Banff Musicians in Residence Winter 2026

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, professional training 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. 

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
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

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.

Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
15
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
Fee Details

You pay (accommodation & meal plan costs after scholarship applied) $1 554.00

 

Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details

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