Education

Discover upcoming and past workshops, programs & panels

Red dots on a black background seen from far away on the left and close on the right.

Serious about your music career?

Join us on May 24th for a full day of workshops, panels & keynote presentations!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Whether you're a budding artist, a seasoned touring musician, or somewhere in between, take your career to the next level with a full day of professional development at Bayview Yards. This event offers creatives and music entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to sharpen their skills by attending more than 10 professional development activities including panel discussions, presentations, keynotes, roundtables, fireside chats and workshops. Activities will be held in two rooms and organized into three learning categories: “Developing 101,” “Emerging to Export aka 201” and “For Everyone.” Network with peers, engage with industry experts and funders and discover new resources at the Exhibitors’ Market. This is a space for you to ask questions, share ideas, connect and collaborate!

If the cost of attendance is a barrier, scholarships are available. Please contact assistant@ottawamic.com for more information.

Looking for a memorable experience? Keep the energy going by attending the CRANIUM showcase at the National Arts Centre from 8:00 PM onwards. Tickets and information are available here. 

Sound x Summit Topic Sneak Peek (full schedule and speakers coming soon)

  • Creating Contracts and Deal Terms 101: Learn directly from an entertainment lawyer
  • Songwriting 101- LVL UP: Hands-on workshop for beginners
  • Music Business Planning 101 - LVL UP: Career planning to make money in the music industry
  • Stories from the Studio 201: Setting yourself up for co-writing and publishing deals
  • Meta Data and Sync 201: The ins and outs of getting organized for placements
  • Soundcheck - Mental Health in the Canadian Music Industry: A keynote presentation of recent study findings
  • Finding Your Audience: Modern marketing and promotion
  • Rencontre Francophone: For artists who speak it but don’t yet create in French, come meet Francophone festivals, distributors, agents and managers.
  • Building Your Team: How and when to find labels, managers, booking and publishing deals
  • Listen Up! What Immigrant Musicians Want You To Know: A keynote presentation of recent study findings by KUNE music hub
  • The Sound of Support - Focus Group: Tuning into the needs of caregivers in the music industry

Ticketing Notes: 

A single ticket grants you access to all sessions, activities and the Exhibitors’ Market throughout the day. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Half-day tickets are unfortunately not available at this time. 

*Please note that there will be downtown street closures on the mornings of Saturday, May 24th. For more information, please consult this Tamarack Race Weekend street closure map. 

Event Timing:

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Networking Continental Breakfast

9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: 

  • Panels, Workshops, Presentations
  • Exhibitors’ Market

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Networking Lunch 

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM:

  • Panels, Workshops, Presentations
  • Exhibitors’ Market

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Networking Closing Mixer

Location:

Bayview Yards - 7 Bayview Station Road, Ottawa

Why You’ll Want to Be There: 

  • Free food!
  • Launch your career forward with a full day of professional development
  • Gain innovative insights and sharpen your skills with hands-on workshops and panel discussions.
  • Connect directly with industry experts, funders and music organizations.
  • Expand your network with fellow creatives and music entrepreneurs.


This event is supported by: Ontario Creates, FACTOR, Invest Ottawa, Music Publishers Canada, Women in Music Canada and the City of Ottawa. 

Workshops

Photo Credit: Quest

The Ottawa Music Industry Coalition hosts workshops to help equip local artists and music workers with skills to grow and better understand different facets of the industry. These workshops are possible thanks to funding from the City of Ottawa, Ontario Creates and partnering businesses. Upcoming workshops and recent workshops are listed below. 

Recent workshops:

 

Upcoming workshops:

  • More to come!

Stage Crew Program

Photo Credit: Quest

Are you working towards a career in sound and/or the stage? OMIC wants to support and equip Ottawa’s next technicians through hands-on experience and mentorship from the pros. Fill out this interest form to be added to our list. More information on the program to come!

Stage Crew Application Form

Independent Music Business (IMB)

The Independent Music Business (IMB) series is a partnership with Edwards Creative Law providing professional development opportunities for artists and arts workers.

Thanks to the City of Ottawa and Ontario Creates for funding this project.

 

Educational video bank of past IMB sessions: 

  • IMB 53: Web Marketing for Musicians
    • Date: June 19th 2024 via Zoom
    • Language: English
    • Presented by: Joseph Longo from Bandzoogle
    • Description: Musicians have to juggle a ton of roles. On top of songwriting, planning gigs, and writing grants, artists also take on the role of marketing management. Learn how to make the most of online marketing tools.
    • Watch here!

 

 

  • IMB 51: Parenting in the Music Industry 
    • Date: February 28th 2023 via Zoom
    • Language: English
    • Panelists: Tara Shannon, Céleste Lévis, Julian Taylor, JD Edwards, and Maggie Szabo
    • Description: A roundtable discussion on balancing parenthood with the pursuit of a career in the music industry.
    • Watch here!

 

  • IMB 50: Grant Writing
    • Date: February 9th 2023 via Zoom
    • Language: English
    • Panelists: Kingsley Swim, Rachel Weldon, Jadea Kelly, and Natalie Bernardin
    • Description: An informative talk on the ins and outs of grant writing and everything you need to know about designing a project fit for funding.
    • Watch here!

 

  • IMB 49: Touring USA
    • Date: January 30th 2023 via Zoom
    • Language: English
    • Panelists: Mariel Buckley, Tamara Kater, Asuquomo, and Justin Nordell
    • Description: An informative talk on the ins and outs of planning a tour in the US and everything you need to know about hitting the road
    • Watch here!

 

  • IMB 48: Climate Change and the Music Industry
    • Date: January 24th 2023 via Zoom
    • Language: English
    • Panelists: Veronica Johnny, Annette Hegel, Kim Fry, and Akeem Oh
    • Description: Have you ever stopped to think about how the environment can play a role in your career? Panelists tackle the many ways climate change affects the music industry.
    • Watch here!

 

  • TOPIQUE: Brave New Models - OMIC x Debaser

    • Date: December 10th 2022 filmed by Kilam Media
    • Language: English
    • Panelists: Eman Safadi, City Fidelia & Méchant Vaporwave
    • Description: A panel discussion from Pique Winter 2022 about the current and future landscape of the Ottawa and Canadian music industry in partnership between Debaser and OMIC.
    • Watch here!

     

  • IMB 47: Touring Canada

    • Date: November 8th 2022 via Zoom
    • Language: English
    • Panelists: Andrea Ramolo, Angelique Francis, and Stefanie Purificati
    • Description: An informative talk on the ins and outs of planning a tour in Canada and everything you need to know about hitting the road!
    • Watch here!

     

  • IMB 46: Marketing in the Music Biz

  • IMB 45: Get your Music on Radio

    • Date: August 7th 2022 via Zoom
    • Language: English
    • Panelists: Melanie Brulée, Matthew Bisson, and Barry Rooke
    • Description: Music industry pros give tips and tricks on how to get songs played on the radio.
    • Watch here!
    • Resources mentioned:

     

  • IMB 42: Artist + Music Marketing: DIY Tips + Working with Pros

    • Date: June 17th 2021 via Zoom
    • Language: English
    • Panelists: Mary Jelley of Warner Music Canada, Ola Mazzuca of Indoor Recess, and indie artist Asuquomo
    • Description: Talk about the best ways to promote music and artists, taking into account every budget and career level.
    • Watch here!

     

  • IMB 38: Managing Indie Artists

    • Language: English
    • Panelists: Nambi, Dave Cool, and Steve Gardiner
    • Description: Talk about managing indie artists, with a focus on online presence and revenue streams.
    • Watch here!

     

  • IMB 36: The Livestream Toolkit

    • Language: English
    • Panelists: Jessie Simmons, Amanda Rheaume & Laura Simpson
    • Description: Everything a musician needs to know about becoming a streamer, from promotion, platforms, ticketing, user experience, and tips.
    • Watch here!

     

  • IMB 35: Preparing for an Interview with the Media

    • Language: English
    • Panelists: Anne Marie Brugger, Roch Parisien & Joe Reilly, with special guest DeeDee Butters
    • Description: Talk about how to prepare for an interview with the media.
    • Watch here!

     

  • IMB 34: The Band Session

    • Language: English
    • Panelists: Matt Sobb, Scottie Irving, Maryn Pegan & Britt Pegan
    • Description: Emerging Ottawa-based bands ask questions to two Ottawa-based experts.
    • Watch here!

     

  • IMB 33: Digital Engagement and Branding
    • Language: English
    • Panelists: Patrick McCormack, Peter Jackson, Mischa, and Andrew Cassara
    • Description: This session covers topics including implementing a digital engagement strategy, the impact of COVID-19 on artists’ digital engagement strategy and the monetization of online performances.
    • Watch here!
View IMB YouTube Playlist here

Our Partners

Thank you for supporting the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition