External Opportunities

The University is not responsible for external opportunities or the content on external websites, which may change without notice.

Auditions and Competitions

Find notices for external auditions and competitions here:

Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra - Young Artist Competition

The Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra is holding a Young Artists Competition, which is set for September 2024. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2024. 

Click the following link for more information: YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION — Lethbridge Symphony

For over 30 years, the Lethbridge Symphony has provided talented young musicians from across Alberta a unique biennial opportunity to perform in competition for our supportive audiences. The Young Artist Competition was started in 1985 through the generosity of the Helen Johnson Memorial Fund, and the winner receives an invitation to play as a guest soloist with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra in the next concert season, as well as a generous cash prize.

Past winners include Alayna McNeil, violin (2022); Jacques Forestier, violin (2018); Yan Li, violin (2016); Isabella d’Éloize Perron, violin (2015); Eleanor Yu, violin (2013); Matt Groenheide, percussion (2011); Matthew Blackburn, piano (2009); Emma Parkinson, soprano (2007); Graeme Roset, piano (2005); Magdalena von Eccher, piano (2003); and Marlie Grant, horn (2001).

Questions? Please email executive@lethbridgesymphony.org or call 403.328.6808 x 103

CFMTA Essay Writing Competition

The Canadian Federation of Music Teachers' Associations (CFMTA) invites student submissions to the CFMTA Essay Writing Competition on any topic related to music teaching, pedagogy, or performance practice. The Competition is open to all Canadian residents currently enrolled at the high school, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral university levels.

University Doctoral Prize $1000.00
University Graduate Prize $750.00
University Undergraduate Prize $500.00
High School Prize $250.00


Entries will be judged by nationally recognized scholars in the field of music pedagogy and performance. Winning essays will be published in the CFMTA magazine “The Canadian Music Teacher" Year in Review issue and website. There is no fee to enter. Deadline: May 1, 2024.

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Lyric Opera of Chicago's Ryan Opera Center is now accepting singer applications for the 2025/26 Ensemble.

Applications are free and must be submitted via YAP Tracker. If you do not have a YAP Tracker account, register for free at www.yaptracker.com.

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center is Lyric's preeminent artist-development program that nurtures the talents of some of the most promising operatic artists of each generation. The program’s Ensemble members earn their coveted spot by successfully auditioning among more than 500 artists worldwide. Its alumni are among the dominant names in opera today.

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center is an equal opportunity employer/program. The Ryan Opera Center encourages qualified artists from historically underrepresented groups, including but not limited to those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color, to apply for its Ensemble.

Application Deadline #1: March 18, 2024
Audition Dates: April 29–30, 2024
Location: New York

Application Deadline #2: April 12, 2024
Audition Dates: May 18–19, 2024
Location: Chicago

Application Deadline #3: June 7, 2024
Audition Dates: July 12–13, 2024
Location: Chicago

 

Calls for Submission

Find external exhibition or curatorial opportunities, calls for proposals, residencies, submissions and projects here:  

Campus Utility Box Vinyl Wrapping

The Faculty of Fine Arts, Utilities Department and Campus Development are seeking artists connected to the University of Lethbridge to create artwork for vinyl wraps that will be installed on utility boxes across campus. The boxes are a variety of styles and are located at prominent locations, including in front of residence buildings and along busy campus thoroughfares. Selected artists will be commissioned to provide artwork for each of the sites but will not be responsible for fabrication or installation. Artists will also be required to participate in a workshop with a project graphic designer in advance of beginning their commissions.

Submission Process
Interested artists are asked to submit the following:
• Contact information, including email, phone number and address
• Expression of interest (maximum 500 words) that explains your interest in participating in this project and connection to the University of Lethbridge, along with a brief description of your proposed design, including
o Thematic considerations in connection with the project.
o Design content and approach to creating (style/media).
o Indication of colour palette.
• Sketches or rough drafts of your design.
• Up to five examples of current or past work with an image list.

All materials must be submitted as a PDF file. Artists interested in submitting more than one concept are asked to submit separate packages for each design.

Email applications to: krystal.minghoniwell@uleth.ca. Please include ‘Campus Utility Box Vinyl Wrap’ in the subject heading. Only electronic submissions will be accepted.

Application deadline: March 4, 2024 at 4:30pm local time.

For more details: Call for Current Students, Alumni, and Community Members- Campus Utility Box Vinyl Wrapping

Showcase your work at The Port Coworking Space!

Display Opportunity for Local Artists! Located in the heart of Downtown Lethbridge, The Port provides a venue for local artists to share their work in a creative, collaborative, shared work space. This is a great opportunity to get some exposure and make connections with the Lethbridge business community. We take no commission if someone wants to purchase. We're all about supporting local and making connections. Check out theportyql.com, and call 403-894-3150 or email info@theportyql.com for more info on the space or to contact us.

Graduate Music Conference - Confounding Expectations: The Bounds of Time at the University of Calgary

Call for Papers, Presentations and Lecture-Recitals University of Calgary, May 13-14, 2024

Extended Submission Deadline: March 17, 2024

The Graduate Music Society of the University of Calgary is pleased to announce our annual call for papers, presentations, and lecture-recitals for its 2024 International Graduate Conference entitled Confounding Expectations:The Bounds of Time. This year, the conference will take place in person with Zoom accommodation available to non-local applicants. The conference will take place in Gramatté Hall located at the University of Calgary, simultaneously via Zoom Video Conference. Previously, the conference has attracted an international roster of faculty and graduate students. This year we are pleased to welcome Dr. Jeremy Brown from the University of Calgary as our keynote speaker.

Paper presentations are allotted twenty minutes and lecture-recitals forty minutes. A ten-minute question period will follow each presentation. Abstracts should be approximately 350 words and must contain no identifying information. All abstracts will be evaluated anonymously and should be suitable for publication in the conference program.

The extended submission deadline is March 17, 2024 no later than 23:59 (Mountain Time).

Proposals should include three separate attachments: 1) your abstract (as a PDF or DOC file, without any personal identification); and 2) a 150-word biography (as a PDF or DOC file); 3) a JPG headshot suitable for printing in the conference program. Your email submission should also include your name, affiliation, contact information and AV requirements. If you have any questions regarding your submission, these may be directed to the following email address: Grad.MusicSociety@uCalgary.ca

Professional Development Sessions

Find information for external sessions, lectures, workshops, masterclasses, intensives, and other learning opportunities here:

International Kantorei Choral Festival

The second International Kantorei Choral Festival is taking place April 17th – 21st, 2024 in Calgary, Alberta. Last year, the Festival featured two incredible composers and clinicians Jake Runested and Josh Rist. This year, they continue the tradition immersive choral education and celebration featuring Canadian artists Dr. Larry Nickel and Katerina Gimon. Events will take place at the world-class Bella Concert Hall and TransAlta Pavilion at Mount Royal University’s Taylor Centre for Performing Arts.

This year, they are pleased to offer special student discounts for music students at ½ off the regular price for the Professional Development session facilitated by Dr. Larry Nickel. This session will delve into the art of repertoire selection and concert programming, illuminating considerations inherent in curating memorable choral experiences. Guided by Dr. Nickel, participants will engage in lively conversations, sharpen their knowledge, and be inspired.

Full descriptions of each festival event can be found here.

They hope that you’ll join them for the Festival in April 2024!
To register, visit their website or contact them at info@kantoreichoralfestival.com.

2024 PRISMA Festival & Academy

Applications are open for the 2024 PRISMA Festival & Academy, taking place June 13-29 in Vancouver and Powell River, British Columbia - on the beautiful west coast of Canada.

Our in-depth orchestral training program provides advanced students and young professionals with the essential tools to win a position in a professional orchestra. 

The PRISMA 2024 journey begins with a 3-day in-depth experience with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra featuring mentorship from musicians of the VSO. From there, students will travel to Powell River, where internationally renowned artists from the world’s finest symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles will be on hand daily to teach, mentor, and perform as part of the PRISMA Festival.

In a supportive learning environment, students will be performing orchestral masterworks alongside 80 of their peers. This year’s repertoire includes masterworks by Bernstein, Mahler, Ravel, Kodály, Royer, Farkas, and more. Masterclasses, workshops, private lessons, mock auditions, rehearsals and performances bridge the education students receive at a university/conservatory and the professional life of an orchestra musician.

Over 5,000 concertgoers attend the annual PRISMA Festival in Powell River, British Columbia, which features daily musical events, symphony and chamber music concerts, masterclasses, and recitals.

Students who apply by December 31 will save with our Early Discount application fee of $50 USD. Substantial full and partial scholarships are available.
REGISTRATION CLOSES FEBRUARY 29, 2024

Telus Storyhive - Voices Program

TELUS STORYHIVE is now accepting applications for our Voices program. We are looking for new and emerging digital content creators in B.C. and Alberta to produce a video series about anything—from a gripping docuseries, educational lifestyle series or engaging and fun content for kids. The possibilities are endless! 

The Voices program is offering $10,000 in production funding, customized online training sessions, access to a community of support and distribution to over 1 million viewers on TELUS Optik TV and STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel. No experience required - just passion and ideas.

Applications are open from now until March 20, 2024 at storyhive.com/apply

Curious to learn more?  Team STORYHIVE will be hosting an online Ask Us Anything on Tuesday, February 13 at 11am-12pm PT/ 12pm-1pm MT. Register for the online event here

The Works to Work Program – Paid Summer Work-Study Internships (Edmonton, AB)

The Works International Visual Arts Society is now accepting applications!

Deadline for applications: 11:59 pm March 17, 2024 
Term: Full time from May – July 2024 
Start date: May 3, 2024 

Works to Work is a one-of-a-kind leadership and professional development program designed for emerging arts professionals. Participants complete in-class modules while also working to deliver The Works Art & Design Festival in downtown Edmonton. The Works is currently looking for hardworking, enthusiastic individuals to join the team for summer 2024! 

For over 38 years, The Works International Visual Arts Society has presented The Works Art & Design Festival—a unique, free event that showcases everything from visual art to cutting edge design, digital art and new media technology. Running from June 27-July 1 in 2024, the festival advances the development, awareness, and appreciation of art and design in Canada and provides artists, designers, and the public a forum for exchanging ideas. 

Works to Work is fast-paced, intensive internship that connects theoretical with practical learning. The internship begins in May and runs throughout the summer with in-class instruction and up to 450 hours of practical work experience. Participants benefit from working with experienced arts presenters as well as world-class artists. Several learning strategies are used throughout the program including site lectures, student instruction, hands-on demonstrations, professional exposure, guest lectures, group discussions, collaborative assignments, and peer mentorship. The in-class sessions focus on professional development for individuals interested in a career in the arts and culture sector. 

When applying for the internship, participants choose from 5 different streams:
1) Exhibit Technology and Production
2) Curatorial
3) Design
4) Marketing, Public Relations & Special Events
5) Volunteer Administration

To encourage ongoing skills development, Works to Work allows participants to return summer after summer to progress from the Assistant through to Lead Supervisor level in a particular stream. 

This is an in-person work opportunity. Please note that programming and work schedules will anticipate changing health restrictions. Masking is required for indoor work. 

For more information about the Festival, visit our website: www.theworks.ab.ca 
Apply today! http://www.theworks.ab.ca/education/  
Questions? Contact Taiessa at education@theworks.ab.ca or 780 426 2122 ext. 229 

The Elora Singers Vocal Academy

When: April 29 - May 5, 2024 | Guelph, Ontario  CANADA

Faculty:
Mark Vuorinen, Artistic Director
Benjamin Butterfield, Elora Singers Vocal Academy Faculty
Anna Ronai, collaborative pianist & coach
and members of The Elora Singers

Information for Applicants:
This program has been developed for vocalists whose interests lie in art song, oratorio and ensemble singing.  Qualified singers will be invited to Elora to be coached by Elora Festival Program in Ensemble and Solo Singing Faculty, perform in a Program showcase concert and join the acclaimed Elora Singers in a performance as a part of The Elora Singers 2023/24 season. 

Together, singers will explore ways to communicate vocal repertoire more vividly, experience a broad range of vocal repertoire and examine all aspects of style, technique, communication, language, performance skills, and artistry.

The Elora Singers Vocal Academy is led by Benjamin Butterfield and will include masterclasses and coaching with Anna Ronai, and collaboration and rehearsals with Mark Vuorinen, and members of The Elora Singers.

The seven-day intensive course includes:

masterclasses​
rehearsals
private coaching and mentoring
opportunities to observe Elora Singers' rehearsals
a public recital with other program participants
performance with The Elora Singers as a part of The Elora Singers 2023/24 season.

Travel and Accommodation: Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation.

Participation Fee: There is no application fee.  If you are selected to participate in the Academy, the tuition will be $1000.   Bursaries are available to all successful applicants, which cover 100% of tuition.

Eligibility:
Applicants should have advanced vocal training from a recognized post-secondary music program (undergraduate or graduate program) or the equivalent in training/performance experience. There is no age limit.

How to Apply:
Please complete the application form by clicking on this link [hyperlink]. You will be asked to answer some questions and upload the following information:
1. Résumé (CV), including a general repertoire list and ensemble singing experience.
2. Audio/Video links: Two contrasting selections (link to YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud, Dropbox, etc).
3. One letter of recommendation from a music professional.

Please direct all questions to:
Christina Stelmacovich, Manager, Elora Festival & Singers: christina@elorasingers.ca

Deadline: All application material must be received by midnight on March 1, 2024.

Results will be announced and every applicant will be notified by March 15, 2024.

For more information about The Elora Singers, Elora Festival and our Vocal Academy clinicians, visit: The Elora Singers: https://elorasingers.ca/vocal-academy/

LA Music Industry Summer Academy

The LA Music Industry Summer Academy is currently accepting students for its 2024 season. We are only accepting 20 students and priority is given to students who apply early. Our past editions were extremely successful, and I invite you to visit our website to see testimonials, photos, and videos.

Participants will:

  • Work in Paramount Recording Studios located in Hollywood with live musicians
  • Learn Engineering, Production, Management, Songwriting, and Film Scoring
  • Study with grammy nominated professional faculty who have careers working in LA such as Ariel Chobaz

Be considered for professional part/full-time internships in LA and its various studios

​Scholarships are available and all applicants are encouraged to apply for a scholarship. More information regarding scholarships can be found on www.lamusicindustry.com

Scholarships are available in excess of $1000 per participant.  Additional scholarship is available should you decide to become a member of the Society of Performance and Visual Arts.  www.thespva.org

Memberships & Associations

Alberta Registered Music Teachers' Association (ARMTA)

Are you teaching private music lessons or interested in becoming a private studio teacher? Why not consider joining ARMTA, the Alberta Registered Music Teachers’ Association?
We are a professional organization of private studio music teachers of all disciplines and instruments. Our aim is to promote excellence in teaching and provide support and learning opportunities for both students and teachers.  Those who have completed a Bachelor of Music or an ARCT with a recognized examining board are welcome to become members. Teachers with a minimum level 9 certification may join as affiliate members.  Benefits include professional development, regular student recitals, student awards, advertising, liability insurance and opportunities to share with and gather information from other teachers in a supportive environment. Teachers of all instruments or voice are invited to join!

Email Christine Rogers at c4rogers@telus.net, or visit the following links for more information: