Are you a music-maker living in Toronto, ready to bring your ideas to life? The Toronto Arts Council (TAC) is now accepting applications for its 2025 Music Creation & Audio Recording Grant Program—a powerful support system for professional musicians looking to compose, record, and release original work.
Whether you’re writing your next song cycle, producing an EP, or completing a full-length album, TAC offers funding to help you complete your project with professional polish. This article breaks down everything you need to know—from grant categories and eligibility to tips for submitting a successful application.
What Is the TAC Music Creation & Audio Recording Grant?
The grant program supports Toronto-based, professional artists in two major phases of music production:
- Musical Creation: Composing and arranging new music
- Audio Production: Recording, mixing, mastering, and distributing your music
TAC funds projects across all genres—classical, pop, jazz, Indigenous, electronic, experimental, and more. The goal is to help artists produce high-quality recordings that reach audiences and nurture Toronto’s thriving music scene.
Grant Categories
You can apply under one of three distinct grant streams:
1. Creation Grant – Up to CAD 5,000
Ideal for composition or writing new material. Funds can cover:
- Musician or collaborator payment
- Music copying and score preparation
- Studio time only during the writing phase
- Other direct creation expenses
This grant supports the creative process—not the recording phase.
2. Recording – Demo/EP Grant – Up to CAD 4,000
Designed for a short-form recording (demo or EP), intended to showcase your newly created material. Funding covers:
- Studio fees (outside your own studio)
- Production, mixing, editing, mastering by professionals
- Design and packaging costs up to 500 physical copies
- Web design or online media support (max CAD 500)
Self-payments are not allowed—this is strictly for third-party services associated with your recording.
3. Full-Length Grant for Recording (Up to CAD 10,000)
This grant supports the production of a complete album or LP. Coverage includes:
- Professional studio time
- Producer and guest artist fees
- Mixing, editing, mastering, design, and up to 1,000 physical copies
- Web and media support up to CAD 1,000
Minor at-home production is allowed but not fundable. This stream focuses solely on audio production; track creation funding must come from the Creation Grant.
Who Is Eligible for Toronto Arts Council Music?
To apply, you must:
- Live in Toronto and have done so for at least one full year before applying (P.O. boxes don’t count)
- Applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals with pending residency status who possess a valid Social Insurance Number.
- Be a professional artist—someone who seeks payment, has public performance experience, and is recognized in their field
- Be 18 years or older
- Not be an undergraduate student; graduate-level professionals can apply, but not for graduate-related projects
- Work independently or with one co-applicant, who must share eligibility criteria; funds are paid to the main applicant
How to Apply Toronto Arts Council Music
TAC accepts applications only through their online system. Deadlines are firm (typically in early September), and late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Once submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation—check your spam folder just in case.
Application Tips
- Read the Guidelines Thoroughly
Understand what each stream funds and make sure your project aligns clearly with its criteria. - Be Professional and Clear
Write a well-structured project summary outlining goals, collaborators, deliverables, and budget needs. - Show Evidence of Experience
Include performance history, previous releases, collaborations, workshops attended, or press coverage. - Focus on Feasibility
Provide a solid timeline, scope, and third-party cost estimates. - Avoid Self-Payment Requests
Funds are for external services—like engineering, studio rental, and design—not artist fees. - Budget Smartly
Include invoices or quotes and explain all elements—like why you need 500 copies or an album design.
Deadlines & Contact Info
- Deadline: September 2, 2025 (11:59 pm)
- Contact: christy@torontoartscouncil.org (Toronto Arts Foundation)
Artists receive projects-based funding—this is not a scholarship, but a grant that supports artistic work.
Final Thoughts
For Toronto-based musicians and composers, TAC’s 2025 Music Creation & Audio Recording Grants offer a rare chance to finance original work. With funding of up to CAD 10,000, your music can evolve from concept to polished production with professional backing.
Whether you’re composing fresh material or stepping into a studio full-time, these grants provide the tools, credibility, and momentum needed to elevate your career. This is your chance to take a meaningful step forward—take the time to prepare a strong proposal, and your music might be the next local soundtrack that inspires audiences.
