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.

St. Cecilia International Vocal and Instrumental Music Competition

The St. Cecilia International Vocal and Instrumental Music Competition is an online classical music competition for musicians who perform, compose or conduct.

There are monetary rewards totalling over £3000 available with separate awards tied to each category, as well as an overall Grand Prize.

The registration deadline is December 15, 2023 and further information, including the application form, is available here: stceciliaivimc.com.

Calls for Submission

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

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.

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.

All Around This World Internship

All Around This World (http://www.allaroundthisworld.com) is a cultural education program for young children -- infants to nine year-olds -- that encourages kids to explore the world by enjoying great global songs, rhythms and cultural experiences. In All Around This World classes and concerts, kids and their grown-ups sing, dance and explore, “traveling” around the globe region by region, opening their minds to the world's wealth of countries and cultures. It's as fun as it sounds!

They are looking for interns who will join them in 2023 to help All Around This World globalize even further, continuing to expand the cultural and musical depth of my programming, offering schools in every country increased access to All Around This World's live online classes and multicultural teaching materials.

This will be an online internship (e-mails/Zoom), which is available to any English-speaking student with internet access. It will offer wonderful experiences for a student based in Canada to work with educators, musicians and others worldwide. 

Interns will be unpaid, but there will be increasing opportunities, if the intern chooses, to earn commissions selling classes and curriculum materials.

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: