About Canadian Musicians Co-operative

About the Canadian Musicians Co-operative:
The Canadian Musicians Co-operative is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting new generations and other independent artists build sustainable careers intersecting the music industry in the 21st Century.

Based in Barrie, (supporting youth across Canada) our co-op programs are casting new generation artists ages 16 - 30 from Coast to Coast. We are also seeking youth for Administrative and Technical positions which support and facilitate our programming.

We follow a waterfall mentorship model, which means you will help others to learn things you are already an expert in, and others will help you learn things you are working on yourself. Roles are progressive over the summer and youth are afforded as much scope and responsibility as they are willing and able to handle. It's a great way to 'level up' in a team setting where your voice and opinions make a difference daily.

For All Applicants (Admin/Tech/Artists):
Please make sure you read the information on our website, including the Summer Program FAQ's so your application is complete. We do not assess incomplete applications.

Emails from this process may come from a "Get Hired" account - and may be delivered to your SPAM folder, so be sure to check there. If you have questions that are not already covered in the FAQ's, please email jobs@canadianmusicians.coop. Use your login credentials to edit or update your application as requested.

Co-op membership is not required to participate in the competition for this position, and no preference is given to existing members in our ranking process.

Please note that you do not need to be a member of The Co-operative to apply. Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If you choose to accept a position with The Co-operative, you will be expected to join as a professional member upon acceptance of employment.

Applicants not selected for a role are welcome to join the Co-op, as membership in a cooperative is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership. Our Professional Creator members enjoy access to the same live or digital resources, support and community as those in our Summer programs.

Please note that you should only apply for ONE position with our organization. In the application process you can indicate any other positions you wish to be considered for, and our admin team will process that request, if your application supports this.

Positions are funded by the Government of Canada and other restricted funding sources, so there are conditions of employment eligibility that may exclude an applicant based on criteria that are beyond our control.

Due to federal funding requirements for these positions, eligible applicants must:
• Be 15-30 years of age on their first day of work
• Be a Canadian citizen, or have a permanent resident card, or be a refugee protected under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
*Please note: International students and work visa holders are regrettably, NOT ELIGIBLE for funding under this program
• Be present in Canada while working
• Hold a valid Social Insurance Number, and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
Additionally, you must have your own bank account for direct deposit payments.
Artist Applications Only:
The Canadian Musicians Co-operative offers three paid summer programs for musicians:
• Pre-Professional Program (3P)
• Emerging Artist Program (EA)
• Showcase Tour Program

Brief Overview of Artist Program Levels
Pre-Professional Program (3P) participants have entry level music industry knowledge and assets. They are developing skill mastery on an instrument/voice. They typically have a social media presence, book gigs, write songs and perform at events.

The 3P summer intensive provides an opportunity for youth musicians to explore and learn about many different aspects of the music industry as they begin their artist-entrepreneur business in preparation for a career in music. Work tasks include performing in public, communicating on social media, building and publishing your own artist website, writing a professional artist bio, establishing your artistic values and direction, and learning how to communicate these through your artistic materials and consistency in your styling. Youth are expected to complete tasks on time, in a meaningful way, which includes publishing your artist information to the internet to promote your CEP performances.

Emerging Artist (EA) participants have substantial knowledge of the music industry, and skill mastery on their instrument/voice is evident. They are actively working and investing in their music career. Their assets include high-quality professional recordings (including unreleased assessment tracks) and release plans are supported by a professional website and EPK. They are typically seeking professional grants and funding. They are not just “the talent” in an externally-driven ecosystem, they are Artist Entrepreneurs.

The Emerging Artist Program is designed to help experienced, early-career artists, navigate the next level of their career, whether that is a planning significant tour, Artist-Entrepreneur business planning, an album release, grant writing, preparing for export, or any other major stepping stone in their progress. They participate in determining their training needs, waterfall mentorship and community performances. EA's building regional or larger audiences may have a more significant geographic performance territory, if desired.


Please apply for the Emerging Artist Program ONLY if you meet the following requirements. In addition to the requirements for the Pre-Professional program, you must have:
• An up-to-date artist biography
• An artist website, reflective of your current professional practice
• An Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
• Artist social media page(s)

The Showcase Tour Program is designed to help experienced, emerging artists gain practical live performance skills and build real-world connections needed to succeed as a member of an ensemble on a large production. Showcase participants are selected for this opportunity through an additional in-person audition, which takes place in Barrie, ON. Live video auditions are possible for high-scoring, out of province applicants who are prepared to relocate to Ontario for the season.
Showcase cast engage in daily rehearsals and skill-building activities during the rehearsal period. During the performance delivery period there will be long days, including travel. Participants are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances as scheduled.
*Please note that the Showcase Tour Program application is supplemental. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements for the Emerging Artist Program in order to be considered for the Showcase Tour.

Accommodations:
The Canadian Musicians Co-operative welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Please email jobs@canadianmusicians.coop if you have any questions or require accommodations to apply, or for your interview.

Please note that we do not use AI tools in the hiring process.