CBC Music Class Challenge 2025 spring edition: register now

The spring edition of the CBC Music Class Challenge presented by MusiCounts is open and you can now register here.

Educators from across Canada are invited to teach their students a Canadian song from our list for a chance to win prizes for their classes.

The top 10 will be announced on Monday, June 2, and the winners and runners-up will be announced on Monday, June 9. 

How the Challenge works

It's easy to get your class to participate. We've pre-cleared a list of Canadian songs, all you need to do is choose one and do a cover version with your class or community group. You can create any arrangement you like.

Send us a video performance of your cover version and we'll post it on our YouTube channel.

Video performances must be submitted by Monday, May 5 at 8 p.m. ET.

Who can enter?

First, classes who entered the fall 2024 edition are welcome to enter again as long as the same students submit a different song from our list. Or, teachers can enter the same song, but it must be with a different group of students. 

The contest is open to public schools and community programs alike. Check out our FAQs for more details.

We encourage teachers to enter the Challenge no matter the playing level of their students. We have prizes for all abilities.

Here are the categories for this spring edition:

Core categories

These categories are open to all public schools and non-profit community organizations. They are judged by overall quality of performance, creativity of interpretation, and level of participation. 

Category 1: Elementary Instrumental (grades 4-6)

Category 2: Junior Instrumental (grades 7-9)

Category 3: Senior Instrumental (grades 10-12) 

Category 4: Elementary Vocal (grades 4-6) (a capella or instrumental accompaniment)

Category 5: Junior Vocal (grades 7-9) (a capella or instrumental accompaniment)

Category 6: Senior Vocal (grades 10-12) (a capella or instrumental accompaniment)

Category 7: Elementary/Junior Contemporary Ensemble (grades 4-9)

This category is for pop/rock ensembles and technology-forward performances.

Category 8: Senior Contemporary Ensemble (grades 10-12)

This category is for pop/rock ensembles and technology-forward performances.

Category 9: Non-Live-Off-the-Floor Performance (all grades) 

This category is for fully produced multi-track or mixed music video style performances. 

Category 10: Private Schools 

Private schools are eligible for plaques only. 

Passion Prize categories

Category 11: Primary Passion Prize (kindergarten to grade 3) 

Category 12: Passion Prize for performance of 'Yohahí:yo (The Good Road)' with karaoke track (all grades) 

Category 13: Culture Passion Prize (all grades)

For performance that showcases non-Western musical instruments and/or celebrates young people's cultural identity through music.

Category 14: Educator Passion Prize 

For a submission where the educator's extraordinary effort, vision, planning and passion goes above and beyond. 

Passion prize criteria

The passion prize categories (categories 11-14) are open to all public schools and non-profit community organizations. 

It is for performances that demonstrate:

• Passion: the performance is compelling and rich with energy, passion and positivity. 

• Creativity: there is an innovative approach to performing the selected song.

• Inclusivity: there are efforts to involve all students and celebrate diversity.

• Storytelling: the performance reflects the school's identity, community or values.

Through CBC Radio, TV and digital, it's our mission to shine the light on great music classes, and the educators who inspire them. We will proudly showcase a variety of classes and tell the stories of communities enriched by music. 

If you need further information, please read through our FAQs and rules and regulations. Please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected], or register for our newsletter below.

Good luck and have fun!