Any music lovers out there? Really, who doesn’t love music? I never grew up playing an instrument. There was a piano in our house, and my sisters both took lessons for a while, but I was busy with sports and dance and I never learned. I regret it. I wish I knew how to play an instrument, and I do hope that my kids end up learning to play something of their choice.

As it turns out, the best young musicians in Canada are actually in the Ottawa region right now competing in the Canadian Music Competition. It began on June 17 and runs until June 30 at the Conservatoire de musique in Gatineau. So if you and the family are interested in checking it out, you’re in luck – there’s still time!

There is a jam packed schedule of competitors performing everyday on everything from the violin, to saxophone to piano and more. There are around 200 musicians ranging from ages 7 to 30 years old, from six Canadian provinces, taking part in the competition.

The public is invited to come out and encourage these talented young musicians and admission is free of charge. For a full list of candidates and the schedule, check it out here.

The three Grand Prize winners will perform in a Gala Concert on July 12 at 7:30 pm, in Salle Odyssée at the Maison de la Culture de Gatineau, with the Orchestre de la Francophonie.

This could be a wonderful chance to expose your kids to some wonderful music and culture, perhaps while inspiring them in their own pursuit of learning an instrument.

There are also tickets to the Gala Concert on sale, you can find them here.