Canada's Walk of Fame announces the return of its highly successful Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Program, supported by RBC Valued at over $100,000

– Submissions will be accepted until Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 11:59PM ET –

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TORONTO, March 22, 2016 /CNW/ - Canada's Walk of Fame announces the return of its Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Program, supported by RBC, one of Canada's most successful programs supporting aspiring Canadian musical artists. Valued at more than $100,000, this program provides musicians the tools they need to grow – whether it's private studio time, introductions to renowned artists, access to key influencers, exposure to audiences and media or funding to take their career to the next level. Submissions will be accepted through to Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 11:59 pm ET. Visit www.canadaswalkoffame.com for details on eligibility and submission requirements.

Since its inception in 2013, the Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Program, supported by RBC has ignited the careers of its grand-prize winners. The inaugural winner, Taylor Kurta performed for Canadian musical heavyweights such as Bob Ezrin, David Foster, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Hedley as part of her prizing. The following year, NEFE opened for Canadian icon Burton Cummings during his Canada's Walk of Fame Festival performance at Massey Hall and went on to sign a recording contract with Universal Music Canada. Last year's recipient, Ivory Hours has since announced a national tour for spring 2016 following the release of their debut LP, "Morning Light" that swiftly climbed the indie radio charts on CBC Radio 2 and Indie 88.

"This program has proven that, by bringing together our music industry connections and offering aspiring Canadian musicians opportunities for mentorship, exposure and funding, we can make a considerable difference to their careers and further influence our cultural landscape for generations to come," says Melanie Hurley, CEO, Canada's Walk of Fame. "We are proud that this program continues to help musicians flourish."

"More than 3200 artists from many genres participated in the RBC Emerging Artists Project in 2015, including musicians from Canada's Walk of Fame's exciting mentorship program," said Valerie Chort, Vice President, RBC Corporate Citizenship. "We are committed to providing opportunities and funding for artists in the early stages of their careers and look forward to tracking these talented musicians as they climb the ladder of professional success."

PRIZING DETAILS
The Grand Prize winner will receive a cash prize of $25,000, private studio recording time, introduction to at least one established music artist, introductions to music industry executives, a public performance opportunity at a Canada's Walk of Fame event, and album cover artwork design.

Six additional winners will also be chosen. Their prizes will include a cash prize of $7,000 for a Second Prize winner, a cash prize of $1,200 each for five additional winners, and a public performance opportunity at a Canada's Walk of Fame event.

All winners will also be invited to participate in a private music industry career development information session with Q&A. The approximate value of the prizing in total is over $100,000 CDN.

The winners will be chosen by a selection committee comprised of music and industry experts, and announced later this summer.

"Metalworks Studios is proud to provide studio time for the Grand Prize Winner(s) of the Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Program, supported by RBC. We are pleased to contribute to the music community; particularly when it concerns the artistic development and encouragement of Canada's youth and the next generation of music," said Gil Moore, President & CEO, Metalworks Group. "We wish all of those participating in Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Program good luck and we look forward to working with the winner(s)!"

The Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Program, supported by RBC is part of Canada's Walk of Fame Emerging Artists Programs and Scholarships and a series of national programs and events that include the Canada's Walk of Fame televised show, which is broadcast nationally on Global.

Canada's Walk of Fame gratefully acknowledges the support of our 2016 National Sponsors: Cineplex Entertainment, NBCUniversal, Slaight Communications and Air Canada.

SOURCE Canada's Walk of Fame

Adrienne Kakoullis, Holmes PR, 416-628-5610, [email protected]; Jason Graham, Manager, Brand and Corporate Citizenship Communications, RBC, 416-313-5783, [email protected]