Ready to level up your experience and knowledge in your music industry career?

The RBCxMusic First Up Program, Powered by MusiCounts, will offer a transformational professional development experience to 30 emerging artists and music professionals who represent the next generation of Canada’s music industry.

This program will equip its participants with the skills, connections, and industry insights needed to fuel fulfilling and sustainable careers in music. Featuring a months-long virtual workshop series, 1:1 mentorship sessions with industry leaders, potential paid performance opportunities, and in-person learning & collaboration, this immersive opportunity is among the most comprehensive non-academic development programs for young music professionals in Canada.

Applications are open now until March 4, 2025. Learn more and submit your application at musicounts.ca/firstup.

MusiCounts and RBCxMusic recognize that being an “emerging artist” in Canada is not a singular experience, but rather a journey with distinct stages. This program will have two streams aimed at engaging emerging artists and music professionals at two junctures in their career trajectory:

1. Early Emerging: Artists and music professionals who are in the early stages of their careers, and show strong indicators of success and future potential. This includes artists and music professionals transitioning from music education programs and/or independent music projects to more active music careers.
2. Early Career: Artists and music professionals who are active and established. They might have been already recognized by peers, the industry, and the general public but still have not been able to achieve their full potential or break on a national stage.

MusiCounts is thrilled to partner with RBCxMusic to develop and spotlight aspiring musicians and industry professionals in Canada. Participation in this program will require approximately 6 hours each week over the course of 3-4 months. It is expected that each member of the cohort approaches this program with the seriousness of a job or gig. All participants who complete the program in full (as defined in a Participant Agreement) will receive an honorarium of $2,000 in December 2025.