2026 Canadian Festival Programs for Bassoonists and Oboists
Are you a bassoonist or oboist looking for music festivals hosted in Canada? Look no further! Bassoonist Amelia Walker has curated the following list of events. Each event detailed below includes all the information you need to participate, such as application due dates, age requirements, location, application fees, and audition materials. All you need to worry about is choosing the best Summer Music Festival for you!
June 14-27, 2026
Domaine Forget de Charlevoix International Music and Dance Academy: Woodwind Study Program
Enhance your skills and learn from experienced musicians in Charlevoix, Quebec.
Application deadline: February 5, 2026
Registration fee: $95 CAD
Program cost: $2688 CAD
Cost includes room and board, three meals a day, free access to concerts, lessons, and masterclasses. Financial aid scholarships are available. Participants must be a minimum of 16 years of age.
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Two works that demonstrate your different technical and musical skills as a performer.
Please include: works of contrasting characters, styles, and periods; at least one work with live piano accompaniment; recent recordings from the past 12 months; and a total minimum length of audition material of 15 minutes.
Please upload two separate videos for the two individual works; public or unlisted YouTube, Vimeo or Dropbox links or any other link directly accessible without a password and clearly labelled. -
A current biography, résumé and profile picture.
About the program:
Domaine Forget de Charlevoix is located in Charlevoix, Quebec, a four-hour drive from Montreal and an hour drive from Quebec City.
While attending the Woodwind study program, you will receive two to three private lessons and the opportunity to sit in on additional masterclasses. You'll also get the chance to perform in masterclasses and at either Domaine Forget's Concert Hall or in Charlevoix with your chamber music group (part of their On-The-Road Concert Series). While at the academy, you can also attend concerts with internationally acclaimed guest artists.
Bassoonists will take lessons with Mathieu Lussier, Domaine Forget Artistic Director and Nadia Mackie, the most recorded Canadian bassoonist. Additionally, bassoonists will have the opportunity to perform in masterclasses held by Lola Descours and Martin Kuuskmann. Oboist will have lessons with Vincent Boilard and participate in masterclasses held by Helene Devilleneuve and Nathan Hughes.
May 23-June 7, 2026
Scotia Festival of Music:
Young Artist Program 2026
Application deadline: February 15, 2026
Registration fee: $50 CAD
Program cost: $650 CAD to $800 CAD
The program costs without billeting/housing is $650 CAD and $800 CAD, including billeting/housing. Housing is limited and meals are not included in either price.
The program offers a limited number of full and half scholarships, which are awarded to applicants who demonstrate the highest level of talent and financial need. To be considered for a scholarship, you must submit a letter (500 words or less) explaining why you should be considered.
Intended for musicians at the undergraduate level and above, with no lower or upper age range.
- Audio or video recordings of two contrasting pieces/movements, recorded within the last two years.
- A CV.
- A photo or headshot (to be displayed in program guides upon acceptance).
- If applying for a scholarship, a letter (500 words or less) demonstrating financial need.
About the program:
Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Young Artist Program offers young musicians a 2-week world-class experience. Participants will work alongside guest artists, including oboist Aleh Remezau and bassoonist Marlene Ngalissamy.
Additionally, Young Artists will receive chamber music coaching, private lessons, masterclasses, lectures, and outreach training.
Participants will also receive complimentary tickets to all evening Highlight Concerts and perform alongside the guest artists during the final orchestral gala concert.
June 15-27, 2026
PRISMA Academy
Application deadline: February 28, 2026
Registration fee: $85 USD
Program cost: $1,585 CAD
Tuition does not include accommodations or meals, they are an additional $1,700 CAD. Financial assistance is available, applications must be submitted by February 28, 2026. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, artistic merit, and the instrumental balance in the festival orchestra.
Intended for musicians at the undergraduate level and above, with no lower or upper age range.
About the program:
PRISMA is an in-depth orchestral training program in Powell River, British Columbia. Participants will be have access to masterclasses, workshops, private lessons, mock auditions, career mentorship and orchestral rehearsals. This year, the PRISMA Festival Orchestra will be conducted by Arthur Arnold, former Music Director and Conductor of the Moscow Symphony Orchestra. They will play The Planets by Holst, Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz, and Brahms’ Double Concerto in A minor, op. 102 (repertoire is subject to change).
Mid June-Early August (Dates to be determined)
National Youth Orchestra of Canada 2026
Application deadline: February 1, 2026
Registration fee: $100 CAD
Program cost: Zero cost program (accommodations, travel, and meals not included)
Residents of Canada, including full-time students in any Canadian institution, who study an orchestral instrument and are between the ages of 16 and 28 years old on July 1st, 2026, can apply for National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada).
NYO Canada has eliminated the tuition fees for all successful applicants. All members, except individuals who receive a special award, will receive $1,500 in the fall of 2026 after completing the NYO Canada tour. Students are responsible for travel costs for themselves and their instrument(s) to and from NYO Canada. While on tour, students are also responsible for their own food costs.
About the program:
NYO Canada's goal is to recruit the best young classical musicians from across Canada and prepare them for careers as professional orchestral musicians. For successful applicants who play the bassoon, they will have the opportunity to work with Kathleen McLean and Marlene Ngalissamy. For oboists, they will receive guidance and mentorship from Sarah Jeffrey, Charles Hamann and Anna Petersen. This year, NYO Canada will be located at Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo Campus, before heading on tour. The NYO Canada 2026 tour location has yet to be announced.
June 22- August 16, 2026
National Academy Orchestra
Application deadline: February 17, 2026
Registration fee: $75 CAD
Program cost: Zero cost program (accommodations, travel, and meals not included). $500 weekly salary provided to participants.
All post-secondary applicants are welcome (18-30 years). Individuals with student visas that expire after September 1, 2025 and permanent residents (SIN beginning with “9”) are also welcome to apply.
All 2026 National Academy Orchestra of Canada (NAO) musicians will receive a salary of $500 CAD per week for the duration of the program. Individuals are responsible for securing housing while attending the program and are responsible for arranging and paying for their travel to and from the program.
About the program:
NAO is one of Canada’s top professional training orchestras. Students have the opportunity to attend masterclasses, seminars, and mock auditions. NAO happens at Canada’s largest orchestral music festival, The Brott Music Festival, based in Hamilton, Ontario. While attending NAO, participants will play under the baton of Tania Miller.
July 19-August 1, 2026
Orford Musique Academy Composition & Contemporary Music
Application deadline: February 5, 2026
Registration fee: $100 CAD
Program cost: $2400 CAD
Tuition cost includes occupancy in a two-person room, three meals per day, and access to practice studies.
Applications received after the deadline are accepted and processed until March 31, 2026, subject to availability. The Orford Music Academy is open to students ages 18-30.
About the program:
Orford Musique Academy is held in Mount Orford National Park. Every year, Orford Musique hosts an international festival and a classical music summer program. Orford Musique has multiple summer academy programs. The Composition and Contemporary Music academy program fosters musical innovation and artistic collaboration.
This year, bassoonists and oboists will have the opportunity to work with Jeffrey Stonehouse, Pamela Reimer, Jimmie LeBlanc, Zosha Di Castri, and members of the Paramirabo Ensemble.
In addition to working with these distinguished mentors, attendees will also be able to participate in networking activities, have opportunities to perform in one or more student concerts, chamber music coachings, and will receive free tickets for concerts at Salle Gilles-Lefebvre.
June 28-July 11, 2026
Orford Musique Academy Winds Workshop
Application deadline: February 5, 2026
Registration fee: $100 CAD
Program cost: $2400 CAD
Tuition cost includes occupancy in a two-person room, three meals per day, and access to practice studios.
Applications received after the deadline are accepted and processed until March 31, 2026, subject to availability. The Orford Music Academy is open to students ages 18-30.
- Two works of various styles, which must include a work from the standard virtuosic repertoire.
- Total duration of approximately 15 minutes.
- Recorded after July 1, 2025.
About the program:
Also held in Mount Orford National Park, the Orford Wind Workshop offers participants lessons, masterclasses, ensemble audition preparation, chamber music coaching, career development discussions, networking and performances. Attendees will have the opportunity to work with Canadian bassoonist Stephane Levesque, oboist Nancy Ambrose King, clarinettist James Campbell and horn player Denise Tryon. While attending Orford, participants can also receive tickets for concerts at Salle Gilles-Lefebvre and explore Mont-Orford.
Learn MoreJune 21-June 27, 2026
Orford Musique Academy D’jaz-ique improvisation
Application deadline: February 5, 2026
Registration fee: $100 CAD
Program cost: $1450 CAD
Tuition includes occupancy in a two-person room, three meals per day, and access to practice studios.
Applications received after the deadline are accepted and processed until March 31, 2026, subject to availability. The Orford Music Academy is open to students ages 18-30.
Audition requirements:
About the program:
D’jaz-ique Improvisation Workshop is open to professional musicians of all musical backgrounds including emerging musicians. It is an immersive program that provides participants with chamber music coaching, networking activities, and the possibility to perform in masterclasses held by Frank Lozano, Michel Lambert, Julian Gutierrez, and Coral Egan.
Participants will have the opportunity to discover a wide range of approaches and aesthetics, where spontaneity and creative play are a focus.
June 8-25, 2026
NAC Orchestra Mentorship Program
Application deadline: January 26, 2026
Registration fee: $70 CAD
Program cost: Zero cost program
Participants will receive an honorarium, free accommodations, an allowance for meals and travel grants.
Applications are open to all instrumentalists and conductors aged 18, who are in the early stages of their orchestral career.
About the program:
Located in Ottawa, Ontario, the National Arts Centre (NAC) Orchestra Mentorship Program provides a side-by-side program with professionals. Participants will get one-on-one mentorship and coaching, receive feedback on mock auditions from a panel of NACO musicians, and learn about orchestra etiquette. They'll also have an opportunity to participate in a range of social activities with peers and NACO mentors. In 2026, oboists will have the opportunity to work with Charles Hamann and Anna Peterson. Bassoonists will work with Darren Hicks and Vincent Parizeau.