Annual Virtual Conference
January 24-25, 2026 – Free Virtual Event
Join us for an online webinar series that will highlight a wide range of career options in the ever-changing music landscape. Our all-star lineup of panelists have represented a diverse cross-section of industry leaders, including ensemble founders, artistic directors, freelance performers, small business owners, recording artists, music therapists, arts administrators, sound engineers, community music facilitators, instrument repair technicians, and more.
Whether you’re a prospective music student, currently enrolled in a post-secondary program, or a recent graduate, this event is for you!
Where Music Leads (WML) is an arts organization that seeks to normalize a wider range of career paths and broaden the definition of success in today's music industry.
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OUR MISSION: To be a free resource for musicians exploring diverse career pathways; a bridge between musical passion and career reality that honours both artistic integrity and practical sustainability.
OUR VISION: To empower emerging Canadian musicians by filling the gap between traditional music education and contemporary industry demands, providing comprehensive career development that combines practical skills with inspirational guidance for both traditional and non-traditional musical paths.
OUR STORY:
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WML was born from an online series called "Where Can I Go With a Music Degree...?" which first took place in 2024. After reflecting on our own professional journeys, we asked the question: “What do we wish we could go back in time and tell our eighteen year-old selves about becoming a musician?” We gathered together a group of dynamic colleagues, aiming to highlight a broader range of career options beyond the traditional paths typically presented in schools and to emphasize the extensive range of skills involved in developing a sustainable career in music. Since then, we have been committed to facilitating regular conversations between music professionals whose expertise we know will inspire the next generations to be creative and flexible in their career aspirations.
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We are thrilled to be working with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO) as our collaborative partner.
For more information about our past editions, please consult our archives here.
2026 Edition
This year's edition comprises four roundtable discussions, a pedagogy workshop and an interactive career fair.
Each event features panelists with a range of fulfilling careers, sharing their insights about cultivating a sustainable career in music, as well as discuss the value of a musical education both within and outside the music industry.
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Full details available below.
The Speakers
FEATURED INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Patrick Beauchemin
Engineer and President of VISIONx Inc., Member of Ensemble Philharmonique de la Coopérative des professeurs de musique de Montréal
LEADING IN THE INDUSTRY
Career Fair
INDUSTRY GUESTS FOR 2026
New in 2026:
Join representatives from Canadian music organizations for short presentations on the types of roles and career opportunities typically offered within their organizations, followed by a Q&A in breakout rooms.
Network, learn, and explore diverse paths in the music and arts sector.
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LEADING IN THE INDUSTRY
Session Two
February 1, 2025
All roundtables will be 90 minutes. Times in EST.
11:00
Roundtable #2
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"Musical Entrepreneurship: Building Your Own Projects
and Organizations"
This roundtable will feature panelists who have developed their own dynamic projects and organizations from the ground up, driven by their individual goals of addressing existing gaps in the classical music scene for both artists and listeners. We’ll discuss what inspired them to embark on these projects, how they’ve been able to grow them, and their advice for creating your own sustainable career in music.
Panelists: Dr. Michael Bridge, Miki Sawada, Aria Umezawa
Session Three
February 8, 2025
All roundtables will be 90 minutes. Times in EST.
11:00
Roundtable #3
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"A Day in the Life: Navigating the Demands of a Music Career"
In this roundtable, our panel of musicians will discuss the realities of their work behind the music, including the balance of creative time with administration, financial planning, and travel management. This discussion provides an open look at the routines, responsibilities, and dedication required to build and sustain a career in music. From time spent practicing, to securing engagements and managing finances, join us in an exploration of the artistry and business that goes into managing a career.
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Whether you’re interested in freelance work, solo performance or other creative avenues, this discussion will provide a candid look at the behind-the-scenes realities that go beyond the practice room.
Panelists: Philip Chiu, Dr. Adam Cicchillitti, Naomi Woo
Special Guest: Tom Allen
In conversation with event hosts, Lara Deutsch, Dr. Amy Hillis and Dr. Cindy Thong
17:00
Virtual Meet & Greet
Meet the Event Organizers
Acadia University
York University
Carleton University
The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) is one of the country’s leading training institutes for young orchestral musicians. For over 60 years, NYO Canada has prepared young musicians aged 16 to 28 for professional careers through intensive training, mentorship, and performance opportunities.
Internationally recognized for fostering excellence and leadership, NYO Canada empowers young artists to make a lasting impact in the global music community. As a collaborative partner of this event , NYO Canada continues to celebrate learning, collaboration, and the transformative power of music.
In Collaboration With
Schedule Day 1
January 24, 2026
All roundtables will be 90 minutes; workshops will be 75 minutes. Times in EST.
10:00
Roundtable #1
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"Musicians with a Dream: From Vision to Reality"
This roundtable highlights three inspiring musical entrepreneurs with multifaceted careers. The conversation will centre around why and how they each founded their organizations: Pops of Color, the Queer Songbook Orchestra, and The Bicycle Opera Project.
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Panelists: Shaun Brodie, Larissa Koniuk, Sean Mayes
11:30
Lunch Break
12:30
Workshop #1
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"Making Music(ians), Shaping Humans: The Importance of Music Pedagogy
Behind every meaningful musical experience is a teacher who made it possible. This session invites participants to explore the broader social and human impact of music education, asking what it means to teach music in today's world. Beyond technique and performance, we'll discuss how music teachers do more than train musicians – they help develop creative thinkers, collaborators, and leaders, building skills that extend far beyond the rehearsal room.
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Speakers: To be announced.
14:15
Roundtable #2
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"Presenting Music: Broadcasters, Recording Engineers and Artistic Directors"
This panel discussion will focus on those who present music to the public, whether by
recording it, selecting and introducing it for radio play, or curating a concert series. Our
experts will discuss how best to showcase today’s musical artists and what they’re looking
for when deciding whose music to share with audiences.
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Panelists: Denise Ball, James Clemens-Seely, Isaac Page
Schedule Day 2
January 25, 2026
All roundtables will be 90 minutes; workshops will be 75 minutes. Times in EST.
10:00
Roundtable #3
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"It Didn't Go According to Plan: When Detours Become the Destination"
Sometimes, careers don’t follow the path we imagine – and sometimes those detours can lead to unexpected and rewarding destinations. In this session, musicians share their journeys of taking alternate paths: experimenting with musical styles, moving into new professional roles, and exploring careers outside of traditional academic plans. Discover how flexibility, curiosity, and resilience can turn unplanned directions into fulfilling opportunities.
Panelists: Peter Eratostene, Sarah Frank, John Yun
11:30
Lunch Break
12:30
Workshop #2
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"Career Fair: Working in the Music Industry"
This year’s Career Fair will feature representatives from Long & McQuade, Sistema Canada, Orchestras Canada, and the Prince George Symphony Orchestra. Each panelist will give a short presentation about the types of roles they typically offer within their organization or on their job boards, after which attendees will be able to ask their questions and speak directly with the panelists in breakout rooms. A great opportunity to network and learn about a variety of career possibilities!
Presenters: Katherine Carleton (Orchestras Canada), Ken Hall (Prince George Symphony Orchestra), Chelsey Hiebert (Sistema Canada), Adam Stokholm (Long & McQuade)
14:15
Roundtable #4
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"The Role of Music in the Lives of Adult Amateurs"
How is music making a benefit to those who are not professional musicians? This roundtable features three adult amateur musicians who regularly play their instrument with community groups. Whether they studied music seriously at a younger age, picked up an instrument later in life, or played their instrument throughout their life without becoming professional, these amateur musicians are still busy making music. Come learn how making music can bring joy without needing to make it a professional career!
Panelists: Kristen Aiello, Patrick Beauchemin, Helen Graham
Our Supporters
Generously supported by:
