Canada Music Week was initiated in 1960 to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Association. Canada Music Week is celebrated at the end of November to coincide with St. Cecelia’s Day, the patron saint of music.
In 1957 Violet Isfeld, who was then president of the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Association, proposed that a National Week for Music be initiated in 1960. The response was enthusiastic and the celebration so successful that the next year (1961) it was decided by the CFMTA council to make “Canada Music Week” an annual event. Today, Canada Music Week is a registered trademark.
Canada Music Recital, Nov. 2021
Canada Music Week is celebrated coast to coast. It aims to bring attention to the public through various means, the importance of Canadian music.
It aims to support composers and performers of Canadian music
to introduce contemporary music to young Canadians
to stimulate a keener interest and understanding of this music and
to encourage music educators to widen their knowledge and experience of Canadian works.
Canada Music Week is dedicated to music in its fullest sense but since 1967 (the 100th anniversary of Confederation) particular focus has been on Canadian content. Students are encouraged to write their own music and enter a national Music Writing Contest where winners from each category receive scholarships.
Canada Music Week activity has now become a positive experience for thousands of Canadians. Radio, TV and online coverage, press, libraries, schools, universities, composers, symphony orchestra, concert societies, church choirs, organists all are uniting in the ever-expanding promotion, awareness and festivity of the celebration of music in Canada.
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British Columbia Registered Music Teachers Association (BCRMTA) Coquitlam / Maple Ridge Branch
Canada Music Week is celebrated coast to coast. It aims to bring attention to the public through various means, the importance of Canadian music.