Jazz & Sonic Arts 2026 | Improvised Music Residency


Overview 

Jazz & Sonic Arts is an innovative artistic development opportunity for jazz and sound musicians. The program encourages participants to explore new directions in their practice and advance their creative potential through collaboration, research, and performances.

Engage with sound in innovative ways, using improvisation, experimentation, and technology to expand the sonic possibilities of music. Jazz & Sonic Arts are ever-evolving and diverse creative genres, leading to multi-dimensional, transcendent artistic experiences. They serve as catalysts for cultural dialogue, empowerment, societal change, and ecological awareness.

This program welcomes both individuals and small groups.  

Description

"This program is more than just a residency — It’s an invitation to dive deep into your “why,” slow down, rethink your practice. It is also a space for meaningful artistic exploration, collaboration and connection with others who are passionate about sound, music and creative practice in all its forms. It’s an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in your work and engage with fellow artists in a setting that’s as inspiring as it is breathtaking."

Piotr Turkiewicz - Program Director

Jazz & Sonic Arts offers immersive, inclusive, and transformative learning opportunities for jazz musicians and sound artists. You will have the opportunity to:

  • Work in groups and one-on-one with celebrated performers, creators, and mentors in jazz and sonic arts: Piotr Turkiewicz, Melissa Aldana, Kris Davis, Ole Morten Vågan and Simon Barker.
  • Explore diverse creative methods, including experimentation and improvisation, through peer and mentor-led collaborations in a safe sharing feedback environment for artistic development.
  • Build community through conversation, deep listening, and shared practice.
  • Embrace innovation and fearless exploration of new sonic territories and technologies.
  • Collaborate and perform with peers.
  • Research and develop your 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.
  • Learn alongside recording engineer peers in the accompanying Audio Engineer Summer 2026 Professional Training Programs.
  • Develop business aspects of being an artist, including professional online presence and onstage expressions of your artistic identity.

 

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
Music
Symphony
Companions
N/A
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
N/A
Stage of Career
Mid-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

This program is open to:

  • National and international post-secondary students
  • Artists already at an advanced level of accomplishment.
  • Individuals and small groups.

Applicants should have:

  • A well-documented record of musical exploration, performance, or creation in Jazz and Sonic Arts.
Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
30
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
8295
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Fee Details

 

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

This non-refundable fee covers the full cost of processing your application, including the SlideRoom fee.

Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
4788
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 amounts and information on how to apply.

  • Scholarship covering 100% of tuition cost is awarded to all arts participants, made possible through endowments and donations.
  • To apply for additional scholarship towards accommodation and a meal plan, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials. With additional scholarship applied, participants should still expect to pay a minimum of 50% towards their accommodation and a meal plan (refer to amount listed above).
  • Canadian Indigenous scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, a meal plan, and accommodation costs.
Application Fee
65
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Application Type
Open application