Virtual Tipjars (new article up)

As the world hunkers down and stays in for the pandemic, many artists are turning hard into streaming their live performances, and to online marketing. Without a door charge attached to these virtual shows, the artist is still left without a source of timely income. With that in mind we've collected some options for artists who wish to request virtual ticket donations or subscriptions from fans online.

Check out the article HERE

Are You Offering Online Music Lessons?

We are looking to collect a list of teachers providing lessons. We know many of you have transitioned to providing Skype/Whatsapp/Zoom etc lessons and we’d like to know if you are accepting new students. Please email lorenakelly@saskmusic.org with a description of your services including instrument(s) taught, musical styles, level of instructions, how the general public can reach you, and any other pertinent information. A photo or logo would be very helpful as well. Information will be posted on our website.

If you're interested in taking online lessons, check out the list of instructors we've collected so far! Online Music Lessons 

Are You Doing A Streaming Concert? Let Us Know!

We are also looking to help promote your upcoming streaming concerts/release parties, and to help provide this information for media. Please tag your social posts with #LiveStreamSask; you can also send details directly to lorenakelly@saskmusic.org (graphics appreciated!). The more notice you can provide us with the better, with some media outlets preparing "coming up this week" announcements!

We are working on an introductory level FACTOR webinar for our members, but, if you have any questions please send them in the meantime. For those who have never applied for FACTOR funding your first step will be to create an Artist and Applicant Profile on their website https://www.factor.ca/programs/artist-development/ , and you can do this at any time now. In fact if you're looking at applying soon, we recommend you do it ASAP. With FACTOR programs, the first step is to create these profiles and have them give you a 'rating,' before you can continue on to starting a grant application. In 95%+ of cases, artists receive a "general" rating, so you can use that level as a reference if you're looking into the funding programs they offer.

There is an upcoming deadline of May 28 for one of FACTOR's entry level programs, the Artist Development Program. It offers a $2,000* subsidy toward one year of artist development activities which can include recording, (future) touring & showcasing, video production, marketing and promotion. These activities must be detailed in an artist development plan that you upload. For this program you need an MP3 of a recent demo along with lyrics, known as the assessment track; a current artist biography (which gets uploaded to your artist profile); and an artist development plan, which sets out all the intended artist development activities to be undertaken if the project is approved for funding (this in particular is something SaskMusic can help you develop if needed.) At the end of the Artist Development year, successful applicants must provide one new recorded song as part of their final report.

There is also an upcoming deadline of May 28 for the more advanced level Juried Sound Recording.

*FACTOR will reimburse 75% of the eligible costs on your budget up to $2,000, meaning you would need to spend at least $2667 including Donated Services towards your plan.

Here is more info on how to get started: https://www.factor.ca/application-details/application-details-overview-2/

The monthly Songwriters groups are currently meeting online via Zoom. Please check out their Facebook groups for more information about the next meeting.

Saskatoon group info: https://www.facebook.com/saskatoonsongwriters/

Regina group info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/258208420940008/

The call for artists to apply for M POUR MONTRÉAL/M FOR MONTREAL has been extended until June 1! M for Montreal takes place from Nov. 18 - 21, 2020. It's an opportunity to perform in front of more than 200 music industry professionals from around the world, eager to make discoveries and new connections.

More Info

Side Door is offering an opportunity for artists to set up private, ticketed streaming events as a means to generate revenue. They are also waiving any commission fees for the month of April, ensuring all ticket sales go directly back to the performers. To create your online show with Side Door, browse shows, and read live stream tips, click HERE