Music Monday, honouring Canadian music education, set for next week 

Mark your calendars for next Monday, May 5: Forget about Cinco de Mayo, it’s Music Monday in Canada. 

More than 150,000 people will gather in more than 600 locations across the country to celebrate the importance and power of musical education as part of the Music Monday event, organized by the Coalition for Music Education in Canada. And as in previous years, there will be a singalong component of the celebration, happening at 12:30 p.m. EST that day. 

This year’s song? The very appropriate “Hold On” by Triumph. 

“On Monday, May 5, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. EST, Canadians from coast to coast will come together to simultaneously sing and play “Hold On,” creating the world’s largest single sing-along event dedicated to promoting awareness for music education,” the Coalition for Music Education in Canada says in a press release. 

In commemoration of the event, there’s a new video featuring Gil Moore and Rik Emmett, founding members of Triumph, joined by more than 250 children’s voices, recording the song at Metalworks studios, full of “youthful energy and passion, highlighting the incredible talent of young performers united in song.” 

“The recording, which features contributions from Grammy-award winning producer Greg Wells alongside Rik (and) many talented young musicians and seasons professionals, has revitalized this timeless Canadian classic rock classic into a powerful Music Monday anthem in remarkable ways,” says Stacey Sinclair, executive director of the Coalition for Music Education in Canada. “This collaboration not only highlights the musical prowess of its particpants but also underscores the importance of music education. In the video, Gil offers an inspirational talk to the musicans in the studio, showcasing the incredible power of music to connect and inspire us all. It’s heartwarming to see so many talented musicians coming together, reflecting the spirit of unity among Canadians.” 

It is expected that thousands of students, musicians, parents and community members across Canada will be playing, singing and enjoying the song together, all in the name of recognizing and honouring the importance of music education. 

For any schools, groups or music educators who want to participate, there’s still time: Registration is free and provides access to teacher resources, audio and video recordings, arrangements, lyric sheets and an Artist Guide and Learning Guide. More information is available at www.musicmonday.ca.