Jazz & Sonic Arts 2025

Andrew Saragossi, Zac Sakrewski, Benjamin Shannon. Banff Centre 2024. Photo by Rita Taylor.

Dates

Application Deadline: February 19, 2025

Program Dates: July 28 – August 15, 2025

Overview  

The Jazz & Sonic Arts program is an innovative development opportunity for early and mid-career jazz and sound artists. It encourages participants to explore new directions in their artistic practice, become changemakers, and advance their creative potential as performers, collaborators, and creators.

Engage with sound in innovative ways, using improvisation, experimentation, and technology to expand the sonic possibilities of music. Jazz and Sonic Arts are ever-evolving and diverse genres, creating a powerful synergy that inspires creativity and leads to multidimensional, transcendent artistic experiences. They serve as catalysts for cultural dialogue, empowerment, societal change, and ecological awareness.

The program welcomes both individuals and pre-formed ensembles to apply.

Description

Jazz & Sonic Arts offers immersive, inclusive, and transformative learning opportunities for jazz musicians and sound artists. This program gives the opportunity to:

  • Work in groups and one-on-one with celebrated performers, creators, and mentors in jazz and sonic arts.
  • Explore diverse creative methods, including experimentation and improvisation, through peer and mentor-led collaborations in a safe sharing feedback environment for artistic development.
  • Emphasize conversation, deep listening, and collaboration to build community.
  • Encourage innovation and fearless exploration of new sonic territories and technologies.
  • Collaborate and perform with peers.
  • Research and develop own projects.
  • Learn effective recording and production practices to maximize efficiency by collaborating with other participants and mentors in the demo and studio recording process in the TELUS Studio.
  • Understand the business aspects of being an artist, including online and on stage branding, media communication, interviews, and the importance of remaining true to oneself and wellness for a sustainable career. 

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

Requirements

This program is open to;

  • National and international post-secondary students or
  • Early and mid-career artists already at an advanced level of accomplishment.

 Applicants should have:

  • A well-documented record of musical exploration, performance, or creation in Jazz and Sonic Arts.

Learn more about Performing Arts here.

Deadline
Residency Length
5 days - 6 months
Languages
English
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
15
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
May apply as a team
Discipline
Acting
Choreography
Dance
Music
Opera
Performance Art
Playwriting
Screenwriting
Symphony
Theater
Companions
N/A
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
N/A
Stage of Career
Any stage of career
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Participate in public programming
Participate in open studio with fellow residents
Give artist talk or presentation
Accessible Housing
ADA Compliant
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Meals Provided
Some meals (at least 2 meals provided)
Studios/Special Equipment
Performance/Presentation Facilities
Theater
Dance Studio With Sprung Floor
Dance Studio Without Sprung Floor
Piano
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Type of Housing
Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
Additional Eligibility Information

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

Domestic and international applications are welcome. The program welcomes both individuals and pre-formed ensembles to apply.

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.

Each residency has specific eligibility requirements; please visit our website for our current and available programs open for application.

Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
30
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
7896
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Fee Details

Banff Centre offers a range of scholarship and funding opportunities for each residency. If you would like to be considered, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials through the application portal. 

 

Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
6342
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details

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.

Please visit the Fees & Financial Aid section of the program page to learn more about individual program's specific fees and funding availabilities. 

Application Fee
65
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Application Type
Open application