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Program Information

Erin Propp (vocal), Christine Choi (violin). Photo by Rita Taylor.

Erin Propp (vocal), Christine Choi (violin). Photo by Rita Taylor.

Overview  

This residency provides individual musicians and bands/ensembles of all genres with space and dedicated time to research, create, and develop projects within Banff Centre’s exceptional campus and mountain setting. 

You will have the freedom to focus on your artistic process and structure your time according to your project’s needs. Additionally, you'll receive artistic inspiration and career advice from well-established faculty. The diverse range of artistic influences over the three weeks, combined with opportunities for peer interaction and collaboration, will foster new discoveries and transformative experiences. 

Description

This residency offers the unique opportunity for musicians at all career stages and all genres time and space to:

  • Research, develop, and create their own projects, taking risks and experimenting with new ideas in a supportive environment to enhance creative practices.
  • Focus on creative exploration and experimentation through peer and mentor-led group or one-on-one sessions.
  • Be inspired by peers and collaborate with musicians across various genres.
  • Explore new material and performance practices through public concerts that simulate professional working conditions and timelines.
  • Learn to self-record in your own studio to independently document and disseminate your work.
  • Gain insights into industry best practices for recording demos by collaborating with audio engineers, practicum participants, and mentors (if available).
  • Join an expanded artistic community at Banff Centre for ongoing networking and support throughout your career.

A limited number of studio recording possibilities will be offered by the Professional Training Program: Audio Engineer: BMiR participants.  

Requirements

The program is ideal for individual musicians, ensembles, bands, composers, and music researchers who wish to:

  • Spend focused time on a specific project
  • Create new works
  • Prepare for concerts, auditions, or competitions
  • Explore and research innovative ideas

Participants should be comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment to fully benefit from the program. Musicians at all levels are encouraged to apply. Attendance for all three weeks of the residency is required.

Artistic Associate

Those seeking additional professional development can apply for the role of Artistic Associate, this unique opportunity is available to an individual of exceptional musical ability and maturity. In addition to the program elements the Artistic Associate will:

  • Act as the liaison between faculty and musicians throughout the program.
  • Be involved in the delivery and event curation of the Banff Musicians in Residence program.
  • Facilitate communication between visiting artists, resident musicians, Music programming, and production staff.

The successful applicant for the Artistic Associate will receive a scholarship covering 100% of the program costs and a travel award that is subject to regional maximums, not to exceed $1500. 

Eligibility

Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date. 

Domestic and international applications are welcome.

Visa Eligibility Information: 

  • Please note that Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa. 
  • If you are accepted into our program, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times well in advance of applying.

Inclusivity Statement

We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.

Itinerary

Participants arrive on campus January 10, 2026.

Program elements include:

  • Program and Banff Centre Orientation
  • Three faculty lectures
  • Sharing Circles -3 times a week
  • Camp Fire

Public Performances:

  • Concert 1: Jan 16, 2026
  • Concert 2: Jan 23, 2026
  • Concert 3: Jan 30, 2026

Participants depart Jan 31, 2025.

Faculty

What's Included

Meal Plan Icon
Meal Plan Read more Close

Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plans allow you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests. 

The light meal plan is equivalent to $53 credit per day, equivalent to two meals at our Buffet service.

Accommodations
Accommodation Read more Close

Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.

Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.

Visual arts icon
Studio Space Read more Close

Create in the privacy of one of our specialized studios.

Showcase Icon
Performance Opportunities Read more Close

This program offers opportunities to showcase your work in one of our performance venues or in the community.

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Group Seminars/Workshops Read more Close

Group seminars and workshops with faculty.

Recording Opportunities Read more Close

A limited number of studio recording possibilities will be offered by the Audio Recording Engineer CWT (Creative Workforce Training) program for Jazz & Sonic Arts participants.

Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives Read more Close

The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty

Campus Facilities Read more Close
  • Participant Resources: Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided. 
  • Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre: Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite as well as discounted rates for classes. 
  • Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.

Fees & Financial Assistance

Total fee per person (Tuition, Accommodation and Meal Plan)
$7 896.00
Scholarship Amount Applied*
$6 342.00
You pay (accommodation & meal plan costs after scholarship applied)
$1 554.00

Application Fee

$65 for individuals or groups, $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.

The application fee is non-refundable. 100% of this fee goes towards the cost of administering the application in SlideRoom. 

Scholarships

We are pleased to offer scholarships to support participants in our program. Below are details regarding the scholarship amount and how they are applied.

  • Standard scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, and 50% of meals and accommodation costs
  • Canadian Indigenous scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, meals, and accommodation costs

To receive the standard scholarship, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.

For additional support to help fund your experience at Banff Centre, view a compiled list of national and international opportunities here.

Cancellations

Information on our cancellation policy can be found here.

Tax Information

Banff Centre will issue official tax receipts for eligible tuition fees and financial assistance and awards as required by the Income Tax Act. You will receive a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) for eligible tuition fees paid and a T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) for applicable financial assistance and awards.

How to Apply

Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.

Step 1:

Complete the Online Form

Step 2:

Pay your application fee

Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1.

Step 3:

Upload Your Materials

Resume

A one-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.

Cover Letter

A one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this program and what you hope to achieve by attending it.

Project Proposal

Provide a 500-word description of your proposed project, including the theme, an outline of materials and facilities that may be required, and a breakdown of timelines. These summaries will be used as a narrative for administrative and public use. 

Resource Request Forms

Outline all studio, equipment, software, facility, or staff support required for your project. Final resource allocation is at the discretion of the department. This form can be found in the SlideRoom portion of the application (Step 3 of the application process)

Portfolio

  • Performers: Up to three samples of your work on audio or video support, for a total maximum duration of approximately 10 minutes. You should aim to demonstrate the full scope of your capability by selecting contrasting works. Pre-formed ensembles must submit group recordings.
  • Composers: Scores of two of your compositions and, if possible, a recording of these works. Indicate performance history if applicable. Compositions submitted should have been completed no more than five years prior to the application deadline.
  • Music researchers: Two to three essays/papers whose topics are closely related to your residency project at Banff Centre. If published, it is recommended to indicate the date of the essay/paper's publication as well as the periodical(s) it is published in.

Artistic Associate Statement

Please explain why you are interested in taking on the additional responsibilities associated with this role.
How does your experience meet the criteria of the Artistic Associate position, and how would it benefit your career?
 

Financial Assistance

Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the financial assistance.

Group Applications

The lead applicant should complete:

  • Step 1: One application form 
  • Step 2: Pay the $65 processing fee on behalf of the group
  • Step 3: One SlideRoom application

Note: An additional $35 registration fee will be added for each member upon acceptance to the program.

Adjudication

Participants are chosen by an adjudication panel comprising of internal and external assessors. The selection criteria include:

  • Quality, originality and artistic merit.
  • Required skills and experience. 
  • The potential for the applicant's work to benefit from the program.
  • Banff Centre’s ability to support the project.

Our programs are highly competitive with a limited number of places available. Applicants will be notified of their selection status as soon as the adjudication process is complete. Due to the high volume of applications individual feedback will not be provided. 

Disclaimer

All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

Contact Admissions

For questions on preparing your application, please contact Admissions:

Toll Free Number (Canada + USA)
1.800.565.9989
Phone
403.762.6180