Canadian Governments are waking up to the “business” of music, and are funding a major retrofit for musicians working in Canada. Here’s a summary of some of the major Canadian music markets and venues.

MUSIC CITIES.

First, what is a Music City? 

It’s increasingly common terminology used by artists and performers, but now has migrated into the political language. It describes a community with “a robust music economy that is actively promoted by the city”.

Economics and Music Tourism are the main drivers, but because any size community can be a Music “City”, there is wide diversity.  But first, the heart of the program are the artists, musicians and performers who work, live, and perform in these communities. And, these cities need to setup the musicians for success with recording facilities, rehearsal spaces, and music education, all fostering  an environment for a vibrant arts scene that will attract music lovers from home, and around the world. 

It seems the Canadian Government is waking up to the value of these programs, and have been injecting many millions of dollars to set up the infrastructure. 

Partnerships are being formed between cities that see value in joint promotions and resource-sharing. Potential Music Cities are including this project in their agendas, and panels are appearing in major cities throughout the world.

It’s becoming apparent that a “Music City” has more than simple culture to offer, as it comes with economic benefits. Think “music tourism”. Politicians, it seems, are now interested. 

Across Canada, from Halifax to Victoria, cities are exploring how to become a successful Music City.  Vancouver, often considered the trailhead for launching a Canadian concert tour, is waking up to the idea. The city has recently approved a funding of $400,000 for music performance projects. 

• 7,000 full-time jobs in the music & related fields, across B.C. last year
• Over $600,000 total income
• $800,000,000+ to the BC Econonomy’s GDP
• 6,000 total recording artists
• And, just behind Toronto & Montreal, Vancouver is  the third largest live music industry in Canada (and growing at a faster rate). 

And there’s more. 

Creative BC is executing $300,000 in Vancouver Music Fund grants for creative endeavours for the indiginous artist . The programs includes:

• Demo Program: Demo recordings for emerging musicians
• Video Program: Support for music videos.
• Industry Catalyst Program: Supporting projects for Vancouver’s music ecosystem 

Big name talent continues to come to Vancouver, often to launch the first leg of the tour with upcoming shows including Celine Dion, Smokey Robinson, Ozzy Osborne, and more. 

And just a hop over the Rockies to Calgary, there is a bubbling music scene with the city springing $191,000,000. (yes, million) for their newest music venue. It’s a performance hall; it’s a music museum, and the intent is to lure music tourists from around the world.

Biggest Music Cities in Canada.

In no particular order, and from west to east, here’s some major Music Cities in Canada:

Vancouver, BC

Vancouver, with its westcoast energy, continues to be a draw for bands touring Canada, especially stadium gigs. The city does have a reputation for a more a challenging reception (American performer, Mitzi Gaynor, once said that she started every tour in Vancouver, Canada, “If our show works in Vancouver, it’ll work anywhere”). That, along with the geographic logistics, makes Vancouver the trailhead for many bands touring across Canada. 

Stadium gigs in Vancouver offer some of the best performance venues for large scope concerts. 

BC Place
Capacity: 54,500
https://www.bcplace.com/

Rogers Arena
Capacity: 18,910
https://rogersarena.com/

Commodore Ballroom
Capacity: 990
http://www.commodoreballroom.com/

The Commodore Ballroom, a historic Art Deco music venue, is one of the most popular music locales in Vancouver. While it does not hold the audience capacity of some of the bigger stadiums, it’s the perfect sweet spot for a certain band niche. 

The dance floor, when not filled with seating, is world famous for its unique sprung-floor  characteristics which absorbs impact from tired dancers’ feet.

Calgary, Alberta

A trip to Calgary is justified if only to visit the new “Studio Bell National Music Centre”. This venue, built at nearly $200 millions dollars, is a hub of the Calgary music scene, and will soon bring Calgary to the forefront of national music cities.

Toronto, Ontario

Toronto could be one of the most established music scenes in North America.  It has spawned music superstars like Drake, The Weeknd, Blue Rodeo, and Juno Awards winner Serena Ryder. It’s a hot music scene, with big audiences, and a nice place to finish a Canadian music tour. 

Top 5 Major Concert Venues in Toronto, Ont.

Rogers Centre
Capacity: 50,000
(Toronto Blue Jays)

Air Canada Centre
Capacity: 50,000
(Toronto Maple Leafs)

Massey Hall
Capacity: 2,752

Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
Capacity: 3,200
(Elton John, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin ,and even Liberace)

Molson Canadian Amphitheatre,Roy Thomson Hall
Capacity: 16,000 with nearby TD Echo Beach outdoor venue with another 5,000 capacity.

Montreal, Quebec

Over the past few years, Montreal has been getting a lot of attention for its growing music industry. With its European undertones, Montreal is sometimes considered the cultural centre of Canada and boasts one of the healthiest music industries in Canada. 

As one of their coolest cities to gig, The International Festival of Jazz in Montreal is a global draw for jazz musicians around the world. Jazz / fusion bands, like Snarky Puppy, a collective of monster jazz players from New York and 3-time Grammy Award winners, usually include Montreal in their international band tours. 

Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, continues to enjoy a smaller, but healthy music industry. For bands touring Canada, it’s a strategic stop for gigs along the Toronto/Montreal corridor. 

The annual Ottawa Bluesfest attracts thousands of music lovers to downtown Ottawa. The festival has thrived over 25 years, and has become the largest blues festival in Canada. In more recent years, lineups have included mainstream rock and pop acts, as well.

Continuing our series on the biggest music associations in Canada. This post, meet Songwriters Association of Canada, Canadian Music Publishers Association, and the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency.

Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC)

www.songwriters.ca.

SAC advocates on behalf of our community of songwriters to protect the value of our creations.

SAC membership includes opportunities for songwriters’ networking and technical advice. As well, work can be protected through The Canadian Song Vault.  

The Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC) describes some of the issues that are currently facing its members.: First, copyright protection. S.A.C. advocates for copyright reform and has taken every step to assist the government with its consultation and review of the Copyright Act. Next is fair compensation. We conducted research and presented “The Study Concerning Fair Compensation for Music Creators in the Digital Age” to top-level decision makers and created Fair Trade Music to certify transparency and fair remuneration along the music value chain.

Canadian Music Publishers Association (CMPA)

www.musicpublisher.ca

The Canadian Music Publishers Association is actively involved in the Federal Government review of the Copyright Act. Large, profit-driven tech companies have been able to profit immensely from the creations of rights-holders without fairly compensating, if at all, the creators of the works and the companies that invest in them. also have an out-of-date private copying regime that doesn’t accommodate present-day audio recording devices such as digital recorders and tablets, as well as technologies that have yet to be invented.

Export is a key driver of growth for Canadian music publishers. 68 per cent of our members’ revenues are now from foreign sources compared to 28 per cent in 2005.

Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency (CMRRA)

http://www.cpcc.ca/

The Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency Ltd is a music licensing collective that represents rights-holders from the single songwriter to large corporate music publishers.

CMRRA issues licences to these or organizations or individuals for the reproduction of songs, as described below. Together, the administrate or own most of the songs recorded and/or broadcast in Canada.

CMRRA collects royalties from Licensees pay royalties to which are re-distributed to our rights-holder clients. These rates are determined  in accordance with negotiated agreements and tariffs by the Copyright Board of Canada.

The following services are offered by CMRRA:

• Private copying – for the collection of the private copying levy via the Canadian Private Copying Collective (CPCC)
• Mechanical licensing – for the reproduction of songs on CDs, vinyl, and similar physical products
• Online music licensing – for the reproduction of songs for distribution as permanent downloads (e.g., via iTunes), limited downloads, on-demand streaming, and webcasting
• Broadcast mechanical licensing – for the reproduction of songs by radio stations and satellite broadcasters
• Private copying – for the collection of the private copying levy via the Canadian Private Copying Collective (CPCC)
• Audiovisual post-synchronization licensing – for the reproduction of songs already embedded in existing audiovisual content (e.g., music videos)

Searching the Repertoire

CMRRA represents the majority of music publishers doing business in Canada and can generally issue most of the mechanical licences you’ll need for your product. You can perform a search of CMRRA’s Repertoire here.In some cases, however, there may be songs (or portions of songs) that CMRRA does not represent. In those cases, it’s your responsibility to obtain licences for the missing shares. There are a number of online resources available to locate copyright owners. The following organizations each have searchable online databases that we have found to be helpful in this regard:

http://www.socan.ca

http://www.ascap.com/

http://www.bmi.com/

http://www.sesac.com/

Accueil – Musique

Continuing our series on the biggest music associations in Canada. This post, we look at: Music Canada, The Canadian Live Music Association, and Canadian Music Publishers Association.

Music Canada

www.musiccanada.com

Founded in the early sixties, Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization established to promote the interests of its members and their artist partners.

Music Canada members:

• Warner Music Canada Co.
• Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc.
• Universal Music Canada Inc.

Among many other projects in support of Canadian musicians, Music Canada is calling for the Canadian Government to rebalance the music marketplace and restore fairness to the creators of music.

Addressing the value gap will continue to be Music Canada’s primary focus for 2019, through the review and by other means. They are also committed to improving the music ecosystem in a number of ways, working with industry partners and all three levels of government to create a more prosperous, more sustainable, safer, and more inclusive music industry.

The goal of addressing the value gap in Canada is to create favourable legislative, regulatory, institutional, and funding frameworks so that the entire Canadian music industry can prosper. For example, at the institutional level, they are working to enhance the effectiveness of the Copyright Board of Canada. Legislatively, they are working to ensure the Copyright Act review yields real and meaningful results, strengthening the business climate for music creators.

Canadian Live Music Association

www.canadianlivemusic.ca

Erin Benjamin, President & CEO says, “We’re leading discussions and advocating where necessary – for example, with Health Canada and the cannabis industry. We’re building a better relationship between SOCAN and the live music sector, advocating for fair policy and legislation on issues that impact the sector at every level of government.

We’re also continuing to support municipalities in their efforts to become “music cities” and working with the tourism sector to leverage the value of live music more effectively and drive music tourism.

We’re leading discussions and advocating where necessary – for example, with Health Canada and the cannabis industry. We’re building a better relationship between SOCAN and the live music sector, advocating for fair policy and legislation on issues that impact the sector at every level of government.

We’re also continuing to support municipalities in their efforts to become “music cities” and working with the tourism sector to leverage the value of live music more effectively and drive music tourism”.

The Live Music Industry Awards will honour the best in the live music business sector, and celebrate a wide range of venues, markets, and the artists who fill those venues . There’s a lot going on here, so check out their website at Live Music Industry Awards.

Canadian Independent Music Association

https://cimamusic.ca/

CIMA’’s membership consists of Canadian-owned companies involved in every aspect of the music, sound recording and music-related industries.

CIMA’s small-business membership includes record labels & producers, managers & agents, recording studios, creative content owners, music video producers & directors, artists and others professionally servicing in the music video & sound recording industries.

How do they shape the Canadian music scene? Check out our series on the biggest music associations in Canada.

Canada has engaging and active music organizations representing the rights & opportunities of musicians from coast to coast.  

In this blog series, we’ll have an introduction to:

• Canadian Federation of Musicians
• Music Canada
• Canadian Live Music Association
• Canadian Independent Music Association
• Songwriters Association of Canada
• Canadian Music Publishers Association
• Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency
• SOCAN
• Re:Sound
• Women in Music Canada
• Canadian Private Copying Collective

Canadian Federation of Musicians

www.cfmusicians.org

Let’s start with a look at the The Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM). They along with the American Federation of Musicians  (AFM), are the largest musicians’ union in the world. 

The CFM offers wide support to the musician, from immigration (Canadian musicians gigging in USA), governmental lobbying, royalties issues and even the Employment Standards Act and NAFTA as it relates to the Canadian music industry.

Large scope productions need special consideration for musicians’ rights, such as agreements with national Canadian media companies like Rogers Communications, Corus Entertainment, and Bell Media. As well, that big, new player in the on-demand entertainment space comes with musical performance considerations. Think Netflix. 

And, importantly, CFM is working with international partners on the hot button topic of compensation for streaming music services.

SERVICES

Broadcast and Non-Broadcast Media Agreements

The AFM’s Canadian Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD) administers recording contracts negotiated between the AFM or CFM and production companies. These recording contracts cover the whole communications spectrum including broadcast and non-broadcast media. The major types of agreements are for Records/CDs, Motion Pictures, Television Films, TV Variety Programs, TV and Radio Commercial Announcements, Radio, Non-broadcast Industrial Films, DVDs, and Interactive Media.

General Agreement for Commercial Announcements (Canada)

Working on a jingle? CFM will work with you to get the best wages and benefits.  CFM negotiates and administers the Canadian TV & Radio Commercial Announcements Agreement to represent musicians who are responsible for the music in jingles. The administrator works with a wide range of creative advertising agencies to implement the agreement.

When a Canadian AFM musician is engaged to record music for a commercial jingle, he or she will be paid, at a minimum, a negotiated scale wage with pension contributions.

When an original recording is incorporated into commercial jingles, the musicians who originally performed the work are paid a “new-use” fee equivalent to the one-hour minimum call session fee, as well as pension that would have been paid if the musicians had come into the studio to record music for commercial jingles. This “new-use” payment applies for all types of original recorded music, including but not limited to phonograph records, CDs, film scores and TV themes.

Motion Picture/TV Film

The Theatrical Motion Picture and Television Film Agreements set forth the minimum wage scales and working conditions for recording, sideline, music preparation and production musicians in various film categories. These programs include dramatic, non-dramatic, episodic and made for television movies as well as theatrical motion pictures. It is obligatory that before any work is performed, other than with an engager who is a signatory to the agreement, there is a letter of adherence in place with the responsible party and that properly completed B-7 report forms covering your participation on the recording sessions are filed with the appropriate AFM Local. You may be attached to other payments such as Secondary Markets Fund or soundtrack album new use.

Most small Locals will experience sideline (on-camera) work in their jurisdiction more so than underscoring. In some cases the sideline musician may also be recorded. In either instance, appropriate compensation is always due.

Canadian Content Production Rules (CCPR)

CFM negotiates and administers the Canadian Content Production Rules to represent musicians who are engaged to record music for Canadian productions.  To be eligible, a production must qualify as Canadian pursuant to the CRTC Canadian Content Regulations, or must have achieved or applied for CAVCO Certification.  When an AFM musician is engaged to record music for a Canadian production, he or she will be paid, at a minimum, a negotiated scale wage with pension contributions.

It is obligatory that before any work is performed there is an eligibility application and a letter of adherence in place with the responsible party and that properly completed B7 forms covering your participation on the recording sessions are filed with the appropriate Canadian AFM Local.

Canadian Digital Specialty Channels                                               

CFM negotiates and administers agreements for the Canadian Digital Specialty Channels to represent musicians who are engaged to provide musical services for Canadian productions intended for initial broadcast on Canadian pay cable networks, also known as Specialty Channels.  When an AFM Canadian musician is engaged to record music for a Canadian Digital Specialty Channel, he or she will be paid, at a minimum, a scale wage with pension contributions.

Demo DVD

The CFM negotiates and administers the Demo DVD Agreement to represent musicians who wish to create a Demo DVD Recording.  When an AFM Canadian musician is engaged to record music for a Demo DVD Recording, he or she will be paid, at a minimum, a negotiated scale wage with pension contributions.

Limited DVD

The CFM negotiates and administers the Limited DVD Agreement to represent musicians who wish to create 150 or fewer copies of a DVD Recording.  When an AFM Canadian musician is engaged to record music for a Limited DVD Recording, he or she will be paid, at a minimum, a negotiated scale wage with pension contributions.

Live Concert DVD

The CFM negotiates and administers the Live Concert Recording Agreement to represent musicians who wish to videotape a live concert presentation of an indie artist or band which is intended for digital distribution by cable, satellite or internet in Canada for its initial window of distribution.  When an AFM musician is videotaped during a live concert presentation, he or she will be paid a live engagement fee along with a step-up for the audio/visual, plus pension.

Sound Recordings

The AFM and CFM work to protect your wages and subsequent compensation through the Sound Recording Labour Agreement (formerly known as the Phonograph Record Labour Agreement) which sets forth the minimum wage scales and working conditions for musicians (including music preparation members) who perform services for the various types of audio recordings – in recording studios as well as live (compact discs, audiocassettes, etc.) – released for sale on the commercial market. It is obligatory to see to it that before any work is performed, other than with an engager who is a signatory to the agreement, that there is a letter of adherence in place with the responsible party and that properly completed AFM B-4 Report Forms covering your participation on recording sessions are filed with the AFM Local having jurisdiction over the sessions. This will ensure your sharing in the proceeds from the Sound Recording Special Payments Fund, and that you will receive “new use” payments if your product is utilized in another medium requiring such “new use” payment (i.e. use of a sound recording in a theatrical motion picture, TV film, commercial announcement, etc.).

Limited Pressing Sound Recording

The CFM negotiates and administers the Limited Pressing Sound Recording Agreement to represent musicians who perform services for the various types of audio recordings released for sale on the commercial market.  Only a limited number of units of the product may be created and sold under this agreement, either 3,000 physical units may be manufactured or 30,000 individual digital downloaded tracks sold. If a producer subsequently wishes to manufacture or sell additional copies he or she is required to pay the musicians the difference between the original payment and the applicable fee contained in the current Sound Recording Labour Agreement.  When an AFM Canadian musician is engaged to record music under the Limited Pressing Agreement, he or she will be paid, at a minimum, a negotiated scale wage with pension contributions.

Touring Canada can be an effective way to increase your fanbase and generate some revenue, especially in this era where most income comes from live tours. But what if you are a non-Canadian band gigging in Canada? Does it make sense to bring your own sidemen or hire local players?

When you add up all the costs, energy, and time of travelling cross-border with sidemen, a budget should be completed to consider whether to hire local musicians, or bring your own.

In this example, we will look at cost comparisons:

• Scenario: US Musicians on Canadian Show Tour
• Band Citizenship: American
• Travelling From: USA (central)
• Tour Start: Vancouver, BC Canada
• Tour End: Canada (central)
• Duration: Based on 2 shows Vancouver (hire local), then 3 shows to central Canada (travel).

NOTES:

1 Includes Return Travel After Tour
2 Freight Costs to ship drums from USA (or rent all gear)
3 Based on 2 shows Vancouver (hire local), then 3 shows across Canada (travel).
4 Border brokers, custom fees, misc tour expenses
5 Drummer / Sideman Wages for 5 shows
6 Pay Canadian drummer in Canadian Currency

The Temporary Resident Permit should be applied for a minimum of two months prior to the intended work in Canada. Most permits are processed within 28 days, but there is no processing time guarantee. Some border officers have issued these permits on location, but the true requirement is for this permit to be obtained PRIOR TO entry to Canada. It would be taking a risk to appear at the border and expect a permit will be issued on the spot.

It is suggested that the process of preparing the application be commenced as soon as possible, as there is much outside information that must be obtained and filed in support of the Temporary Resident Permit.

Although this permit is typically issued for a specified, often short period, the Permit may be issued for up to three years and extended before expiry.

If the offence committed was DUI in most situations, especially when a minimum of five years has not elapsed, persons are not deemed admissible, meaning a Temporary Resident Permit is required. To be certain, especially when there has been more than one DUI charge or if the accident was very serious (i.e. causing severe injury/death) a Canadian Consulate should be contacted as early as possible to ensure the Temporary Resident Permit is not necessary.

If the person has been:

Charged but not convicted: Temporary Resident Permit is NOT required.

Charged & Awaiting Trial – or – Warrant for Arrest: Temporary Resident Permit is required, but may not be granted until AFTER the conclusion of the trial.

On Parole: Five years after the completion of the parole period, the person may apply for Rehabilitation (explained further below).

General Rule of Thumb: If five years have not passed since the end of the sentence and the person can prove urgent/compelling reasons for entry to Canada [i.e. work/livelihood] within the next 6 months, the person must apply for a Temporary Resident Permit to enter Canada. If five years have passed since the end of the sentence, the person may be eligible for “Individual Rehabilitation”, but must provide proof they have lead a stable life and are unlikely to commit criminal acts in future. Individual Rehabilitation requires the filing of an application and payment of processing fees.
Applications for Individual Rehabilitation can take over one full year to process, and will cost $200-$1000.

If a minimum of five years, but as many as ten years have passed since the end of the sentence, and depending on the nature of the offence, the person may be eligible for “Deemed Rehabilitation”. Deemed Rehabilitation may be denied depending on the number of offences committed, and in Canada the same offence must carry less than a 10 year prison sentence.

No application process is necessary for Deemed Rehabilitation, but it is advisable to contact a Canadian Consulate PRIOR TO entry to Canada, a person who does not qualify will not be permitted entry.

PROCESS & DOCUMENTS REQUIRED for “CRIMINALLY INADMISSIBLE” PERSONS:

Completed form: Application for Temporary Resident Permit (attached).
Photocopies of the biometric (personal information) page of your passport.
Two passport size photographs no older than six months.
Criminal clearance certificate from National police authorities in all countries lived in for at least six months since reaching the age of 18, including an FBI certificate for the United States Citizens. The clearance certificate must be based on a fingerprint check.
State and local police certificates from all jurisdictions lived in within the USA covering at least the most recent six month period.
Three letters of reference from responsible citizens (i.e. parole board, public officials, respectable private citizens (doctor, lawyer, teacher/professor, etc., none having any previous criminal history).
A copy of the conviction certificate or court docket showing the sentence imposed.
A copy of the statute(s) under which the conviction falls.
A personal description of the events giving rise to the offence (including any extenuating
circumstances).
A letter from a US employer – or in the case of the music industry, a US-based booking agent, manager, record label. The letter must include a brief job description, length of service and current salary. Again, in the case of a professional musician a statement on what instruments are performed and length of time as a musician or tenure in various bands.

If your driver’s license was suspended as a result of your conviction, official proof of restoration of full privileges and of the date of restoration.
You must also provide, as applicable, official proof of payment of fines, discharge from probation, and/or satisfaction of community service.

Fees
The fee for a Temporary Resident Permit must be submitted with your application. This fee may vary from one Consulate to the next, so please call before mailing or appearing at the Consulate with your application. The minimum fee will be $200 (over/above the cost of any work permit).
Payment may be issued by money order, bank draft or certified cheque, payable to:

Canadian Consulate General. Payment may be made by cash only when applying in person.

HOW TO APPLY
Submit your completed application by mail or in person. If applying in person, you must do so between the hours of 8:30 and 10:00 AM Monday – Friday.
No application receives immediate consideration. The consulate will contact the applicant when the application has reached the review stage. Processing times may be lengthy.

Submit or Bring the Application Along With ALL Required Supporting Documentation and Fees to any of the following Consulate Locations:
Canadian Consulate General
Immigration Section
3000 HSBC Centre
Buffalo, New York 14203-2884
716-858-9500

Canadian Consulate General
Immigration Section
Suite 1100
600 Renaissance Center
Detroit, Michigan 48243-1798
313-567-2340

Canadian Consulate General
Immigration Section
550 South Hope Street, 9th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90071-2627
213-346-2700

Canadian Consulate General
Immigration Section
1251 Avenue of the Americas
Concourse Level
New York, New York 10020-1175
212-596-1628

Canadian Consulate General
Immigration Section
Suite 600
1501 4th Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98191-4328
206-443-1777

Canadian Consulate General
Immigration Section
501 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001
202-682-1740

INFORMATION PREPARED BY: AFM Canada
As information changes with time, please check source for updates.

Westjet Airlines

https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/index

Small musical instruments

Instruments that fit in an overhead bin or under the seat in front can be taken in the cabin for your flight as a carry on item. In addition to your instrument, you will be able to bring one personal item.

Carry on baggage size requirements: 53 cm x 23 cm x 38 cm (21 in. x 9 in. x 15 in.)

During the flight, your instrument must remain stowed in the overhead bin, under the seat or in other approved locations. Seats cannot be purchased for instruments.

The cabin crew may accept an irregular-sized musical instrument in the cabin and carry-on baggage is subject to space limitations, so come prepared to check your instrument if necessary.

Checking your musical instrument

You may need to check instruments that do not fit in the cabin, it will need to be in a hard-sided case and checked baggage fees will apply.

Baggage fees are charged based on fare bundle and WestJet Rewards benefits.

Your cello or xylophone may be subject to excess, overweight or oversize baggage fees.

In the event of an aircraft downgrade

Sometimes with delays due to weather or unexpected maintenance, we need to do a little juggling. So, it’s possible that the plane that you booked is not the plane you will board. When this happens and you’re on a smaller plane, we’ll provide you with options if there is not sufficient space to stow your instrument in the cabin.

Taking a guitar with you?

You will need to loosen the strings on your guitar or cello—or any stringed instrument—before you travel to reduce the risk of the headstock cracking or snapping off with the changes in temperature and pressure of air travel.

More about checked baggage allowance

More about carry on baggage

Related to travelling with musical instruments

• Flight interruptions and passenger rights
• Canadian passenger rights
• Domestic tariff
• International tariff

Information from Major Canadian Airlines

Air Canada

Musical Instruments

Travelling with a musical instrument? You’ll want to find out how to best package and transport your precious cargo.

Packing Instructions

• When a stringed instrument is transported by air, it may be exposed to dramatic changes in temperature and pressure, which can cause its headstocks to crack or snap off. To prevent possible damage, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the strings are loosened so that the tension is reduced.
• Musical instruments should always be properly packed in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping such items.

Musical instruments as carry-on baggage

You may bring your musical instrument on board as part of your carry-on baggage provided it meets the current Air Canada carry-on size requirements and:

• the instrument fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, or
• you purchase a seat to accommodate it.

Purchasing a Seat for your Musical Instrument

If you wish to purchase a seat for your musical instrument, you will receive a 50% discount on any published fare (including the lowest available fare) to accommodate the instrument in the same cabin you are travelling in.

Exception: If you are seated in Air Canada Signature Class offering Executive or Classic pods, your musical instrument will, for safety reasons, be placed in Premium Economy or Economy Class.
Also a few reminders:

• For safety reasons, extra seats may be purchased for musical instruments not exceeding 162.5 cm (64 in.) in height/length or 36 kg (80 lb.) in weight.
• The number of musical instruments that can be accommodated on each flight is limited.

To purchase a seat, or for more information, contact Air Canada Reservations as soon as you’ve booked your flight, or at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Baggage Allowance

A musical instrument you take on board will count as part of your carry-on baggage allowance, as either a personal or standard article (depending on the size and dimensions of the instrument).

Advance Boarding

At the airport, customers travelling with a musical instrument are invited to board the plane in advance of general boarding, between zones 2 and 3 (if you qualify for priority boarding, you may board with zones 1 or 2).

Please identify yourself to the gate agents immediately when pre-boarding is called after zone 2; this will help in:

• Finding space on board the aircraft to store your musical instrument
• Securing your musical instrument into its seat if you purchased one for it.

If you arrive after pre-boarding, we will do our best to find space in the cabin for your instrument, but unfortunately cannot always guarantee it.

Accommodating your Musical Instrument On Board

Because of passenger loads, aircraft limitations and/or storage space available, we cannot guarantee that a musical instrument can be accommodated on board.

It may need to be checked at the gate and transported as checked baggage if the airport agent or cabin crew determines that it cannot be safely stowed in the cabin. For this reason, musical instruments should always be properly packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specifically designed for shipping such items. Musical instruments checked at the gate must also be retrieved at the gate upon arrival at your destination.

Exception: String instruments (e.g. guitars, violins and violas) can be carried on board – even if their dimensions slightly exceed Air Canada’s carry-on size requirements – as long as they fit in the overhead bin and there is space available in the cabin at time of boarding, or you have purchased a seat to accommodate them.

Musical instruments as checked baggage

• If checked in separately, a musical instrument counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.
• If your baggage count (musical instrument + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.
• Musical instruments should always be properly packed in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specifically designed for shipping such items.

Air Canada Cargo: https://www.aircanada.com/cargo/en/

Regulation Changes Require Airlines to Accept Musical Instruments, and Other Passenger Protection Rights.

TORONTO, May 29, 2019 – The Canadian Federation of Musicians announce a successful outcome in its efforts to affect much needed changes to Canada’s Air Policy with regard to the transportation of musical instruments on Canadian air carriers. Effective July 15, 2019, Air Passenger Protection Regulations within the Canadian Transportation Act will include language that ensures that all air carriers must accept musical instruments unless security or safety is an issue. These amendments will include clear and predictable terms and conditions with regard to musical instruments as well as the obligation to carry and accept an instrument.  Airlines will also be required to offer an alternative to musicians travelling with instruments should a change in aircraft cause an instrument not to fit.

And, here it is from the horse’s mouth:

Government of Canada, Transportation Act
Air Passenger Protection Regulations: SOR/2019-150

24 (1) A carrier must establish terms and conditions with regard to

Musical instruments

• (a) musical instruments that may be carried in the cabin or that must be checked, including
  • (i) restrictions with respect to size and weight,
  • (ii) restrictions with respect to quantity, and
  • (iii) the use of stowage space in the cabin;
• (b) fees for transporting instruments; and
• (c) passenger options if, because a flight will occur on a different aircraft than expected, there is insufficient stowage space in the cabin.

Obligation to carry(2) A carrier must accept musical instruments as checked or carry-on baggage, unless accepting an instrument is contrary to general terms and conditions in the carrier’s tariff with respect to the weight or dimension of baggage or to safety.

Information from Major Canadian Airlines

Air Canada

Musical Instruments

Travelling with a musical instrument? You’ll want to find out how to best package and transport your precious cargo.

Packing Instructions

• When a stringed instrument is transported by air, it may be exposed to dramatic changes in temperature and pressure, which can cause its headstocks to crack or snap off. To prevent possible damage, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the strings are loosened so that the tension is reduced.
• Musical instruments should always be properly packed in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping such items.

Musical instruments as carry-on baggage

You may bring your musical instrument on board as part of your carry-on baggage provided it meets the current Air Canada carry-on size requirements and:

• the instrument fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, or
• you purchase a seat to accommodate it.

Purchasing a Seat for your Musical Instrument

If you wish to purchase a seat for your musical instrument, you will receive a 50% discount on any published fare (including the lowest available fare) to accommodate the instrument in the same cabin you are travelling in.

Exception: If you are seated in Air Canada Signature Class offering Executive or Classic pods, your musical instrument will, for safety reasons, be placed in Premium Economy or Economy Class.
Also a few reminders:

• For safety reasons, extra seats may be purchased for musical instruments not exceeding 162.5 cm (64 in.) in height/length or 36 kg (80 lb.) in weight.
• The number of musical instruments that can be accommodated on each flight is limited.

To purchase a seat, or for more information, contact Air Canada Reservations as soon as you’ve booked your flight, or at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Baggage Allowance

A musical instrument you take on board will count as part of your carry-on baggage allowance, as either a personal or standard article (depending on the size and dimensions of the instrument).

Advance Boarding

At the airport, customers travelling with a musical instrument are invited to board the plane in advance of general boarding, between zones 2 and 3 (if you qualify for priority boarding, you may board with zones 1 or 2).

Please identify yourself to the gate agents immediately when pre-boarding is called after zone 2; this will help in:

• Finding space on board the aircraft to store your musical instrument
• Securing your musical instrument into its seat if you purchased one for it.

If you arrive after pre-boarding, we will do our best to find space in the cabin for your instrument, but unfortunately cannot always guarantee it.

Accommodating your Musical Instrument On Board

Because of passenger loads, aircraft limitations and/or storage space available, we cannot guarantee that a musical instrument can be accommodated on board.

It may need to be checked at the gate and transported as checked baggage if the airport agent or cabin crew determines that it cannot be safely stowed in the cabin. For this reason, musical instruments should always be properly packaged in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specifically designed for shipping such items. Musical instruments checked at the gate must also be retrieved at the gate upon arrival at your destination.

Exception: String instruments (e.g. guitars, violins and violas) can be carried on board – even if their dimensions slightly exceed Air Canada’s carry-on size requirements – as long as they fit in the overhead bin and there is space available in the cabin at time of boarding, or you have purchased a seat to accommodate them.

Musical instruments as checked baggage

• If checked in separately, a musical instrument counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.
• If your baggage count (musical instrument + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.
• Musical instruments should always be properly packed in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specifically designed for shipping such items.

Air Canada Cargo: https://www.aircanada.com/cargo/en/