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Sydney Riley

"The Emerging Artist program is essential for those who want a long and prosperous career in the music industry. The Co-op provides such important information for musicians at any level, from those who want to learn how to earn royalties, to established musicians who are looking to market and sustain themselves. The Co-op was exactly what I needed to take new steps in my career - they not only helped me receive a FACTOR grant but also helped me make connections with other musicians."

Zack Elliott

"When the Emerging Artist program started this past summer, the benefits I saw were immediate. My network of peers expanded exponentially in an instant, I was taught about industry concepts that I never would have figured out by myself, and was given the tools to further develop my craft and brand. This program truly accomplishes what it sets out to in giving unobstructed access to valuable industry knowledge, skills, and community."

FEURA

"The EA program equipped me with the skills and knowledge to be successful within the music industry. Since finishing the program, I have received my first FACTOR grant, booked my first shows, and released my first single. I would not be where I am today without the continued support of the Canadian Musicians Cooperative."

Jules McCools

"The Emerging Artist Program gives aspiring artists the opportunity to learn from and connect with real industry professionals. While part of the program, artists belong to a community where everyone is committed to finding success in the music industry. And the inspiration, collaboration, and friendship that comes with that is invaluable!"

Who can apply?

To be considered for a funded position in the Emerging Artist program, you must:

 

  • be between 15 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.

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?").

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 form 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 2022 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)

*May be online or in-person, as provincial COVID-19 guidelines permit

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.
Important Information

Time Commitment

Individual funding ranges from 8-16 weeks within the program, and usually has a 30 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 accommodate existing performance bookings. If you have a questions regarding evening/weekend availability, email info@canadianmusicians.coop.

Application Deadline

Applications must be completed (with all necessary attachments included - see above) by 11:59pm EST on June 3rd, 2022 to be guaranteed consideration for the 2022 Emerging Artist Program.

Should time allow, additional applications received after the deadline may be considered until June 10th, 2022.

Important Dates

Online Application Submission deadline: June 3rd

Callbacks/Interviews: June 10th, June 11th, June 12th

Have Questions?

Drop us an email at info@canadianmusicians.coop, and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible!

What's the difference between the Emerging Artist Program and the Pre-Professional Program?

The biggest difference between the two programs is 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). Emerging Artists will have the opportunity participate in the 2022 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). The Emerging Artist Program is also expected to be longer in length (pending funding announcement).

Can I apply to both the Emerging Artist Program and the Pre-Professional Program?

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.

I heard you have to be a member to get a job.  Is that true? 

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.

Returning applicants will be expected to detail their growth following previous completion of the program/previous application cycle.

Where will performances take place? 

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.  *Due to COVID-19, in-person performance is subject to municipal and provincial guidelines. When in-person performance is not possible, artists perform on the Co-op's livestream site.  

Why do I need to bring my own device for this job?

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. Laptops may be available for participants who do not have reliable access to a computer.

Artists will also be responsible for ensuring they have all the gear necessary for performances in the community (battery-powered amplification is optional, but highly recommended).

What is a "constituency"? 

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.  When in-person performances are permitted, this is the location you will physically perform in.  Online digital performances are targeted for delivery to serve your constituency location.

What is a "cohort"?

A cohort is a group of artists who have been identified to have similar learning goals, needs, and stages of their development. Participants spend a large portion of online training time with their cohort group, but still have plenty of opportunity to get to know other artists within the program.

I heard you have a recording studio - is that true?

We are in the process of building a Digital Livestream Studio/Rehearsal space, and collaborative learn/work at the facility in Barrie, ON.   This studio will have enhanced COVID-19 safety protocols and provide and opportunity for participants to deliver high quality, professional livestream performances, and collaborate with each other easily. The studio is expected to open mid-2022. 

I'm still in secondary school.  Can get a credit for this summer work experience?

If your secondary school offers summer co-ops, then you can apply to them to earn a 2 credit summer co-op. You can also apply to your school principal under PPM129 to count your summer learning experience as a business or music credit, or both.  Each credit you apply for must document 110 hours of learning towards a specific course curriculum

FAQ

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