Allan Slaight Juno Master Class Applications Now Open

By Nick Krewen

A trip to Saskatoon to be part of next year's Juno Awards, a mentorship with Canada's Music Incubator at Coalition Music and $5K cash from Slaight Music are just some of the prizes up for grabs for the 2019/2020 Allan Slaight Juno Master Class, currently accepting applications through June 28, 5 p.m. ET.

Emerging artists looking to hone their craft and develop their careers with some of the music industry's elite professionals are encouraged to submit their names and music to this noteworthy initiative, presented by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), Slaight Music and Coalition Music's Canadian Music Incubator that is currently celebrating its fifth year.

Three lucky artists  - joined by 2019 CBC Music Searchlight winner Shopé - will receive prime networking and collaboration opportunities as well as an all-inclusive trip to Toronto for a week of customized mentorship provided by Coalition that ends with an evening music industry showcase. The three winners will also be the subject of a TV mini-documentary chronicling their Master Class experience and receive complimentary studio time at Slaight Music Recording Studios, as well as the $5K from Slaight Music.

The trio of artists will also travel to Saskatoon to participate in Juno Week events and receive a JunoFest performance slot, with one of the three performing at the Juno Gala Dinner & Awards for over 1200 music industry elite.

Applications, as well as criteria, should go to junomasterclass.ca, and shortly after the deadline, 10 finalists will be chosen by a group of music industry professionals, then whittled down to the three winners by a separate group of key industry leaders. Winners will be announced on September 17.

And the best news of all? Entries are free. 

In making the announcement, Gary Slaight, CEO and President, Slaight Communications, said the co-presenters are thrilled to return with the 5th annual Allan Slaight Juno Master Class program.

“My father, Allan Slaight, was committed to fostering and growing Canadian talent, and I am proud to follow in his footsteps with this initiative. Our joint hope is to provide emerging musicians with the support they need to elevate their careers.”

Allan Reid, President and CEO, CARAS/The Juno Awards and MusiCounts, echoed Gary Slaight's sentiment.

“Supporting rising artists is an investment in the strength and future of Canadian music,” he said in a statement. “The Master Class program offers unmatched mentorship opportunities with some of the best resources in the music industry, so we encourage artists from across the country to apply and take the next step in their careers.” 

Last year's Allan Slaight Juno Master Class winners included Brampton, Ontario rapper and singer Haviah Mighty, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia folk-pop band Port Cities - who performed at the 2019 Juno Gala Dinner & Awards in London, Ontario this past March - Winnipeg hip-hop artist smrtdeath and 2018 CBC Music Searchlight winner, aquakulture, from Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Here is a short synopsis from the 2018 edition.