National Music Centre | Centre National de Musique

06/11/2026

"We're all connected through that drum. That's what brought us together." 🥁

Traditional powwow drum group Mountain Kree, from Maskwacis and Mountain Cree Camp in Alberta, recently recorded at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre.

As recipients of the 2026 OHSOTO'KINO Recording Bursary, it was their first time recording professionally, and a powerful step forward in preserving their culture through music.

With support from TD, National Music Centre is creating more opportunities for Indigenous artists through the OHSOTO’KINO initiative, which revolves around the creation of new music in NMC’s recording studios, artist development through a music incubator program, and exhibitions via the annually updated Speak Up! gallery.

Learn more about Mountain Kree’s recording residency: bit.ly/4eCLZET

06/11/2026

Billboard Canada's 2026 Power Players list is out, and NMC's President and CEO Andrew J Mosker is on it for the second time.

His inclusion alongside Canadian leaders from labels, live music, agencies, and publishing – including NMC Board Member Diane Pinet of Bloc Notes Music Publishing – underscores NMC's growing impact as the home for music in Canada. The recognition comes as NMC celebrates its landmark 10th anniversary in 2026, marked by a year of special exhibits, programs, and performances.

Check out the full list: https://bit.ly/4gft0kY

Discover Canada's hottest music, charts, and emerging artists with Billboard Canada. Stay in tune with the pulse of Canadian music scene.

06/09/2026

Come cheer on the talented youth of Jam Club, National Music Centre’s after-school program for teens, as they showcase the skills, confidence, and creativity they've built all year long.

Join us at The King Eddy on June 14 for our free Jam Club Gig Day, where Calgary’s next generation of musicians will take the stage. 🎸✨

Did you know⁉️ Many young musicians have started their first bands at Jam Club, and some have even gone on to play stages across Canada.

06/09/2026

New merch just dropped. 👕

Fresh threads are now available at the NMC Gift Shop in-store and online. Grab one of these limited-edition designs before they're gone. 🔗 Visit studiobell.ca/shop to shop now.

06/09/2026

Good news! 🎹 Timeless: 100 Years of Oscar Peterson has been extended until the end of the year.

In celebration of Black Music Month, explore the life and legacy of Oscar Peterson, one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time and one of Canada's most celebrated musicians. The man affectionately known as "The Maharaja of the Keyboard" and "The Man with Four Hands."

Through multimedia installations, storytelling, awards, and instruments and artifacts from Peterson’s home studio, get to know the artist that influenced generations of musicians, including Herbie Hancock and Diana Krall. 🎶

Learn more and plan your visit: bit.ly/3GcpMzp

06/08/2026

Calgary's Black creative community took over Studio Bell last Saturday, and it was everything. 🎵

The National Music Centre's Black Music Month celebration brought together performers, artists, dancers, and community members for a free day of performances, conversation, and culture.

Thank you to our community sponsors ATB Financial and Baker Tilly for their support.

Here are some of our favourite photos from the day.

📸: Sebastian Buzzalino

06/05/2026

This is your sign to host an epic holiday for your company this year. ✨

From intimate gatherings of 50 to blowout celebrations for 1,500 guests, we've got a space for all kinds of parties.

🎄 Be the office hero. Book a holiday party at Studio Bell before someone suggests the boardroom.

Head to studiobell.ca/event-spaces learn more.

06/05/2026

Canadian country music has lost one of its most passionate advocates. Larry Delaney was a tireless champion of Canadian country artists, who dedicated his life to telling and preserving their stories.

Larry founded Country Music News in 1980, alongside his wife Joanne, spreading the word about emerging and established talent for over 32 years until it ceased publication in 2012. For his dedication to the genre, he has been recognized with 11 CCMA Awards for Country Music Person of the Year, a Country Music Association of Ontario Impact Award, and was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996 as the first Stan Klees Builder honouree.

Larry was also a dear friend to NMC, contributing his knowledge and passion to our country-themed exhibits, including the annually updated Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame exhibition. His words and photos can be seen displayed in our galleries today.

We are grateful for everything Larry gave to Canadian country music. His lifelong work to preserve its stories and history will continue through the National Music Centre.

Rest in peace, Larry.

📸: John Leefe via The Historical Society of Ottawa

06/05/2026

We’re continuing to spotlight the instruments and artists that have shaped popular music for Black Music Month. 🎹

The Yamaha DX7, released in 1983, powered the soul of 1980s and ‘90s R&B. In the hands of Black producers like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it defined the sound of late ‘80s R&B. Teddy Riley then used it to help create New Jack Swing, a fusion that became the blueprint for mainstream pop.

Tomorrow, join us for a free Black Music Month celebration at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, showcasing the vibrancy of Black culture in Calgary. Or book a Backstage Pass tour to see the Yamaha DX7 up close.

🔗 Visit studiobell.ca/whats-on to learn more.

06/04/2026

"I thought I blew my big chance." 🎶

In 1995, Ron Sexsmith was about to be dropped by his label. Then Elvis Costello changed everything. Now on his 18th album, Sexsmith reflects on the serendipity that saved his career and turned it into something far bigger than he ever dreamed.