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Program Information

Two musicians playing music

Niloufar Shiri and Aida Shirazi, Banff Centre 2024. Photo by Rita Taylor.

Dates

Application Deadline: November 20, 2024

Program Dates: April 28 – May 09, 2025

Overview  

This two-week residency offers musicians and ensembles from diverse cultural and artistic backgrounds dedicated space and time to focus on their craft. Embracing music from all traditions and breaking boundaries, the program encourages connections between musicians using both traditional world instruments and Western instruments and voice. 

Participants shape the residency with their own historical and contemporary practices. With the freedom to design your own schedule, you'll receive guidance from esteemed global artists and mentors. The diverse artistic influences, coupled with peer collaboration, will inspire new discoveries and transformative experiences throughout the program.

Description

Soundweavings will offer individuals and ensembles of all musics time and space to focus on research, development and creation of their own project. This program gives the opportunity to:

  • take risks, explore new ideas, and elevate your creative practice in a supportive environment.
  • create a framework for discussions, collaborative music making and shared listening experiences. 
  • focus on creative exploration and experimentation through peer and mentor-led collaborations and discussions.
  • performance opportunities to showcase their work. 
  • be exposed to diverse musical traditions, instruments, musical systems, and historical and aesthetic perspectives.
  • build an inclusive and diverse community.
  • collaborate with Audio Engineer recording practicum participants for demo recordings.

A limited number of studio recording possibilities will be offered by the Professional Training program Audio Engineer: Soundweavings 2025 participants. 

Requirements

This program is open to:

  • National and international post-secondary students.
  • Early and mid-career artists who have achieved an advanced level of accomplishment.

Applicants should have:

  • A well-documented record of musical exploration, performance, or creation.
  • Experience with traditional world music instruments or Western instruments.

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.

Itinerary

Participants arrive on campus April 27, 2025

Program elements include:

  • Program and Banff Centre Orientation 
  • Three faculty lectures 
  • Sharing Circles 2-3 times a week in Bentley (Music and Sound)
  • Camp Fire 

Public Performances:

  • Concert 1: May 01, 2025
  • Concert 2: May 03, 2025
  • Concert 3: May 07, 2025
  • Concert 4: May 09, 2025

Participants depart May 10, 2025


 

 

 

Faculty

What's Included

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Meal Plan Read more Close

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 Regular meal plan is equivalent to $53 credit per day, equivalent to two meals at our Buffet service.

Accommodations
Accommodation Read more Close

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.

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Studio Space Read more Close

Create in the privacy of one of our specialized studios.

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Group Seminars/Workshops Read more Close

Group seminars and workshops with faculty.

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Performance Opportunities Read more Close

This program offers opportunities to showcase your work in one of our performance venues or in the community.

Recording Opportunities Read more Close

A limited number of studio recording possibilities will be offered by the Audio Recording Engineer CWT (Creative Workforce Training) program for Soundweavings. 

Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives Read more Close

The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty

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Fees & Financial Assistance

Total fee per person (Tuition, Accommodation and Meal Plan)
$5 044.20
Scholarship Amount Applied*
$4 034.10
You Pay (accommodation & meal plan costs after scholarship applied)
$1 010.10

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.

To receive the standard scholarship, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.

For additional support to help fund your experience at Banff Centre, view a compiled list of national and international opportunities here.

Cancellations

Information on our cancellation policy can be found here.

Tax Information

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.

How to Apply

Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.

Resume

A one-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.

Group applications should submit all resumes in one document. 

Cover Letter

A one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this program and what you hope to achieve by attending it.

Project Proposal

Provide a 500-word description of your proposed project, including the theme, an outline of materials and facilities that may be required, and a breakdown of timelines. These summaries will be used as a narrative for administrative and public use. 

Resource request form

Please fill out the technical resource form with a list of technical equipment & instruments bringing and what is needed from Banff Centre. 

Portfolio

  • Musicians: Up to three samples of your work as audio or video recordings, for a maximum duration of approximately 10 minutes in total. You should aim to demonstrate the full scope of your artistry by selecting contrasting works. Pre-formed ensembles must submit group recordings. Please upload up to three files only.
  • Composers: Scores of two of your compositions (can be a graphic score or traditional score) and, if possible, a recording of these works. Indicate performance history if applicable. Compositions and recordings submitted should have been completed no more than five years prior to the application deadline.
     

Financial Assistance

Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the financial assistance.

Group Applications

The lead applicant should complete:

  • Step 1: One application form 
  • Step 2: Pay the $65 processing fee on behalf of the group
  • Step 3: One SlideRoom application

Note: An additional $35 registration fee will be added for each member upon acceptance to the program.

Adjudication

Participants are chosen by an adjudication panel comprising of internal and external assessors. The selection criteria include:

  • Quality, originality and artistic merit.
  • Required skills and experience. 
  • The potential for the applicant's work to benefit from the program.
  • Banff Centre’s ability to support the project.

Our programs are highly competitive with a limited number of places available. Applicants will be notified of their selection status as soon as the adjudication process is complete. Due to the high volume of applications individual feedback will not be provided. 

Disclaimer

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:

Toll Free Number (Canada + USA)
1.800.565.9989
Phone
403.762.6180