How much funding can be received?

The OAC Music Recording Projects grant offers up to $10,000 to support the recording of music by Ontario-based professional musicians, composers, ad hoc groups, and organizations. Eligible activities include recording, mixing, mastering, artist and producer fees, copyright and royalty fees, marketing, and select production-related expenses.

Financing terms and conditions

Maximum financial aid of $4,000 for Demo/EP recordings.
Maximum financial aid of $10,000 for full-length album projects.
Grants awarded may be smaller than the amount requested due to the high volume of applications and limited funds.
If the final budget shows a surplus greater than $250, the surplus may need to be repaid to the Ontario Arts Council (OAC).

Eligible projects & activities

Recording and production of demo tracks or EPs by Ontario-based musicians or composers.
Creation and recording of a full-length music album intended for public release in physical or digital formats.
Production of demo recordings to showcase newly developed music work to industry stakeholders.

Eligibility criteria of the OAC — Music Recording Projects program

The applicant must be a professional musician, composer, ad hoc music group, collective, or music organization based in Ontario.
Community orchestras, choirs, or choral training groups must be Ontario-based and professionally led, with the project including fees for professional musicians or composers.
The project must involve recording music—either a demo, EP, or full-length album—for public release or for demonstrating new work.
The applicant must use the grant for eligible activities such as recording, mixing, mastering, production fees, and related costs as outlined in the program guidelines.

Who is eligible?

Professional musicians and composers who are Ontario residents
Professional music ad hoc groups, collectives, and organizations based in Ontario
Ontario-based, professionally led community orchestras and choirs
Ontario-based choral training groups whose project includes fees to professional musicians or composers

Who is not eligible

Recording studios
Record companies, record labels, managers, agents, and lawyers
Municipalities, colleges, and universities
Schools
Religious institutions
Organizations that already receive a grant under the Music Organizations: Operating program
Organizations receiving operating grants from other OAC programs (except those mandated to serve OAC priority groups)

Eligible expenses

Recording, mixing, and mastering costs.
Artist and producer fees, including step-up fees for live recordings.
Copyright and royalty fees.
Studio and recording location rental.
Recording media such as tapes and hard drives.
Packaging artwork and design.
Marketing or promotional costs specific to the recording, including hiring an Ontario-based marketing manager or publicist.
Manufacturing costs for up to the first 1,000 units.
Equipment rental and purchase of small-scale equipment, software, and electronics necessary for the project.
Childcare and dependant care fees enabling participation in the project (not including regular, ongoing expenses).
Expenses related to accessibility for audience members and project participants who are Deaf or have a disability.

Eligible geographic areas

Ontario

Eligibility criteria of the OAC — Music Recording Projects program

Readiness of the project to begin recording.
Potential to enhance the range of recorded music available to the public at the local, national, and international levels.
Contribution to advancing music created by Ontario composers/songwriters, or by other Canadians with compelling justification for non-Ontario content.

How to apply to the OAC — Music Recording Projects program

Step 1: Review Program GuidelinesRead the Guide to OAC Project Programs for detailed eligibility requirements and program restrictions.
Consult the Guide to OAC Assessment for information on how applications are evaluated.
Step 2: Create/Update Profile in NovaCreate or update your applicant profile in Nova, the Ontario Arts Council’s online grant application system.
Step 3: Prepare Application MaterialGather basic project information, including a project description and objectives.
Prepare answers to all required application questions.
Develop a detailed project budget.
Select two artistic examples (audio or video, up to five minutes total).
Collect support documents, such as résumés or biographies.
Step 4: Complete Application in NovaAccess the Music Recording Projects grant application approximately two months before the deadline.
Fill out all required sections of the online application form in Nova.
Upload all necessary support material and artistic examples.
Step 5: Submit ApplicationReview your application for completeness and accuracy.
Submit your application in Nova before the specified deadline (May 22 and November 6, 2025, 1 p.m. ET).
Step 6: Confirmation and NotificationReceive confirmation of your submission from Nova.
Wait for notification of the grant decision, typically about four and a half months after the application deadline.
Step 7: Final Reporting (If Awarded)Upon project completion, submit a final report through Nova, including a project description, final budget, required documentation, and recognition of OAC funding as per guidelines.

Additional information

Program deadlines and application details may change before the grant opens in the Nova system; verify all information just before applying.
Applicants awarded a grant may receive less than the amount requested due to limited funding and high application volumes.
Supplementary funds for accessibility expenses are available for applicants who identify as Deaf or as having a disability.
Applicants must fulfill specific OAC recognition requirements in all public materials and final reporting.