The JUNO Awards and Slaight Music have officially opened submissions for their 10th annual Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class development program.
The three emerging Canadian artists chosen for the program will take part in an intensive mentorship week, which features performance and interview coaching, networking and collaboration opportunities and more. Artists from the class will also have a chance to receive cash prizes and attend and perform at the 2025 JUNO Awards and JUNOfest. In all, the program is valued at over $100,000.
With nine previous editions under its belt, the Master Class boasts alumni including rising stars like Katie Tupper, Anna Sofia and Jesse Gold and established artists including JUNO winners Aysanabee, Haviah Mighty, MONOWHALES and Neon Dreams, as well as multi-time nominees Fortunate Ones, Shawnee Kish and Jhyve.
Meanwhile, the most recent class composed of Mattmac, Lili-Ann De Francesco, Sacha and Nate Haller is poised to take off. De Francesco performed at Osheaga in 2023 and netted a record deal with Universal Music Canada subsidiary Maison Barclay, Mattmac's music has been streamed in the tens of millions, Sacha scored a platinum single with Reklaws collaboration "What the Truck" and Haller's most recent project Party in the Back won the Country Music Association of Ontario's Album of the Year award.
"The music industry is not just about talent; it's about guidance, resilience and seizing every opportunity to refine one's craft," said Slaight Family Foundation CEO and President Gary Slaight. "The Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class provides a platform for emerging artists to receive invaluable mentorship from industry professionals equipping them with the tools and insights necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern music landscape."
Submissions can be made now at the program's official website, where they'll remain open until 5 p.m. ET on May 31. To make sure you're eligible to throw your hat in the ring, check the requirements here. Once the submission window closes, a panel of industry professionals will choose the artists that will take part in the 2024 Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class, to be announced this fall.
Hear about the program from a few of its esteemed alumni below.
