We’re back!

AIRsessions is a music workshop series focused on community connections, safer space building, and artist mentorship. Now in its fifth season, AIRsessions will feature guest artists in residence who shares their story, craft, and skills alongside lead mentor Ila Barker.

AIRsessions is free and for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth ages 13-35 located anywhere in Canada. All music skill levels welcome.

Programming this year will include:

AIRaward

A $3,000 cash award sponsored by the National Arts Centre. Selected by AIRsessions jurors based on applications from program participants, the award is for a young artist who is Indigenous, aged 13-30, for the purpose of studying music, accessing artistic or career mentorship, participating in training or professional development, upgrading instruments and/or equipment, recording a demo, or another approved career-focused activity.

  • Call for Submissions opens: March 16, 2023

  • Call for Submissions closes: April 28, 2023

  • Winner announced: After May 1, 2023

Click here to apply for the NAC AIRsessions Award.

AIRaward is supported by the National Arts Centre.

AIRonTour

AIRsessions will travel to several communities for workshops, songwriting and recording.

Upcoming AIRonTour:

  • May 1-8 - Churchill

AIRonTour is supported by the National Arts Centre.

For more information, email ilabarkermusic@gmail.com.

AIRsessions

All in-person sessions return to the Indigenous Family Centre (470 Selkirk Ave) and all virtual sessions will take place on Zoom featuring nationally renowned Indigenous music artists and require registration to receive the link to join. Register by emailing ilabarkermusic@gmail.com.

Upcoming AIRsessions:

  • Thursday, May 11 - Virtual

  • Thursday, May 25 - In-Person

  • Thursday, June 8 - Virtual

  • Thursday, June 15 - In-Person

  • Thursday, June 22 - Virtual

  • Thursday, July 6 - Virtual

  • Thursday, July 13 - In-Person

  • Thursday, July 20 - Virtual

Register by emailing ilabarkermusic@gmail.com.

AIRsessions is supported by Canada Council for the Arts.

AIR1x1

One-on-one mentorship available.

Sign-up by emailing ilabarkermusic@gmail.com.

AIRcamp

An opportunity for youth to connect and create. Running in-person, the free week-long music mentorship will connect aspiring and up-and-coming Indigenous musicians ages 18-30 with established artists and music industry professionals with a focus on songwriting and production.

Participants are accepted by application only.

For more information, email ilabarkermusic@gmail.com.

AIRindustry

An online community-building, mentorship intensive focusing on the business side of the music industry. Discussion topics will include introductions to team building, social media, bio writing, EPK creation, tour routing, national funding, and performing.

Participants are accepted by application only.

For more information, email ilabarkermusic@gmail.com.