether they have previously been a participant of the Emerging Artist or Pre-Professional Program.
For youth in need, there is a Financial Hardship application which may cover some, or all of your membership fee for your development year.
Returning applicants will be expected to detail their growth following previous completion of the program/previous application cycle.
