Fuse: Music Residency 2026

About the Open Call

Fuse is an interdisciplinary residency for musicians, singers, conductors, and concert experience creators working in Classical, Jazz, Electronic, and related disciplines. The program encourages experimentation, creation, research, and growth in Banff Centre’s mountain environment. Performers will collaborate on a large-scale project while also forming smaller ensembles. Applicants may apply with an existing project or propose a new one. The residency provides space and time for creative impulses to drive new expressions, expand artistic vision, enhance creative confidence, and advance careers.

What is Offered

Participants receive 100% tuition scholarship. The program includes contribution to a collaborative project, small group collaborations mentored by internationally renowned faculty (John de Lancie, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Keaton Hentoff-Killian, Bridie Hooper, Isabella Diaz, Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, Nick Bernardino), 24-hour access to Performing Arts studios, one-on-one mentorship, a safe and failure-friendly environment for risk-taking, workshops on creative collaboration, concert curation, and career development, time and collaborators to develop existing projects, outdoor group activities, and performance opportunities (including public performances). Accommodation in a single bedroom on Banff Centre campus and a meal plan (credit-based system) are provided, though participants should expect to pay a minimum of 50% towards accommodation and meal plan costs. Access to specialized studios, Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives, participant resources, Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre, and Box Office Discounts are also included.

Requirements

This program is for musicians, conductors, composers and artistic directors working in Classical, Jazz or Electronic music. Musician applicants should be able to demonstrate their interest in or their experience in collaborative projects, be it performances, installations or recordings. Conductors, artistic directors and composers with an interest or experience in creating interdisciplinary concert experiences are also encouraged to apply. Small ensembles are welcome to apply. Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date. Domestic and international applications are welcome.

How to Apply

Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application. Step 1: Complete the Online Form. Step 2: Pay your application fee. Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1. Step 3: Upload Your Materials. Resume: A two-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience. Group applications should submit all resumes in one document. Cover Letter: A one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this program and what you hope to achieve by attending. Please include previous interdisciplinary projects you have led or participated in. Project Proposal - Optional: If you are submitting a project, please provide a 500-word description of your proposed project, including the theme, an outline of materials and facilities that may be required, and a breakdown of timelines. Resource Request Form - Optional: If applying with a project please complete the form outlining all studio, equipment, software, facility, or staff support required for your project. This form can be found in the SlideRoom portion of the application (Step 3 of the application process). Portfolio: Provide up to three samples of your work on audio or video support, for a total maximum duration of approximately 10 minutes. You should aim to demonstrate the full scope of your capability by selecting contrasting works. Pre-formed ensembles must submit group recordings. Financial Assistance: Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the financial assistance. Group Applications: The lead applicant should complete: Step 1: One application form. Step 2: Pay the $65 processing fee on behalf of the group. Step 3: One SlideRoom application. Note: An additional $35 registration fee will be added for each member upon acceptance to the program.