Want to find out more about upcoming programs? Please subscribe to our mailing list.
EnglishFrench
Program Information
Photo by Rita Taylor
Overview
The Audio Recording Engineer program is intended as a continuing education experience for emerging recording engineers with mature artistic insight, advanced practical skills, and significant professional experience or a high level of professional training.
Audio Recording Engineer learning objectives have been integrated into artistic residency programs, inviting exciting opportunities for collaboration, connection and hands on experience in applied learning programs.
Through mentoring, class sessions, and professional practice, participants will learn about recording and post-production techniques on a variety of equipment and software while supporting the diverse recording needs of selected musicians in the Banff Musicians In Residence 2027 program and the diverse recording needs of Banff Centre.
Description
Engineers from around the world participate in our program to expand their technical proficiency, nurture creativity and elevate their recording and post-production abilities.
Successful applicants will benefit from:
- mentoring from acclaimed international faculty, producers, engineers, and technologists
- gain experience recording live concerts in genres such as classical, jazz, folk and beyond, depending on the repertoire of accepted musicians
- gain experience in studio recording sessions with diverse repertoire
- develop communication and interactive strategies to engage with musicians for an optimal recording experience
- deepened knowledge of industry trends and best practices
- networking opportunities with other audio engineers, professional musicians, artists in other disciplines, and invited guests
- access to professionally equipped studio spaces
Requirements
Open to individuals with combination of formal training and/or professional experience or aptitude in audio engineering. Required skills include:
- A working knowledge of ProTools and Pyramix is desirable.
- A practical understanding of file creation and management.
- Manage resources, produce to schedule, and multitask effectively with strong time management, diplomacy and communication skills. Please note, Banff Centre Professional training programs are instructed in English.
Eligibility
Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Participants must be available to attend the program and elements for its entire duration; variable participation dates will not be considered.
Domestic and international applications are welcome.
Visa Eligibility Information:
- Please note that Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa.
- If you are accepted into our program, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times well in advance of applying.
Inclusivity Statement
We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.
Faculty
Theresa Leonard
Theresa Leonard is a highly sought-after audio professional with extensive expertise in all aspects of music production, including audio post-production and broadcast. Her impressive portfolio of work comprises hundreds of high-profile, award-winning, and nominated recording projects, with a diverse range of international artists such as the Gryphon Trio, The St. Lawrence String Quartet, The Dover String Quartet, Pacific Opera Victoria, Victoria Symphony, and The National Arts Centre Orchestra.
Theresa has received international recognition for her unwavering commitment to excellence in audio training and research, which she demonstrated during her tenure as Director of Audio at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Through her leadership, she has provided unparalleled educational opportunities for multiple generations of audio engineers, both through the Banff mentorship program and her presidency and fellowship with the Audio Engineering Society. As a result, she has been instrumental in shaping the careers of future leaders in the field, preparing them for major positions in the music technology and audio industries.
Theresa's expertise extends beyond production and engineering, as she continues to serve as a consultant, director, and/or faculty, with several international music festivals and academic institutions, including Royal Conservatoire of The Hague, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, and the Verbier Festival Academy. Theresa holds a Master of Music degree in sound recording from McGill University and bachelor’s degrees in both music and education.
Faculty
Howard Bilerman
HOWARD BILERMAN is a GRAMMY nominated musician, sound engineer & record producer who has been recording bands for over 30 years. As co-owner & head engineer of the hotel2tango recording studio in Montreal, Bilerman has enjoyed working with some of Canada’s most talented artists, as well as others from The USA, The UK, France, Italy, Scotland, Africa, Spain, Ireland, Switzerland, Portugal & Australia. These include LEONARD COHEN, GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR, THE ARCADE FIRE, COEUR DE PIRATE, PETER PETER, U.S. GIRLS, CHARLOTTE CORNFIELD, THE WEATHER STATION, THALIA ZEDEK, VIC CHESNUTT, A SILVER MT. ZION, BASIA BULAT, NAP EYES, MURRAY LIGHTBURN, LHASA DE SELA, BRITISH SEA POWER, BASSEKOU KOUYATE, SAM ROBERTS, PATRICK WATSON, ADAM COHEN, LOU DOILLON, THE WEBB SISTERS, THE DEARS, WOLF PARADE, TITUS ANDRONICUS, and many more. He has been credited on over 500 records to date, including as an engineer on LEONARD COHEN’s GRAMMY winning song “ You Want It Darker” . Bilerman has been a regular faculty member at BANFF CENTRE, having helped to create their groundbreaking INDIE RESIDENCY & SINGER SONGWRITER programs. Bilerman’s recordings have received international critical praise, and the hotel2tango is seen by many as being at the center of Montreal’s independent musical community
Guest Faculty. Jan 17 - 22, 2027
Padraig Buttner-Schnirer
Padraig Buttner-Schnirer is a sound engineer, music producer, and Associate Professor at MacEwan University in Edmonton. With over fifteen years of experience as a freelance audio engineer, he has worked in leading recording studios throughout Canada and collaborated with artists across a wide range of musical genres.
Throughout his career, Padraig has earned a reputation for his keen ear, musicality, and technical expertise. Known for his collaborative approach, he creates a relaxed and supportive studio environment where artists can do their best work. He has recorded and produced four JUNO Award–nominated albums and was nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award for audio engineering in 2026.
Combining industry expertise with a passion for education, Padraig emphasizes hands-on learning that integrates real-world experience into the classroom, helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice through current industry perspectives.
Guest Faculty. Jan 12 - 14, 2027
Faculty TBA
Please check back regularly for additions to the faculty list.
Guest Faculty TBA
What's Included
Meal Plan
Read more
Close
The meal plan is $68 credit per day.
Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plan allows you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay from any of our food outlets. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests.
Accommodation
Read more
Close
Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.
Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.
Studios
Read more
Close
Access to professionally equipped studio spaces
Group Seminars/Workshops
Read more
Close
Group seminars and workshops with faculty.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
Read more
Close
The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty
Campus Facilities
Read more
Close
- Participant Resources: Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided.
- Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre: Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite.
- Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application Fee
$65 or $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.
This non-refundable fee covers the full cost of processing your application, including the SlideRoom fee.
Scholarships
We are pleased to offer a range of scholarships to support participants in our programs. Details are outlined below:
Banff Centre Arts Scholarship: All arts participants receive a scholarship covering 100% of tuition and 25% of meal plan and accommodation costs, made possible through generous endowments and donations.
Canadian Indigenous Scholarship: Canadian Indigenous applicants receive support covering 100% of tuition, meal plan and accommodation costs.
To be considered for Banff Centre scholarships, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.
Explore additional ways to fund your experience by reviewing our curated list of national and international opportunities here.
Cancellations
Information on our cancellation policy can be found here.
Tax Information
Banff Centre is a post-secondary institution in the province of Alberta. We are required to issue tax receipts for applicable financial assistance and awards received, and eligible tuition charged, as per the Income Tax Act and Canada Revenue Agency. To learn more, please visit Tax Information for program participants and/ or P105 Students and Income Tax 2025.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Step 1:
Complete the Online FormStep 2:
Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1.
Step 3:
Upload Your MaterialsResume
A two-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
Cover Letter
A one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this program and what you hope to achieve by attending it.
Portfolio
Up to three recordings and/or mixes you have made of a client's music, or your own. You should aim to demonstrate the full scope of your capability by selecting contrasting works.
Please indicate your role in the creation of your portfolio materials (eg. recording engineer, editor, mixing, mastering). We encourage you to submit materials that represent as much of your original work as possible.
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for financial assistance.
Adjudication
Participants are chosen by an adjudication panel comprising of internal and external assessors. The selection criteria include:
- Quality, originality and artistic merit.
- Required skills and experience.
- The potential for the applicant's work to benefit from the program.
Our programs are highly competitive with a limited number of places available. Applicants will be notified of their selection status as soon as the adjudication process is complete. Due to the high volume of applications individual feedback will not be provided.
Disclaimer
All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
Contact Admissions
For questions on preparing your application, please contact Admissions:
Toll Free Number (Canada + USA)
1.800.565.9989
Phone
403.762.6180
