Atlantic Young Artist Competition 2008

The Atlantic Young Artist Competition and Tour is a project of the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers' Associations and its provincial counterparts in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The Competition is open to young Canadian pianists, singers, and instrumentalists who are residents of, or studying in, the Atlantic provinces. In addition, these performers must currently be students of a Registered Music Teacher. A biennial event, the Competition for the Atlantic Region takes place in the spring, with the Tour in the fall.

The Young Artist Series was initiated in 1942 under the direction of Saskatchewan music educator Dr. Lyell Gustin, in order to give talented young performers an opportunity to gain concert tour experience. The Young Artist Series now operates in three regions of Canada: Atlantic, Western, and Ontario.

Many Young Artist soloists, who had their first major concert experience through the Series, have gone on to make careers in music. Our Atlantic Young Artist winners have included:

1985 Michelle Beaton, piano (NS)

1986 Donald Fraser, organ (PEI)

1987 Vicki McNutt, piano (NS)

1989 Deborah Pardy, voice (NF)

1991 Jonathan Weiser, piano (NF)

1993 Thomas Yee, piano (NF)

1995 David Sharpe, piano (NB)

1997 Measha Gosman, voice (NB) and Marke Barter, piano (NF)

1999 Lynn Kuo, violin (NF)

2001 Mark Djokic, violin (NS)

2003 Patrick Cashin, piano (NF)

2006 Philip Roberts, piano (NS)

2008 Michael Thibodeau, piano (NB)

If you would like additional insight into what AYA is all about, our 2008 winner (Michael Thibodeau) has created a blog detailing some of his experiences preparing for his AYA tour. Be sure to check back regularly for updates.