Program Information
Clockwise from top left: Joanna MacGregor CBE, Marc-André Hamelin OC OQ, Hung-Kuan Chen, Tema Blackstone, Megumi Masaki OM FRSC
Overview
Immerse yourself in an artistic environment tailored for pianists seeking to advance their musicianship and careers. Explore the importance and connection between artistic vision and craft, focusing on what it means to be an artist. Hone the ability to listen. Bring genuine expression and unique perspectives into your music for authentic performances that connect with audiences. Delve into masterworks spanning historical to contemporary music and jazz with internationally celebrated artists.
During this two-week program, benefit from focused time and inclusive space for reflection, engaging discussions and learning with great mentors. Find your artistic voice and shape your career trajectory through individual coaching, masterclasses, and performance opportunities. You will also have the opportunity to record a demo performance.
The distinct backdrop of the Rocky Mountains invites mindfulness and opportunities to recharge through hiking and canoeing, establishing meaningful connections with faculty and peers alike.
What does the program offer?
Define your artistic vision, enhance performance confidence, and advance your career through:
- One-on one mentorship by internationally renowned faculty
- Masterclasses
- Faculty led workshops on aspects of the creative process, concert curation and career development
- Performance opportunities
- One professional demo audio recording
- Recordings of public performances for your archival use
- 24-hour access to a studio
- Outdoor activities with faculty and peers
Who should apply?
This program is open to national and international pianists who have completed or are in the process of post-secondary studies in piano performance.
We welcome pianists of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity seeking groups are especially welcome.
Banff Centre is grateful to the following for making this program possible:
- Heather Edwards
- Artemisia Foundation, Tema Blackstone
What's Included
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.
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 Full Flex meal plan is equivalent to $70 credit per day, equivalent to breakfast, lunch and dinner at our Buffet service.
This program offers opportunities to showcase your work in one of our performance venues or in the community.
Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite as well as discounted rates for classes at the Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre.
Demo recordings: Upon availability, you’ll have the option to record up to 30 minutes of music at a reduced rate as part of your program. These recordings are intended to be used for auditions or personal promotion, not for commercial purposes.
The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives - Current Services
The Library is delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty with the following services:
- Open hours: 9:30 am to 1 pm, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Access to collections, including program relevant books, scores, artists’ books, recordings, periodicals, and object library.
- Library accounts for borrowing materials.
- Digital Library, on campus and remote access.
- Library research assistance, by appointment.
- Archives research, by appointment only.
Please email library@banffcentre.ca or archives@banffcentre.ca for more information or assistance.
Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.
Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided by our Participant Resources team.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application fee: $65 for individuals or groups ($35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous).
Application Fees are non-refundable.
Individual group members must pay an additional registration fee of $35 on acceptance.
*Scholarship of 100% is available and will be applied to cover tuition, and 50% is available to offset meals and accommodation costs.
If you would like to be considered, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.
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.
Help fund your experience at Banff Centre. View a compiled list of national and international opportunities here.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Adjudication
Participants are selected by impartial adjudicators on the basis of their submitted material. In addition to artistic merit, consideration will be given to the likelihood that the artist's work will benefit from the program.
Applicants will be notified of their status as soon as adjudication is complete.
International Applicants
Banff Centre welcomes domestic and international applicants for this program. Please note, Banff Centre programs do not meet Canadian Student Visa eligibility requirements, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted individuals are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. Current wait times to receive a visa are much longer than normal, so applicants who require a Visitor Visa should check the current expected processing times prior to applying.
Eligibility
Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date.
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:
