Music Definitions

Music creation: composition, songwriting, creation of electro-acoustic/electronic music, including producing electronic soundscapes and manipulations of recorded source material
Music creators: individual composers, songwriters, creators of electro-acoustic/electronic music, including producers undertaking electronic soundscapes and manipulations of recorded source material
Producer: individual or organization who oversees work intended for public performance, either their own or by a performing organization or collective to which they belong. This also includes working with artists being brought together on stage for the first time to develop repertoire through rehearsal.
Presenter: individual or organization who organizes and executes public artistic performances, who is not a part of the performance or a member of the performing organization or collective
Single performance/concert: presentation or production of a single music concert or performance for which professional musicians are paid
Concert series: presentation or production of a minimum of two concerts or performances in a season for which professional musicians are paid, and that takes place over an extended time period
Music festival: presentation of music concerts or performances for which professional musicians are paid, that takes place in a concentrated time period
Co-production: activity where an individual artist, collective or organization enters into an arrangement with a partner individual, collective or organization for the production of a concert, series, music festival or opera. Each partner assumes responsibilities for different aspects of the project’s total expenses and associated revenues. An engagement for which you receive a guaranteed fee from a presenter is not considered a co-production.
Ad hoc groups/collective: must include at least two or more professional musicians, songwriters or composers and must operate on a not-for-profit basis, e.g. chamber ensemble or band. A collective must be able to deposit a cheque issued in the name of the group, as opposed to the name of an individual artist.
Opera: music-based theatrical form, where substantial music and lyric components (e.g., the composer’s score, predominant use of singing voices) are integral to the content and meaning, and key to the work’s artistic integrity and dramatic expression. The term covers genres ranging from traditional repertoire to contemporary operas and new Canadian works. Explorations that push the boundaries of opera employing new technologies, extended vocal techniques or multidisciplinary elements are included, as are culturally-specific traditions such as Beijing and Cantonese opera. Note: Musical theatre is funded in the Theatre section. Contact the OAC Theatre or Music staff with questions about eligibility and the most appropriate granting program for a project.
Professional orchestras and choral organizations: pay their players based on American Federation of Music (AF of M) scale, and there is a contracted core of musicians and, generally, a master agreement. A choral organization’s singers are paid a fee for rehearsals and performances (whether per service or a contract).
Semi-professional orchestras: have professional artistic leadership (conductor), pay some professional musicians who are regular orchestra members, and have amateur players who may or may not receive an honorarium or pay a membership fee. Semi-professional orchestras demonstrate appropriate remuneration for the professional musicians (e.g. core players, guest artists), as well as a commitment to programs and activities that build capacity for music-making and/or music education opportunities in their community beyond presenting a standard annual concert series.
Community orchestras and choral organizations: have professional artistic leadership (i.e. conductor, accompanist), with primarily or entirely amateur instrumentalists or choristers who are either unpaid or pay a membership fee. These may be set-up as either not-for-profit organizations or ad hoc groups/collectives. In the case of the latter, the professional artistic leadership, other professional artists and/or professional or volunteer administration would be considered the ad hoc group/collective members (i.e. not the choristers). While community choirs and community orchestras attached to, or that operate directly as part of, educational or religious institutions are not eligible, independent community orchestras and choral organizations may have affiliations and/or collaborations with such institutions.
Semi-professional choral organizations: have professional artistic leadership (for example, conductor, accompanist) and regular choir members who are paid. Some members do not receive remuneration or may pay a membership fee.
Choral training organizations/groups: Children’s/youth choirs select members through a competitive admission process/audition procedure. The choirs offer vocal/choral lessons in addition to rehearsal and performance opportunities. They can demonstrate that the program is not funded as a provincial primary, intermediate or secondary school activity. These may be set-up as either not-for-profit organizations or ad hoc groups/collectives. In the case of the latter, the professional artistic leadership, other professional artists and/or professional or volunteer administration would be considered the ad hoc group/collective members (i.e. not the choristers).
Amateur: non-paid musician or chorister who pursues recreational music making
Nationally designated youth orchestra: organization that has been approved for support through the department of Canadian Heritage’s Canada Arts Training Fund.
Presenting facility: venue or theatre space that may be used by various arts organizations in its community for performances/concerts and may also undertake its own programming
Commission: work created by a composer/creator at the request of a performer, ensemble/group or arts organization for which the composer will be paid

OAC Office Locations

Toronto Location
121 Bloor Street East, 7th Floor Toronto, ON M4W 3M5

Thunder Bay Location
Thunder Bay, Ontario

For more than 60 years, the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) has played a vital role in promoting and assisting the development of the arts for the enjoyment and benefit of Ontarians. The OAC reached 27.4 million people through events and arts education activities across the province in 2021-22. In 2023-24, OAC invested its grant program budget of $53.3 million in 219 communities across all 124 Ontario ridings, providing 2,149 grants to individual artists and 1,043 grants to organizations.

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Music Definitions