About the Open Call

The Audio Recording Engineer program is intended as a continuing education experience for emerging recording engineers with mature artistic insight, advanced practical skills, and significant professional experience or a high level of professional training. Audio Recording Engineer learning objectives have been integrated into artistic residency programs, inviting exciting opportunities for collaboration and connection in applied-learning programs. Through mentoring, class sessions, and professional practice, participants will learn about new equipment, software, and recording techniques while supporting the diverse recording needs of Banff Centre's music programs. New for Summer 2026, the Audio Engineering Professional training program offers the opportunity to combine multiple programs, increasing breadth of experience and exposure to musical genres, select program dates that run across a combination of Chamber Music, Summer Opera, Jazz & Sonic Arts or BISQFest (Quartet & Chamber). Engineers from around the world participate in our program to expand their technical proficiency, nurture creativity, and elevate their recording abilities in diverse genres of music. Successful applicants will benefit from mentoring from international faculty, producers, engineers, and technologists; gain experience recording live concerts in jazz and related genres; develop communication and interactive strategies to engage with musicians for an optimal recording experience; gain experience in studio recording sessions with diverse repertoire; deepened knowledge of industry trends and best practices; networking opportunities with other audio engineers, professional musicians, artists in other disciplines, and invited guests; and access to professionally equipped studio spaces. 2026 Program dates are available within multiple options from July 9 to September 9. Participants should plan to arrive the day before their selected start date and depart the day after their selected end date. In the first week of the program, participants will take part in orientation and receive hands-on training in Banff Centre’s world-class audio production studios. Audio Engineer participants will receive integrated training in the program(s) to expand their professional network and portfolios. Guided by lead faculty and Banff Centre staff, Audio Engineer participants support the studio and concert recording needs of the programs, gaining meaningful applied experience. Featured faculty include Theresa Leonard (Lead Faculty), Todd Whitelock (Guest Faculty for Jazz & Sonic Arts), Steve Wall (Guest Faculty for Jazz & Sonic Arts), and Morten Lindberg (Guest Faculty, Jazz & Sonic Arts). The program includes a meal plan (credit-based), accommodation in a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus, group seminars/workshops, recording opportunities, access to the Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives, and campus facilities like the Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre and Box Office discounts.

What is Offered

Meal plan ($68 credit per day), single bedroom accommodation on Banff Centre campus, group seminars/workshops with faculty, limited studio recording possibilities, access to Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives, participant resources, free access to Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre (swimming pool, climbing gym, fitness suite), Box Office discounts for ticketed performances. Scholarships are available, covering 100% of tuition and 25% of meal plan/accommodation costs for all arts participants, and 100% of tuition, meal plan, and accommodation for Canadian Indigenous applicants.

Requirements

Open to individuals with a combination of formal training and/or professional experience or aptitude in audio engineering. Required skills include a working knowledge of Pyramix and ProTools (desirable) and a practical understanding of file creation and management. Applicants should manage resources, produce to schedule, multitask effectively with strong time management, diplomacy, and communication skills. Programs are instructed in English. Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date. Domestic and international applications are welcome, but Banff Centre programs do not meet Canadian Student Visa eligibility requirements; accepted participants must obtain a Visitor Visa.

How to Apply

To apply, complete the online form, pay the application fee ($65, or $35 for Indigenous applicants), and upload your materials via SlideRoom. Required materials include a two-page resume/C.V., a one-page cover letter, a portfolio of up to three recordings/mixes, selection of residency dates, and completion of the Financial Aid section for scholarship eligibility.