Music

Learn how to generate royalty payments, best practices for emerging artists, and how to start a music festival and create your own events. Check out the Industry Insights video series, a free professional development resource created by the City of Toronto and MusiCounts, the music education charity of the JUNOS.

Toronto is the largest centre for music in Canada – the artists who create music are a vital part of Toronto’s culture. Music is also an important economic driver for the city. Toronto’s music scene attracts visitors and artists alike, engaging with film, television, fashion, food, and interactive media. Home to major and independent record labels, music festivals, event promoters, hundreds of recording studios and live music venues, and a wealth of talented performers across multiple genres, the city’s cultural diversity and talent pool drives Toronto’s success in the music industry.

The City of Toronto’s Music Office (a unit of Film & Entertainment Industries, Economic Development and Culture) exists to nurture the city’s music community through policy, recommendations, and advocacy.

Fast Facts

  • Live music venues in Toronto generate a total economic impact of $850 million annually, while providing the equivalent of 10,500 full-time jobs.
  • Labour income generated by the operations and tourism impacts of Toronto’s live music venues totals $514 million each year.
  • About 80 per cent of recording industry expenditure in Canada is in the Toronto region.

More information is available via the Toronto Music Strategy PDF.