Where are the auditions held?   

The 34th Annual TTC Subway Musicians Auditions will kick-off at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) just outside the West End of the Food Building.  

When are the auditions held?   

The auditions are held once every three (3) years, over three (3) days only as follows:

  • Friday, August 17, 2012
  • Saturday, August 18, 2012
  • Sunday, August 19, 2012

Who can audition?   

  • Performers must be 18 years of age or over.
  • Each performance, whether single or duo, will audition for approximately 7 minutes and will perform a medley of a minimum of three (3) songs.
  • Hand-held instruments will be most acceptable.
  • TTC reserves the right to limit or restrict the use of specific instruments and musicians will be advised prior to auditions of acceptability. Trumpets and certain electric guitar/bass and drums are instruments not suitable to the subway environment and applications will not be accepted.

Who judges?   

Judges are selected from a wide range of musical and performance arts backgrounds as well as from technical and business areas of the entertainment industry. They include media celebrities, music educators, talent booking agents, as well as representatives from the Royal Conservatory of Music, jazz and various folk festivals.

What criteria are the musicians judged by?   

Approximately 150-200 musicians will be judged on the basis of the following criteria:

  • Stage presence
  • Musical or performance talent
  • Entertainment value

How are musicians selected?   

  • Licences are issued to the top 74 highest scoring acts with one honorary member (for a total of 75 licences issued).
  • Selected performers are required to pay a licence fee of $197.75 (includes HST). This fee partially covers TTC expenses.
  • Licences are valid from October 8, 2012 to October 7, 2015.
  • In the event that a Licenced performer withdraws from the programme, the next highest scoring musician will take their place.  
  • Performers play on a 3-day rotating schedule.
  • A total of 25 subway stations are designated as performance locations.