Music Creation Projects Supporting Original Musical Works (Canada)

The Music Creation Projects Program supports professional Ontario-based composers, songwriters, and music creators in developing new original musical works across all genres and styles. The program provides grants of up to CAD 4,000 for self-directed creation and CAD 20,000 for commissioned works, helping artists create innovative music and expand access to new musical experiences.

Music Creation Projects Program: Funding for Ontario Music Creators

The Music Creation Projects Program supports the development of original musical works by professional artists based in Ontario, Canada. The program helps composers, songwriters, and music creators at different career stages develop new works through independent creative projects and commissioned collaborations.

The programme supports diverse musical practices across all genres, styles, and traditions while encouraging creativity, public engagement, arts education, and broader participation in Ontario’s music sector.

Purpose of the Music Creation Projects Program

The program aims to:

Support the creation of new original music.
Encourage innovation in composition and songwriting.
Expand the range of music available to performers and audiences.
Support professional music creators at different career stages.
Strengthen Ontario’s music ecosystem.
Encourage public participation and arts education opportunities.
Support collaborations between creators and commissioning partners.

Funding Categories

The program offers two funding categories:

1. Self-Directed Creation

Self-directed creation supports individual music creators who independently develop new musical works.

Applicants take responsibility for:

Initiating the creative project.
Making artistic decisions.
Developing the concept and direction of the work.
Creating a new composition, song, or body of musical work.

Maximum Grant Amount

Up to CAD 4,000

Eligible Activities

Funding may support:

Writing new compositions.
Creating original songs.
Developing a collection of musical works.
Exploring new creative approaches in music.

2. Commissioning

The Commissioning category supports composers or songwriters who create new works through a formal agreement with a commissioner.

The commissioner must commit to presenting the newly created work through a première performance.

Maximum Grant Amount

Up to CAD 20,000

Key Requirement

The applicant must be the composer or songwriter, while the commissioner must participate as a required project partner.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Professional composers living in Ontario.
Professional songwriters living in Ontario.
Professional music creators working in any music genre or style.

Eligible songwriters must:

Create both music and lyrics, or
Collaborate with a lyricist or poet while creating the music.

Applicants cannot apply if they only create written song texts without composing music.

Eligible Participants and Collaborators

Other individuals or groups may participate in projects, including:

Commissioners.
Musicians.
Band members.
Lyricists.
Performing artists.
Arts organizations.

However, the applicant must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for Commissioning Projects

Commissioners may include:

Professional individual artists.
Music ensembles.
Not-for-profit arts organizations.
Dance companies.
Community orchestras or choirs.
Organizations presenting music as part of their public programming.

Commissioners do not need to be located in Ontario.

Projects may include international commissioners, but applicants must provide:

Details of the first Ontario performance.
Plans for presenting the work to Ontario audiences.

Types of Supported Music Projects

The program supports the creation of:

Original compositions.
New songs.
Large-scale musical works.
Opera projects under development.
Additional movements or companion pieces linked to existing works.
Music combined with other art forms or media.
Experimental and interdisciplinary musical projects.

Projects should demonstrate artistic value and potential public or professional impact.

Program Priorities

Priority is given to projects that:

Demonstrate Exceptional Creativity

Projects should show:

Strong artistic vision.
Original approaches to composition.
Innovative songwriting methods.

Expand Musical Opportunities

Projects that increase access to new music for:

Performers.
Audiences.
Music communities.
Cultural organizations.

Support Arts Education and Community Engagement

Projects may receive consideration when they:

Create learning opportunities.
Encourage public participation.
Support community involvement in the arts.

Projects Suitable for Young Performers

Commissioned works designed for young performers may be eligible when applicants demonstrate:

Educational value.
Benefits for student musicians.
Potential future use by music education communities.

Ineligible Applicants and Restrictions

The program does not accept applications from:

Ad hoc groups.
Collectives.
Organizations.
Applicants who do not meet professional artist requirements.

Study and Education Restrictions

Professional composers or songwriters currently enrolled in:

Composition courses.
Songwriting programs.
University music degrees.
College or conservatory composition programs.

are not eligible for the Self-Directed Creation category.

However, they may apply under Commissioning if they can demonstrate that:

The professional contract is separate from their academic studies.
The project is an independent professional opportunity.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Select the Correct Category

Choose between:

Self-Directed Creation.
Commissioning.

Step 2: Prepare Project Details

Applicants should explain:

The artistic concept.
The type of musical work being created.
Creative goals.
Expected outcomes.
Timeline.
Collaborators involved.

Step 3: Provide Supporting Information

For commissioning projects, include:

Commissioner details.
Première performance plans.
Public presentation information.
Collaboration agreements where required.

Step 4: Submit Application

Complete the application according to programme requirements and provide all requested materials.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Clearly explain the artistic vision.
Describe what makes the project original.
Demonstrate professional experience.
Explain the importance of the new work.
Highlight audience, education, or community benefits.
Provide realistic timelines and budgets.
Clearly define collaborator roles.

Common Application Mistakes

Applicants should avoid:

Applying under the wrong funding category.
Submitting projects that are not original creations.
Failing to explain artistic significance.
Providing unclear commissioner responsibilities.
Applying while ineligible due to full-time music studies.
Not describing plans for public presentation.

Why This Program Matters

New musical works contribute to cultural development, artistic innovation, and community engagement. By supporting composers and songwriters, the Music Creation Projects Program helps strengthen Ontario’s professional music sector and ensures audiences have access to diverse and original musical experiences.

The program provides creators with resources to develop ambitious projects, collaborate with performers and organizations, and contribute to the growth of Canada’s music landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Music Creation Projects Program?

Professional composers, songwriters, and music creators who are Ontario residents can apply.

How much funding is available?

Self-Directed Creation projects can receive up to CAD 4,000, while Commissioning projects can receive up to CAD 20,000.

Can songwriters apply if they only write lyrics?

No. Eligible songwriters must create music and words or collaborate with lyricists while creating the musical component.

Can commissioners be located outside Ontario?

Yes. Commissioners may be located outside Ontario, but applicants must provide plans for the first Ontario performance.

Can projects combine music with other art forms?

Yes. Projects involving music with other media or artistic disciplines may be eligible.

Can students in music composition programs apply?

Students enrolled in composition or songwriting programs cannot apply under Self-Directed Creation. They may apply under Commissioning if the project is independent from their studies.

Can groups or organizations apply directly?

No. The program does not accept applications from groups, collectives, or organizations. Individual professional creators must apply.

Conclusion

The Music Creation Projects Program provides important support for Ontario-based professional music creators developing new and original works. By funding self-directed compositions and commissioned projects, the program encourages artistic innovation, expands musical opportunities, and strengthens Ontario’s vibrant music community.