MUSICIANS
What is the application process to become a Concert in Care artist?
All artists must submit a resume and 2-3 video or audio clips with good sound, for review by Artistic Advisor Andrew Burashko.
Once Andrew gives the green light, we look for opportunities to include you in the roster. Our booking cycle is 2-3 months ahead of concerts.
Please direct your submissions to debra@concertsincareontario.com
How long is each concert?
The basic concerts are 45-60 minutes, including narrative – which is every bit as important as the music. Social connection is part of your musical connection.
Sometimes the concerts are broken into two 30-minute concerts with a 10-15 minute break between.
How large are the audiences?
Audience size ranges from 10 to about 85, with the average number being 40-50.
What kind of program do I need to craft?
We strongly recommend that no single piece be longer than 8 – 10 minutes.
We encourage solos from each musician in the ensemble, as well as your planned ensemble repertoire.
We offer straight classical, jazz – lyrical, familiar, American songbook – and suitable popular tunes, in addition to Chinese, Yiddish, Caribbean, Japanese, country, Celtic, opera and art song, Klezmer, Afrobeats, rock’n’roll, and more.
Do I need to speak to the audience?
Speaking to the audience with personal anecdotes, composer stories, and even the occasional historic context story, is absolutely necessary. This audience craves connection.
Speaking clearly, slowly, and with sufficient volume is mandatory – or they won’t understand you.
We always remind the managers to put out a microphone. When you go to a venue, always ask if you don’t see one set up.
How much am I paid to perform?
We have contracts with all musicians’ associations across the regions, so that we pay union scale – respectful of your time and skills and talent.
We also pay union dues and pension, and HST where applicable.
For non-union or ACTRA musicians in 2026, we pay a flat rate of $172.
How often will I perform?
That depends on where you are, when you are available, and how many sales we have. We are projecting 2026 concert numbers of 530 from Ottawa and Pembroke to Kingston, Peterborough, Sudbury region, Barrie/Orillia, London, Hamilton, Brampton, Mississauga, Burlington, Oakville, and the GTA. Of those, approximately 60% are in the GTA, reflecting the greatest density of seniors’ homes and facilities.
Can we choose our own ensembles?
Up to trio or occasional quartet, yes! As long as it is cleared with our Artistic Advisor.
Are pianos or keyboard provided?
We generally try to match pianists with facilities that have pianos or decent keyboards. Some pianists prefer to take their own, just in case. And there are a few under-resourced facilities where you do need to take your own. This is always discussed beforehand.
We also offer financial support to tune pianos in facilities where money is scarce.
Are there warm-up rooms?
No. Generally speaking you are in the open, with tables or chairs for your instrument cases.
Do I have to bring my own music stand?
Yes! Some facilities have them, but sometimes chasing those down can take valuable time.
Will there be refreshments?
No. There will be some places that offer you water or coffee, but not too often. These staff members are wonderful but stretched very thin, serving multiple residents.
What expenses does Concerts In Care Ontario cover?
We have a small budget available for cartage of harp, harpsichord, percussion, or when required, keyboards.
If you have no car and the transit ride is more than an hour, we will reimburse Uber, Lyft, or taxi, as long as you and your ensemble can share.
Still have questions? Contact us to find out more about how to become a partner with Concerts in Care.