Music Programs Overview

At The Banff Centre, artists are celebrated for their unique and important role. Set amid the beauty of Canada’s oldest and most renowned national park, The Banff Centre offers an exceptional environment for creativity. Our programs put the artist’s needs above all else, offering tailored, nurturing support to every participating artist.

The reason The Banff Centre is here is for the artists — to serve them, to support their vision, to care about them, and to believe in them.

— Isobel Rolston, founder of the Music & Sound residency program

The Banff Centre’s music programs are dedicated to supporting emerging and mid-career artists, and to providing each participant with personalized and individualized artistic direction. The programs are unique in that they follow no pre-set curriculum — rather, they are supportive and flexible to the needs and goals of each individual participant. The programs afford participants many freedoms — from the pressures of professional work and study; from day-to-day concerns, as accommodation and meals are provided; and most importantly, freedom to work at their own pace, on their own schedule, and on their own project. The programs are for of all types of musical artists: instrumentalists, ensembles, composers, vocalists, and jazz musicians.

Participants in the program interact with other musicians and artists in The Banff Centre community, have numerous public performance opportunities, and are supported by the facilities and staff of The Banff Centre.

Musicians come to The Banff Centre for a number of reasons. Some are on leave from universities or orchestras, while others are preparing for competitions or auditions, developing new repertoire, creating new work, or exploring new ways of interpreting and presenting music. Others may wish to take advantage of the professional recording facilities and staff to create demo or commercial recordings. Musicians specializing in music of any period from early music to the latest in digital composition are welcome to apply.

Music & Sound alumni are found on concert stages and in professional positions, both nationally and internationally.