About the Competition
Entry Deadline: January 15
The Young Artist Series is a national competition sponsored by the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers` Associations. The competition provides young performers with an opportunity to showcase their talents and to find direction in their early musical careers. The series was started in Saskatoon in 1942 by Lyell Gustin, and it has since expanded to include concerts in cities across Canada.
The competition is open to all young musicians, and it provides a valuable experience for those who are just starting out in their careers. The Young Artist Series is an important event for emerging musical talent in Canada, and it offers a unique opportunity for young artists to gain exposure and to develop their skills.
About the Young Artist Series
The Young Artist Series, sponsored by the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations, had its beginnings in 1941 when Lyell Gustin (1895-1988), a prominent Saskatoon music teacher, implemented his idea of a concert tour to provide experience for budding young musicians in the West. An exchange was arranged between his studio and that of Myrtle Ruttan Patterson of Winnipeg.
Neil Cote, an up-and-coming Canadian music personality, represented the Lyell Gustin Studio, and Gordon Usher, a well-known RCM pianist, assisted by James Duncan, baritone, represented the Winnipeg studio.
The following year, Gustin approached the Canadian Federation to launch the series in all four Western provinces. For many years, recitals were performed in both the fall and winter. At one point in time, Ontario was invited to participate. The East-West arrangement proved to be somewhat unwieldy and the tour settled back to the Western region only.
However, in 1980, Ontario began its series, followed by the Maritimes region in 1985. At present, the Young Artist Series is in the Atlantic, Ontario, and Western Region (minus B.C. and Alberta). The majority of artists have been pianists but violinists, cellists, and vocalists have also been selected for the tour.
Past winners find the tour an exhilarating and artistically rewarding experience. The sponsoring centers, most of which are off the beaten track, enthusiastically welcome the winners for their high-performance standards and youthful freshness.
Through the years, Young Artists have entered the music field as professional performers or have become leading teachers. Alumni include Angela Cheng, Andrew Dawes, Marylou Dawes, Valdine Anderson, and more. Lyell Gustin’s dream of a tour for up-and-coming young artists is now a national competition providing deserving young performers with a rewarding experience and helping them to find direction in their early musical careers.
Rules & Regulations
- Applicant must be studying with a current member of the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations.
- The minimum age will be 16 years; the maximum age for instrumentalists is 25 years. And 27 years for vocalists as of December 31st in the year of the Provincial or final competition.
- Applicant will prepare a varied and balanced program consisting of two major works plus a variety of shorter selections, the total program not to exceed 45 minutes.
- Candidates are expected to play from memory and be suitably attired.
- The successful applicant must be available for the tour and must fulfill the obligations of the contract.
- A typed resume must be included with the application and sent to Claire Seibold at rcseibold@sasktel.net or Box 2024 Rosetown, SK S0L 2V0
Apply Online
Past Winners
- 2018 No entries
- 2016 Luis Ramirez, Brandon, MB (piano)
- 2014 Lindsay Gable, mezzo-soprano & Allison Walmsley, soprano
- 2012 Jinsung Kim, Brandon, MB (piano)
- 2010 Chelsea Mahan, Soprano
- 2008 Michelle Price, Brandon, MB (piano)