Call to Emerging Musicians: LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program

The 2025 LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program is an initiative designed to support emerging London-based Bands through paid performances, resume-building opportunities, and tailored music industry mentorship. Now in its third year, the program continues to spotlight local talent and support their development with real-world experiences and professional guidance.

Participating Bands will receive:

• Paid live performances to build meaningful professional experience and public visibility through diverse live music performance opportunities.
  

• Resume-building exposure through a high-profile performance at ExtravaBandza 2025, supporting Canadian rising star/headliner, Renforshort. Known for her immersive performances, Renforshort has headlined international tours and supported major artists like Yungblud and Lauv. She’s played sold-out shows in global cities and performed at top festivals including Lollapalooza, Festival d’Été, and Riot Fest, sharing stages with stars like Miley Cyrus and Post Malone.
  

• Pre-show performance training, panel discussions, and a targeted professional development workshop.
  

Paid Live Performances & Resume-Building Exposure:

• Saturday, May 31st – London Music Week Kickoff Performance

  Each Band will perform as part of the opening celebrations for London Music Week, one of the city’s premier music events.
  

• Between June and August – Performance at Dundas Place Vendors Market

  Each Band will perform once at Dunda Place Vendors Market, gaining exposure to new audiences in a public setting. This opportunity will help each Band develop and refine audience retention and engagement skills/strategies.
  

• Saturday, September 6th – ExtravaBandza 2025

  The grand finale of the program, where all LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program Bands will perform at ExtravaBandza, as supporting acts for the headliner, Renforshort. Hosted in collaboration with Fanshawe College Orientation Week, this event offers major exposure in a high traffic festival-style environment.

All performances will include full technical support: staging, sound technician(s), and audio equipment will be provided.

Professional Development Opportunities:

• Saturday, May 24th – Pre-Performance Training

  A mandatory training session for all Band members, focused on preparing for live shows, tightening performance quality, and building strong stage presence.
  

• Between June and August – Panel Discussions

  A curated series of industry panels featuring artists, music professionals, and community organizers, covering essential topics such as:
  

  • Grants & Funding – Navigating financial support for your music

  • Booking & Touring – Getting shows and planning your route

  • Marketing & Promotion – Building your audience and brand

  • Music Law & Business – Copyright, royalties, and agreements

  • Financial Literacy – Managing taxes and finances

  • Collaboration & Community – Working with organizations and building relationships

Minimum one Band member is required to attend.

• Late September – Beyond the Show: Your Next Step – Strategy Workshop 

  
  

  This focused session will explore how to maximize momentum after a show — from content creation and networking to securing future bookings and press.

  
  

  Minimum one Band member is required to attend.

Timeline (May – December 2025)

LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program 2025 Timeline and Requirements

Description	Timeline	Attendance Requirement
LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program Online Application Process Commences	April 2025	N/A
Assessment and Selection Process	May 2025	N/A
Pre- Performance Training	May 24th, 2025	All Band members required
Kickoff Performance – London Music Week	May 31st, 2025	All Band members required
General Music Industry – Panel Discussion	June – August 2025	Minimum one Band member required
Dundas Place Vendors Market – Performance	June – August 2025	All Band members required
ExtravaBandza 2025 - Performance	September 6th, 2025	All Band members required
Beyond the Show: Your Next Step – Workshop	Late September, 2025	Minimum one Band member required

Payment (per Band)

Description	Amount
London Music Week Kickoff Performance	$1,000.00
Dundas Place Vendors Market Performance	$1,000.00
ExtravaBandza Performance	$1,000.00
Total	$3,000.00

Program Eligibility

For the LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program opportunity, a Band must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• All Band members must be 18 years of age or older.
  

• Band must have a minimum of 3 members.
  

• At least 2/3 of Band members must reside in London, Ontario or the surrounding First Nations communities—including the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, the Oneida Nation of the Thames, and the Munsee-Delaware Nation. Note: The Band’s main contact or lead applicant must be a resident of London or surrounding First Nations.
  

• The Band’s core/main activity must be based in London, Ontario, and the Band must be connected to London’s music community.
  

• A minimum of two years of professional experience as a Band, with a history of receiving compensation for work and opportunities within the music industry.
  

• Band must be considered emerging.

  LAC defines an emerging Band as a group of developing artists actively building their presence in the music industry through performances, recordings, and audience engagement. These Bands are starting to gain traction, building a following, establishing their musical identity and reputation, and demonstrating strong artistic potential.
  

• Must be committed for all dates included in the Timeline & Requirements.

  
  
  
  

Selection Criteria

1.       Artistic Merit – 40%

2.       Program Alignment – 30%

3.       Passion and Commitment – 30%

Application Information

You MUST read the full application information for this opportunity prior to filling out the online application. 

Online Submission

Bands wishing to be considered must complete all application requirements. Please complete all required fields of the online application form and submit the required application documents no later than the deadline of Friday, May 2, 2025 at 4:30p.m.

Incomplete and/or late applications will not be accepted. Applications submitted through other means, such as fax, mail, and email will not be accepted. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the application and all supporting materials are submitted by the deadline.

APPLY HERE