Common Q&A: Musician Submissions

Q: When and where does TUJF take place this year? 

A: At Mel Lastman Square, from August 30th to September 2nd, 2024 (Labour Day Weekend)

Q: Do musicians get paid?

A: Absolutely, that's the whole point of this festival

Q: Who are eligible to apply?

A: Category 1. 50% or more of your band members must be either: 1- Students; 35 or younger; Recent graduates within the last 5 years (2019 or later)

Category 2. Equity-Deserving groups of emerging artists (BIPOC, Francophone, LGBTQ+, artists with disability, and more) Aged 45 or younger

Q: What do I need to submit?

A: 1. Demos (Up to 3 songs: .mp3 only): indicate original songs or arrangements and when they were recorded

2. Band Bio with team & leader photos (high-resolution photos only: for promotional purposes) over 1MB

3. A fan page: Website, Social Media of your band’s official page

Q: Will the festival be in person or online?

A: In-person concerts and online live streaming may be offered. In the case that the government doesn't allow live concerts, we will do it online only.

Q: What time is the submission due on January 31st?

A: 11:59 PM ET

Q: When do we get the result whether we get in or not?

A: One of our representatives will contact you via email after the adjudication period. You will hear back from us by April 30th.

Q: What do the juries adjudicate and how do they do it? 

A: 1. General Performance: Dynamics, Expression of Emotion, Groove

2. Musician Excellence: Musicality, Creativity, Technical Proficiency

**Juries receive only music files without any information: not even band names or music titles are given; only music files with just numbers: #1-1, #2-1, #3-1, etc.

Q: Who are the juries? 

A: Music professors and award-winning educators/musicians: names are undisclosed until the lineup is announced.

Q: What are the next steps after my band gets accepted? 

A: 1. A TUJF representative will contact you for details.

2. Simple explanations: consent of accepting to be a TUJF musician - Sign the musicians’ agreement - Video contest for an award/additional compensation - Performance(s) at TUJF event(s)

Q: What are the benefits of being a TUJF musician? 

A: 1. Additional gig opportunities: TUJF organizes 4 annual events including the Summer Live Music Festival, T.U. Jazz Fest, Live Music on Yonge Street and WinterTide. You may be invited to more than one performance.

2. Promotion support:  Basic social media post 1-3 times per band; TUJF works with publicity companies to promote TUJF musicians individually.

3. Networking opportunity: TUJF invites music/entertainment industry leaders and specialists to give our musicians ongoing performance opportunities.

Q: Where should I contact for any further questions or concerns?

A: We can be contacted via email: info@tujazz.com