CALL FOR PROPOSALS

DATES: May 25 - May 29, 2027

LOCATION: Toronto, ON

Application deadline: Monday, August 3, 2026

New Music Concerts' MAKEWAY program returns in May 2027, dedicated to supporting and nurturing the growth of early-career musical creators. MAKEWAY provides an unparalleled opportunity for emerging composers to elevate their careers through a unique blend of composing workshops, conducting clinics and industry training, all in the heart of downtown Toronto.

Program Overview:

MAKEWAY 2027 invites proposals for new works with the following guidelines:

Instrumentation: Flexible! Tell us what you would like to create. The jury will choose a program consisting of four works of different sizes. Therefore, we welcome up to two proposals as follows:

• You can submit one proposal for a larger ensemble of 6 to 9 players and another proposal for a smaller setting of 1 to 2 players.
• Electronics, voice and other options are possible within either setting.
• We also encourage the use of instruments from non-European musical traditions such as Sarode, Tambin, Métis Fiddle, Darbuka, Oud, Pipa, Tabla, Kalimba, Sho, Guzheng, Erhu, Kora, Tar, and others, alongside Western orchestral instruments. This allows for the inclusion of non-notated or semi-notated works that reflect a broader range of cultural expressions.
• The proposed pieces should be approximately 10-15 minutes in duration.

Program Structure: Participants will engage in a week of rehearsals, workshops, and mentoring sessions that culminate in a live presentation and professional recording. The program is designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs of the creators, allowing for works that may not be fully notated or conducted, particularly when incorporating non-European instruments.

Honorarium: Each participant will receive an honorarium of $1000.

Workshops: In addition to rehearsals, the 5-day program includes workshops on composition, conducting, music technology, the granting system, and public speaking.

Leadership: For the 2027 sessions, conducted works will be led in part by a Tapestry Opera Women in Musical Leadership Conductor.

Diversity and Inclusion: NMC is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including individuals who are part of BIPOC communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying persons, persons with disabilities, and those who have demonstrated a commitment to these values. We are dedicated to fostering a creative environment where people of all identities, abilities, experiences, and skills can thrive.

Please let us know at info@newmusicconcerts.com if we can individually assist you in accessing this program, or adjust it to fit your circumstances. All participants must agree to work respectfully and constructively and to create a safe environment for all.

Accessibility: NMC encourages applications from all qualified candidates and is committed to accommodating applicants throughout every stage of the selection process. Please contact us at info@newmusicconcerts.com to discuss your accessibility needs, and we will ensure they are met in a timely and confidential manner.

While the program is based in Toronto, we welcome applications from across Canada. If you're outside of Ontario, travel support may be available. We strive to ensure that location and other accessibility needs are not a barrier to participation.

There is no age limit to apply. MAKEWAY focuses on career stage rather than age. The program is open to early-career creators who are in the process of developing their artistic practice or establishing themselves professionally.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit two proposals - one for any ensemble up to 9 players, and one for a smaller format of 1 to 2 players. Both proposals can be with or without electronics. One or more of the instruments can be voice. We encourage you to think creatively about instrumentation and to take advantage of the flexibility that this program offers.

NMC is here to help you realize your vision! Let’s work together to create something bold, innovative, and uniquely your own.

Click here to access the submission portal.

Timeline:

June 2026 - Applications open

August 3, 2026 - Application deadline

August 17, 2026 - Participants Notified

September 18, 2026 - Public announcement of candidates and projects

April 20, 2027 - Scores, parts or other materials due.

May 25 - 28, 2027 - Rehearsals and workshops at Arraymusic in Toronto.

May 29, 2027 - Dress rehearsal, concert and recording session. Venue TBC.

Jury process:

Applications will be reviewed by a jury of industry professionals. NMC Artistic Director Brian Current will serve as non-voting chair, and as a tie-breaker if necessary.

The MAKEWAY jury reviews and grades the qualified submissions using the following criteria: Artistic Merit, Technical Merit, and Alignment with MAKEWAY goals. These criteria are weighted to arrive at a score out of 100.

Artistic Merit (50 points)

This is the most important aspect considered by the jury and is directly related to the creator’s proven ability and their future potential to create strong and original music.

Technical Merit (25 points)

The Jury will evaluate each qualified submission with the aim of identifying how well the candidate expresses themselves with the music-making tools available to them. The jury will also look for potential in the ability to develop as an artist in the future.

Alignment with MAKEWAY goals (25 points)
The Jury will evaluate submissions to understand the extent to which the MAKEWAY program will be beneficial to the candidate. How will the candidate benefit from the program? Does the sound creator demonstrate enough previous experience to assure the Jury that they will be a dependable and enthusiastic participant in the process? The Jury will also create a program that fits the capacity of the program to deliver outstanding performances.

All decisions made by the MAKEWAY jury are final and non-negotiable.

We thank all applicants in advance. No selections will be made until after the application deadline.

For questions, please email NMC Director of Operations and Communications, Emily Schimp at info@newmusicconcerts.com