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Program Information
Photo by Rita Taylor.
Overview
The Audio Recording Engineer program is a continuing education opportunity designed for emerging recording engineers with mature artistic insight, professional experience and/or formal professional/educational training. Learning objectives have been integrated into artistic residency programs, inviting exciting opportunities for collaboration and connection in this redeveloped applied-learning program.
Participants will receive mentorship from experienced professionals, enhancing their technical abilities and learning about new equipment, software, and recording techniques while supporting selected musicians in the Jazz and Sonic Arts 2025 program.
Description
Emerging Audio Engineers from around the world are invited to participate in our program to expand their technical proficiency, nurture creativity, and elevate their recording abilities in diverse genres of music. Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Close mentorship by international faculty, staff producers, engineers, and technologists.
- Experience recording live concerts in jazz and related genres, dependent on the repertoire of accepted musicians.
- Developing communication skills and interactive strategies to engage with musicians for an optimal recording experience.
- Gaining experience in studio recording sessions with diverse repertoire.
- A deepened knowledge of industry trends and best practices.
- Networking opportunities with other audio engineers, professional musicians, artists in other disciplines, and invited guests.
- Access to professionally equipped studio spaces.
- Materials/assets for professional portfolio.
Requirements
Applicants should have a combination of formal training and/or professional experience or aptitude in audio engineering. Required skills include:
- A working knowledge of Pyramix, and ProTools is desirable.
- A practical understanding of file creation and management.
- Ability to participate collaboratively and thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Applicants should be able to manage resources, produce to schedule, and multitask effectively with strong time management, diplomacy, and communication skills. Please note, Banff Centre Professional training programs are instructed in English.
Eligibility
Applicants must be ages 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. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.
Itinerary
Week 1
- Participants will receive orientation and hands-on training within Banff Centre’s world-class audio production studios
Week 2, 3 & 4
- The remaining Jazz and Sonic Arts program participants arrive and PTP's begin integrated training in the program to expand professional network and portfolio.
- Guided by lead faculty and Banff Centre staff, Audio engineer participants support the studio and concert recording needs of Jazz and Sonic Arts, gaining meaningful applied experience.
Concerts are provisionally scheduled for August 2, 9, 13, and 15, 2025.
Faculty
Theresa Leonard
Theresa Leonard is an internationally recognized music producer and audio educator. Over her more than 30+ year career, she has served in the roles of director, executive producer, music producer and recording engineer. Theresa has worked in all areas of music production, including audio post-production for film and video and broadcast audio. An equally respected educator, for nearly 21 years, she served as director of Audio at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, where she was instrumental in growing the audio education program to international status while facilitating training, recording, conference and research residencies. As audio producer, Theresa has produced and engineered hundreds of professional Juno winning and nominated recording projects for a broad range of international artists. She continues to work as a music producer for various symphonies, operas, and chamber ensembles, and serves as director, faculty, and consultant with various international music festivals and academia. Theresa is known for shaping the careers of many individuals for major positions in the music technology and audio industries. She holds a Master of Music degree in sound recording from McGill University and bachelor degrees in both music and education. Theresa is a past-president and fellow of the Audio Engineering Society.
Lead Faculty
Todd Whitelock
A New York City based Recording Industry veteran since 1989 with over 700 albums to his credit. Todd began mentoring Banff Audio Practicums in 2005 during the Jazz Workshop and has made seven return summers since. His career started as an intern at the original PowerStation Studios after graduating Berklee’s MP&E program and he advanced to assistant engineer before it’s closure in 1992. Todd went on to work at Sony Classical Productions and advanced to Senior Recording engineer at Sony Music Studios until it’s closure in 2007. He formed Whitelock Audio as a Freelance Engineer and specialized in remote recording for awhile.
An 11x Grammy Award winning Recording & Mixing Engineer his Album Awards span diverse musical genres not only across all Jazz categories but also Broadway , Classical, and Latin. Besides his album work he has been the scoring engineer for a variety of Film, Television, and Streaming platforms including the Emmy Award winning score to HBO’s Mildred Pierce by Carter Burwell. Notable musical collaborators are Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner, Jon Batiste, Yo-Yo Ma, and Sting to name a few.
In 2021 Wynton asked Todd to head up Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Studio, recording and mixing their weekly Livestreams on their Jazz Live subscription service and in that capacity has mixed hundreds of shows for hundreds of artists. In 2024 Todd formed Amplified Art & Sound LLC to continue serving an underserved music community, advancing the artist’s vision with state-of-the-art technology and a commitment to the highest audio standards while demystifying the entire production process.
Guest Faculty, August 5-8
What's Included
Meal Plan
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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.
Accommodation
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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.
Group Seminars/Workshops
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Group seminars and workshops with faculty.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty
Campus Facilities
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- 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 centre.
- Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application Fee
$65 for individuals, $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.
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Standard scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, and 50% of meals and accommodation costs.
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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 cancelation 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.
Resume
A one-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
Personal Statement
A summary of your goals, how you plan to achieve them, and how this experience will assist you.
Portfolio
Up to three samples of recent relevant artistic work (maximum 10 minutes in length total). Please provide a description of each work.
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the financial assistance.
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.
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
