JAZZ.FM91 is proud to announce that the Royal Bank of Canada has renewed its sponsorship of Jazzology, the acclaimed, long-running program dedicated to supporting and showcasing young musicians.

This is the seventh consecutive year that RBC has provided financial support for Jazzology.

This distinctive educational initiative offers a unique experience for emerging music students pursuing industry careers. An accredited part of the curriculum for jazz students from the University of Toronto, York University, Humber College and Mohawk College, Jazzology provides vital opportunities for students to showcase their talents and accomplishments, and to share their stories and love of music in a professional environment. Jazzology serves as a creative vehicle and an investment in the future of Canadian musicians, and it contributes to the development of the students’ business and marketing skills by encouraging them to communicate and promote their artistic talents.

Brad Barker welcomed RBC regional vice-president Ramin Fazel on the air on Thursday, Oct. 31, to formally announce the continued sponsorship and thank RBC for its generous contribution.

“I’m very pleased to see so many people benefiting from the Jazzology program. RBC is committed to supporting causes that our clients and employees believe in,” said Fazel. “This is why we have such a large focus on the arts for so many of our donations and sponsorships. Our support of the arts has been a long-standing priority. We recognize that arts play an important role in building a vibrant community and strong economies.”

The RBC Emerging Artists Project supports organizations that provide the best opportunity to advance an artist’s career trajectory in genres such as visual arts, music, theatre, performance, literature and film. Every year the RBC Foundation donates millions of dollars to hundreds of arts organizations globally to help emerging artists become established.

“RBC recognizes that emerging artists need the most assistance, which is why we focus on artists in early stages of their careers,” said Fazel. “This project is about more than just financial support. Whether it’s through mentorship, programming, providing access to a broad audience or facilitating awards, we support these up-and-coming artists to help them gain national recognition for their talent as they bridge the gap from the academic world to commencing their careers.”

This year, JAZZ.FM91 will be able to expand the Jazzology program to 24 episodes (previously 20) thanks to the continued support. The 2019-20 season of Jazzology will feature six students from each of the four schools (University of Toronto, York University, Humber College and Mohawk College).

Barker offered his thanks to Fazel and RBC for the continued support and explained how he has watched so many Jazzology participants go on to do great things in music.

“I think there have been about 180 musicians who have gone through the Jazzology program over the years, and I can’t tell you how many of them have landed in places of prominence,” said Barker. “It really has been a gateway, and I think it’s so important to have young musicians come in and not only be able to play greta, but also articulate what they’re doing and get the experience of giving interviews, being on the radio and starting to be promotional in what they do. That’s what Jazzology allows them to do.”