Open to all schools and not-for-profit community organizations in Canada, this challenge invites music classes across the country to learn and perform their own cover of a song from a curated list of Canadian music. Through this initiative, schools and community groups have the opportunity to showcase their music program on a national stage, all while competing for thousands of dollars in MusiCounts instrument grants to support music education.

1. Choose a Song – Select a song from the official list below.
2. Determine your Category – Review the categories below and determine which category will make the most sense for you to submit to.
3. Register for the Competition here.
4. Arrange, Practice & Perform – Create your own unique interpretation of your selected song and rehearse with your students.
5. Record & Submit – Film your class performing the song and submit the video before the deadline.
6. Judging & Prizes – A panel of judges reviews submissions and selects winners based on criteria outlined below.

Traditional Instrumental Categories (band, strings, Orff, percussion, etc)

• Category 1: Elementary Instrumental - grades 4-6
• Category 2: Junior Instrumental - grades 7-9
• Category 3: Senior Instrumental - grades 10-12

Vocal Categories (a capella or with instrumental accompaniment)

• Category 4: Elementary Vocal - grades 4-6
• Category 5: Junior Vocal - grades 7-9
• Category 6: Senior Vocal - grades 10-12

Contemporary Music Categories (rock/contemporary ensemble, technology-forward performance)

• Category 7: Elementary/Junior Contemporary Ensemble - grades 4-9
• Category 8: Senior Contemporary Ensemble - grades 10-12

Other Categories

• Category 9: Non live-off-the-floor performance - all grades (For fully produced multi-track or mixed ‘music video’ style performance)
• Category 10: Private School Performance (For all tuition-based programs)
• Category 11: Primary Passion Prize - K-3 (For all primary-level submissions)
• Category 12: Passon Prize for performance of ‘Yohahí:yo’ (The Good Road) with Karaoke track - all grades
• Category 13: Culture Passion Prize - all grades (For performance that showcases non-Western musical instruments and/or celebrates young people’s cultural identity through music)
• Category 14: Educator Passion Prize (For a submission where the educator’s extraordinary effort, vision, planning and passion goes above and beyond)

Categories 1-9

• 1st Place: $2,500 instrument grant from MusiCounts and a plaque
• 2nd & 3rd Place: Plaque

Category 10

• 1st, 2nd, 3rd place: Plaque

Categories 11 & 13

• 1st Place: $1,500 instrument grant from MusiCounts and a plaque
• 2nd & 3rd Place: Plaque

Categories 12 & 14

• 1st Place: $1,500 instrument grant from MusiCounts and a plaque

Categories 1-9 are Core Categories, and are judged by overall quality of performance, creativity of interpretation, and level of participation.

Categories 11-14 are Passion Prize Categories, for performances that demonstrate:

• Passion: The performance is compelling and rich with energy, passion and positivity
• Creativity: There is an innovative approach to performing the selected song.
• Inclusivity: There are efforts to involve all students and celebrate diversity.
• Storytelling: The performance reflects the school's identity, community, or values.

• "A Little Bit Happy" by Talk
• "Au chant de l'alouette"
• "Charlie Wenjack" by Willie Dunn
• "Dans ma tête" by Etienne Dufresne
• "Everything is Boring" by the Beaches
• "Fille à porter" by Ariane Roy and Lou-Adriane Cassidy
• "Here and Now" by Aysanabee
• "Life Is" by Arkells
• "Little Breeze" by Bobs & LoLo
• "Reggae Party" by Kirk Diamond
• "Takin' Care of Christmas" by Randy Bachman and Beverley Mahood
• "The Returner" by Allison Russell
• "You Can Be Anything" by Jeremy and Jazzy
• "Old Love" by Dominique Fils-Aimé
• "Yohahí:yo (The Good Road)" by Shawnee Kish
• "We Remember" by Allan Crossley

More Information

• For more information about the songs for the Spring 2025 program, please see this CBC Music article.
• Please click here to read the rules and regulations for the competition.
• Please click here to review some frequently asked questions about the program.