Musicians and Vocalists check out the Music Industry Arts and Performance Program

A number of reality TV shows focus on launching the music careers of hopeful contestants. Many dreams are crushed during auditions, yet artists will continue to try their chances of getting a spot on air to grab the attention of industry leaders. Unsigned musicians find it difficult to have a breakthrough success in this competitive playing field. There is another way for talented singers and musicians to launch a career in the music industry: Try Centennial College’s Music Industry Arts and Performance (6450) program one of Ontario's new music education programs. 

It is a one-of-a-kind combination music composition program of academia, music performance, and business and technology courses.

Students who wish to enter this music college Toronto program, launching in fall 2013, will need more than a passion for music. Admission criteria consist of common minimum college requirements of English skills and a mature student status or an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent; but an audition is compulsory since the college is recruiting experienced artists. One of the main goals of starting this unique offering is to open new career paths for instrumentalists and vocalists within the music industry, which will lead to a long and promising career. Unlike other music programs, Centennial wants to create a sustainable career for artists and musicians. The audition, based on the individual’s voice or his or her primary instrument, will be held during the admission session where applicants are also to undergo an assessment for their music theory knowledge and a survey about their relevant experiences including any training obtained.

Ethnomusicologist and multi-instrumentalist Jesse Feyen spearheads the new, music schools Toronto at the School of Communication, Media and Design. He will connect the students with industry experts during their course of studies. What students need a Mac laptop with the OS X v10.8.4 operating system or later, and have the Logic Pro X program installed for professional music recording.

A distinguishing aspect of the program is the mentorship provided for each student. Each semester comprises of a weekly one-hour private lesson where students can get one-on-one guidance from their instructors. Another prominent feature is the six-week field placement, commencing after the student has completed the six semesters. However, the program divides in the third year to two model routes: the (1) music creation and business stream and the (2) music creation and technology stream. The business stream will focus on music's business side as students learn about topics like music marketing and social media, music journalism, and artist management and promotion. The technology stream will concentrate on the skills to engineer music with advanced courses on sound mixing and editing, digital music creation, and sound production and recording.

Careers after graduating from music degree programs lead to music-related positions in various fields such as engineering, journalism, and marketing, and also in different establishments including art organizations, record labels, and performance companies. The Music Industry Arts and Performance graduates will reap the benefits of the Ontario Music Fund, initiated by the Government of Ontario. The three-year investment, starting in the 2013-2014 period, will provide grants to businesses, so they can create job positions and stay competitive on a national and global level.