The Oscar Peterson Program takes place at The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto beginning in the Fall and ending in June. The Program is 100% tuition-free and consists of two streams: the Orchestra Program and the Scholars Program. Oscar Peterson Program staff will determine program placement for accepted applicants.
The Orchestra Program
The Oscar Peterson Program Orchestra offers tuition-free and accessible education to members of underserved communities. It aims to cultivate musical excellence in a student-centered environment by providing high-quality orchestral training and performance to young musicians who might not otherwise have the opportunity to continue their musical studies.
The first orchestra of its kind in our community, the Oscar Peterson Program Orchestra provides a full orchestra setting for talented and passionate young musicians in Grades 7 through 12. The Orchestra meets once weekly, exploring progressively more challenging repertoire, working toward term-end performances. Participants are introduced to a range of diverse styles of music, from classical to jazz, and Baroque to Broadway. The program also includes exposure to music by BIPOC composers, arrangers, and artists.
Open to woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings players, musicians receive regular full orchestra rehearsals, private lessons with celebrated RCM faculty members, regular coaching sessions with student mentors from The Glenn Gould School, and classes in the foundations of music theory and history.
Rehearsals take place on Sundays in Toronto at the Royal Conservatory of Music beginning in October. Rehearsals include a combination of individual and group lessons in addition to regular full orchestra sessions.
The Scholars Program
Students showing exceptional promise and studying disciplines not traditionally involved in orchestra, such as piano and vocal, have the opportunity to study in the Music Enrichment Program at the Oscar Peterson School of Music, completely tuition-free.
These students receive exceptional instruction in the fundamentals of classical music through the RCM curriculum, as did Oscar Peterson himself. These important skills in music theory, music history, ear training and musicianship provide an excellent foundation for our young students to enjoy and perform music from great classical composers as well as today’s popular artists.
Scholars receive a one-hour weekly private lesson, a weekly music theory or history class, and RCM publications and digital supplemental materials applicable to their level and discipline. Students are provided with access to RCM practice studio facilities, and arrangements are made for access to high-quality instruments, as needed.
The Scholars meet with Koerner Hall performers and inspirational guest speakers to explore their artistry and their roles as citizens in a global music community. Weekly private lessons at The Royal Conservatory are scheduled at a mutually agreed upon weekly day and time beginning Fall 2024. Scholars are assessed and also placed in a weekly theory or history class based on their level.
Additional Access Opportunities
All students in the Oscar Peterson Program are invited to attend selected Royal Conservatory Presents concerts, providing students the opportunity to see world-class musicians from diverse backgrounds and musical genres perform in Koerner Hall. Students also have the opportunity to meet and speak with artists backstage.
To ensure no financial barriers exist and ensure students have access to an instrument on which to practice at home, students are provided instruments as required.
Audition and Application Information
Interested students must complete the application form below, including their audition video. The audition video should include a short introduction, two contrasting pieces (one fast and one slow), and two scales from this list.
Students must also provide the email address of someone who can make a recommendation on the student’s musical ability and potential.
Applications for Fall 2024 are available, Apply Now!