In communities everywhere, music has the power to uplift, connect, and transform lives. The Fraser Family Fund for Music Education seeks to inspire and educate a new generation of passionate music teachers who will settle in Atlantic Canada to teach privately, ensuring that music education is accessible and flourishes. 

The Fraser Family Fund for Music Education is established in honour and loving memory of Katherine Fraser (1960-2025), Peter Fraser (1939-  ) and Rosemary Fraser (1939-2018), a devoted family of private music teachers. Their legacy still resonates throughout Cape Breton where, through their guidance and mentorship, persons across the lifespan learned piano, theory and music history.  Their students were also encouraged to take Royal Conservatory of Music Exams and compete in the Cape Breton Kiwanis Music Festival—initiatives wherein the Frasers held crucial organizational and leadership roles. With Peter’s retirement and Katherine and Rosemary’s passing, the community now faces an impending void where music learning once thrived. The Fraser Family Fund for Music Education is both a tribute to the past and a promise for the future—supporting students of all ages who aspire to study music and share their gifts with communities in need of musical connections, creative inspiration,  and music instruction.

Katherine Fraser

Peter Fraser

Rosemary Fraser

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be accepted or enrolled in a recognized music education program in Canada. Typically, one that is offered by accredited educational institutions or registered non-profit organizations in good standing, including post-secondary schools, music conservatories, and community organizations officially acknowledged by provincial or federal authorities.
  • Be a resident of Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick or Newfoundland and Labrador).
  • No age restrictions

Application Details

Deadline

February 15 (annually)

Criteria for Selection/Evaluation
  • Demonstrates a strong interest and aptitude in music and music pedagogy.
  • Demonstrates understanding of the potential inherent in music education to transform lives and create thriving communities.
  • Stated Intention to return to, or remain in, a small community in Atlantic Canada to teach music privately (any instrument, including voice), upon completion of their studies.
  • Applicants who are currently providing private music instruction or intend to provide such instruction while enrolled in their music education program will be prioritized.
Supporting Documents Required

Supporting documents to be submitted in the online application portal by the above deadline:

  • A cover letter and concise resume (1-2 pages) both focusing on experience/skills relevant to the selection criteria. Additional contextual details may also be provided.
  • Two letters of recommendation from music instructors or community leaders.

Members of the Review Committee

Fraser Family Fund for Music Education Board of Trustees: At least three reviewers, two of whom should be members of the Fraser family: Margaret, Jamie, Jen and/or Laura Fraser, as well friend Laurel Young. The recommendation is forwarded to the Foundation’s Board of Directors who gives final approval.

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