FAQ’s
What is MusiCounts?
MusiCountsTM, Canada’s music education charity associated with CARAS, is helping keep music alive in schools across Canada. MusiCount’s mission is to ensure that young Canadians have access to a comprehensive music program through their school, regardless of socio-economic circumstances and cultural background. MusiCounts includes Band Aid musical instrument grants, the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, Scholarships and other music education initiatives.
What is the impact of MusiCounts?
To date, over $3 and a half million dollars have been donated through our Band Aid musical instrument grants and scholarships, impacting 214 post-secondary music program graduates and over 250,000 students, their schools and communities from coast to coast. MusiCounts also continues to honour extraordinary music teachers through the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award.
What are the benefits of music education?
Research shows that not only does music education enhance cognitive development, but it fosters discipline and a positive attitude toward school and academics, encourages creativity, builds teamwork, celebrates cultural diversity, and is influential in lowering school drop-out rates.
What are Band Aid Musical Instrument Grants?
Created in 1997, the Band Aid grant program helps keep music alive in schools across Canada providing students with the opportunity to explore their musical potential. Grants are awarded to public (elementary, secondary and separate) schools in Canada. Schools are selected based on economic need; inventory and condition of instruments; number of students; dedication of school staff; and overall impact the grant would make within the school and the community.
How can my school apply for a Band Aid Grant?
Public schools (elementary, junior high and high schools) in Canada are eligible to apply for this grant. All criteria, including downloadable Application Forms, are posted on our website at the end of April each year. Submissions are invited as of May 1 - the deadline is August 1.
What are MusiCounts Scholarships?
Since 1989, $1,000 scholarships have been awarded annually to exceptional students enrolled in post-secondary Music and Recording Arts and Sciences programs. The scholarships assist young Canadians to develop their talent and launch their careers.
What is the MusiCounts Fred Sherratt Award?
Named in honour of broadcasting pioneer Fred Sherratt, the award recognizes the outstanding achievement, talent and leadership of 12 graduating students selected from music programs across the country. Award recipients receive a cash prize, and a unique opportunity to spend an educational day at MuchMusic and CHUM Radio.
How can I apply for a Scholarship?
MusiCounts Scholarships and the MusiCounts Fred Sherratt Award are ONLY available to post-secondary graduating students at the following 12 partner colleges and universities:
The Art Institute of Vancouver - Vancouver, BC
The Banff Centre - Banff, AB
Capilano College - North Vancouver, BC
Fanshawe College - London, ON
Grant MacEwan College - Edmonton, AB
Harris Institute for the Arts - Toronto, ON
Humber College - Toronto, ON
Musitechnic Educational Services Inc. - Montreal, QC
Red Deer College - Red Deer, AB
Selkirk College - Nelson, BC
St. Francis Xavier University - Antigonish, NS
Trebas Institute - Montreal, QC and Toronto, ON
What is the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award?
The MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award was instituted in 2005 to recognize the incredible, dedicated and hard-working music teachers in Canada who help keep music alive for so many young Canadians. Awarded annually, it includes, a $10,000 cash award to the recipient, a significant contribution to the recipient’s school music program, an all expense paid trip to the annual Juno Awards, and a handcrafted award by Canadian glass artist Shirley Elford, designer of the Juno Awards statuette
Past recipients include:
2009 Award Recipient - Scott Leonard, sponsored by Anne Murray
2008 Award Recipient - Alex Voros, sponsored by The Tragically Hip
2007 Award Recipient - Bernard Hébert, sponsored by Céline Dion
2006 Award Recipient - Anne Turner, sponsored by Michael Bublé
2005 Award Recipient - Norman McIntosh, sponsored by The Rolling Stones
How can I nominate a teacher for the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award?
At this time, the Selection Committee reviews and selects the recipient from nominations submitted by our Band Aid Grant recipient schools ONLY. If you are one of our Band Aid Grant recipient school’s looking to nominate your music teacher, please contact us at info@musicounts.ca.
Who supports MusiCounts?
MusiCounts is supported by the major record labels; artists; media partners; individual and corporate contributions; and various initiatives such as the Juno Award nominee compilation CD, Songwriters’ Circle and the Juno Cup.
Why should I support MusiCounts?
Music education in Canada continues to be at risk. School music programs face cutbacks and reduced funding, and have an inventory of instruments in poor condition. By raising national awareness about the importance of music education and its remarkable power to transform the lives of young Canadians, your support can enable students to pursue their love of music, gain access to brand new instruments, receive the encouragement they need to develop their talent, and, above all, dream big.
How can I support MusiCounts?
You can support and contribute to MusiCounts in several ways. To find out more, “>click here.
How can I get involved/learn more?
You can sign up on our website to receive the MusiCounts e-newsletter which is distributed three to four times annually.