MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity, believes music can transform the lives of young people. We’re working to build a thriving culture of music education and communities across Canada that prioritizes inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation through grants of instruments, equipment and resources. Additionally, MusiCounts honours exceptional teachers through the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award; we deliver the RBCxMusic First Up Program and CBC Music Class Challenge; and we also provide free teaching resources on topics including careers in the music industry, Hip Hop & social justice, music & mental wellness, and contemporary Indigenous artists & their music.
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What is success for your organization in the coming year?
Success to MusiCounts looks like an increase in schools and communities impacted by our granting programs, as well as more awareness of the transformative power of music education. MusiCounts is always in need of more advocates and donations to make instruments, equipment, and resources for music classrooms accessible.
What are you currently excited about in the music industry?
We are most excited to see young, promising music lovers break into the industry — whether that’s being an artist, musician, a professional, or a teacher. MusiCounts is working to strengthen the pipeline between the classroom and the industry through our career education resources, professional development for teachers, and the RBCxMusic First Up program for artists and emerging industry pros. It’s a tough industry to understand without someone giving a helping hand, and that’s what we’re trying to change!
What is the greatest challenge you face currently, and how can other industry and artists partners help?
We receive about $5 million worth of requests from schools every year, but we only have the resources to help about one in every five schools that apply for our support. MusiCounts is continuously seeking community help through donations that will directly benefit the MusiCounts School Music Funding Programs, as well as everyday advocates who will speak about the importance of music education. Industry partners can help by getting in touch with our Partnerships team. As much as MusiCounts believes in the power of music education, our greatest challenge is convincing everyone to believe the same and act in support.
Can you give a shout out to an artist or industry member who is also doing great things?
MusiCounts must give a shout-out to our fearless leader, Kristy Fletcher! With originally a background in sports and entertainment, she took a leap into the music industry when she became the President of MusiCounts. Just this past year, in 2025, Kristy stepped into the role of COO at CARAS/The JUNO Awards while continuing as President of MusiCounts. We are so proud of her and we all aspire to have the kind of impact she’s had not only on our team, but on the broader music scene in Canada.