CBC Music Class Challenge 2026 fall edition: song list

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Calling all music educators!

As you begin mapping out your school year for 2026-27, we have some helpful news to guide your curriculum planning.

CBC Music and MusiCounts are teaming up to offer two distinct, back-to-back opportunities for your students to engage with the best Canadian music. By announcing our full seasonal lineup for the Music Class challenge now, we hope to give you the lead time you need to plan.

This autumn sees the return of the classic Challenge with a fresh list of Canadian songs your classes can choose to cover. Record a class performance on video and send it to us for a chance to win thousands of dollars in instruments and equipment grants from MusiCounts.

For the spring 2027 Challenge next year, we will release full digital scores and educational resources to help you teach new works. These works come from the inaugural MusiCounts Fellowship for Emerging Artists and Composers program. The fellowship pairs talented emerging creators with professional mentors, to produce brand-new, original Canadian repertoire specifically designed for the classroom. The materials are free to teachers and will be released before this year’s end.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected]. Check out the songs below.

7th Floor by Allie X.
À la claire fontaine (traditional)
Baby Beluga by Raffi.
Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell.
C’est L’aviron (traditional).
Cowboy Dreams by Boy Golden feat. Cat Clyde.
Dis-moi dis-moi dis-moi by Lou-Adriane Cassidy.
Don’t Like You Anymore by Tanika Charles.
Dreamcatcher by Aysanabee.
Ego by Nuela Charles.
Extraordinaire by Fredz.
Jeans (Fall On My Knees) by Katie Tupper.
La journée va être chaude by Les Louanges.
Love Song by Justin Bieber.
Mitêh (Heart) by Sherryl Sewepagaham.
Next Summer by Arkells.
Put Your Weapons Down by Shawnee Kish.
Running Home by Jade LeMac.
Sage My Soul by Tia Wood.
Sunshine In My Cup by Jeremy and Jazzy.
The River by Dominique Fils-Aimé.
The Weight by the Band.
Tomorrow’s Left by Sacha.

7th Floor, Allie X

This infectious pop song from the album Happiness Is Going to Get You has won a SOCAN No. 1 Award. Find the sheet music here.

À la claire fontaine (traditional)

This traditional French folk song is from around the 15 or 16th century. Find the sheet music here.

Baby Beluga, Raffi

This popular children’s song from the 1980s was inspired by a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium.

Both Sides Now, Joni Mitchell

This touching song about love and life was written by folk superstar Joni Mitchell, who took home the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Juno Awards.

C’est L’aviron (traditional)

This traditional French folk song is from the 18th century. Find the sheet music here.

Cowboy Dreams, Boy Golden feat. Cat Clyde

This country stream-of-consciousness duet explores the overwhelming feeling of love. Find the lyrics here.

Dis-moi dis-moi dis-moi, Lou-Adriane Cassidy

This grooving French pop song is guaranteed to have you hitting repeat. It’s no wonder it won song of the year at the 2025 ADISQ Awards.

Don’t Like You Anymore, Tanika Charles

This soulful track hails from an album of deeply personal songs for Tanika Charles. However, on the surface, it reads like a traditional breakup song.

Dreamcatcher, Aysanabee

This alt-indie song by Oji-Cree singer Aysanabee was written while contemplating a period of self-doubt following his rapid rise to fame. Find the lyrics here.

Ego, Nuela Charles

This soulful pop song blends clever lyrics about pride and jealousy with funky harmonies that every student will want to sing. Find the lyrics here.

Extraordinaire, Fredz

This viral French pop song reminds us that special connections and the power of love can make the most ordinary-feeling person feel extraordinary. Find the lyrics here.