Featured Organization - MusiCounts

MusiCounts is Canada's music education charity associated with CARAS & the JUNO Awards. We work to build a culture of music education that is inclusive, sustainable, and innovative, by making investments in school and community music programs across the country. We also provide education and training for emerging artists and industry professionals, and create resources and learning opportunities for music educators. Follow MusiCounts on Instagram.

What is success for your organization in the coming year?

This year, MusiCounts aims to distribute $1.5 million worth of instruments to schools and community music groups across the country to help youth access quality, sustainable, and innovative music programming. We're planning to allocate a significant chunk of that funding to programs taking innovative approaches: think music production, steelpan ensembles, Indigenous music-making, or DJ turntables. Music education is evolving, and we're so proud to help fuel that change.

We're also excited to be expanding our offerings for training opportunities, including professional development for music educators and the RBCxMusic First Up Program powered by MusiCounts, an incredible artist and entrepreneur development program.

What are you currently excited about in the music industry?

We're so excited to see the collective enthusiasm behind demystifying the industry. For so long, the music industry was obscured behind a proverbial curtain and only a few got to see the inner workings. Now, we're seeing so many initiatives working to break down those knowledge barriers so the next generation of industry members can find their role, bring their skills and perspectives, and thrive.

What is the greatest challenge you face currently, and how can other industry and artists partners help?

The biggest challenge MusiCounts faces is sadly not new: the demand for our support vastly outpaces the funding we're able to disburse. We're currently able to help about one in every five schools that seek our support each year, and would love to close that gap so music thrives in every nook and cranny of the country.

If industry organizations want to get involved, joining the group of incredible corporate partners goes a long way toward helping us provide these essential resources. No matter the size, partnerships and gifts are transformed into instruments that can set the next generation of artists and industry professionals on their path. Reach out to us, we'd love to work with industry partners that share our believe about the power of music!

Can you give a shout out to an artist or industry member who is also doing great things?

The impact ADVANCE is having on the industry is absolutely commendable. We love to see Keziah Myers and the amazing ADVANCE team doing what they do best: making waves, creating more equitable and inclusive spaces, and ultimately lifting people up. The industry is better for their efforts.