Women In The Studio National Accelerator
The Women in the Studio National Accelerator offers women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming producer-songwriters a series of curated workshops, educational sessions, and networking opportunities with music industry leaders. Music Publishers Canada is committed to changing the imbalance in the industry that exists for these producers, and supporting a game-changing creative and technical community that grows each year.
First launched regionally in 2019 and expanded nationally in 2020, the Accelerator is designed to provide the cohort with opportunities for skills development and networking they may not otherwise be able to access. Participants gain valuable tools and insights from mentors and industry experts for the duration of the program starting in June through to December. Sessions and workshops take place virtually with an in-person component that brings participants together for comprehensive programming and networking opportunities for one week in Toronto.
The program focuses on topics including technical skills, financial literacy, music business education, and branding and offers opportunities for creative collaborations. Each producer, as a condition of acceptance, has also agreed to explore volunteer opportunities in their own community.
Past and present mentors: Ebonie Smith, Emily Lazar, Sylvia Massy, Dr. Susan Rogers, Ann Mincieli, Linda Perry, Eli Brown, Angie Randisi, Rob Wells, Liz Rodrigues, and Samantha Pickard.
Videos
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2023 Recap Video
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2022 Recap Video
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2021 Recap Video
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2020 Recap Video
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2019 Recap Video
“RBC is committed to powering ideas that equip the next generation of creatives with skills for a thriving future. The creative community contributes significantly to the Canadian economy and plays an important role in building vibrant, inclusive communities – that’s why we are proud to support Music Publishers Canada’s Women in the Studio National Accelerator, which fosters the professional growth and advancement of talent in the music industry. Congratulations to the 2024 cohort – our communities are strengthened by your artistic passion and contributions.”
— Mark Beckles, Vice President, Social Impact and Innovation, RBC
“We are thrilled to announce the sixth cohort of our Women in the Studio National Accelerator. With the help of our program partners and industry network, we are looking forward to breaking down some of the barriers that exist for this group of talented producers and give them the support they need to enter the next phase of their careers.”
— Margaret McGuffin, CEO, Music Publishers Canada
2024 Producers
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Alysha Brilla
Toronto, ON
she/her/they/them -
Cat Hiltz
Vancouver, BC
they/them -
Charmie
Toronto, ON
she/her/they/them -
Jinting
Jinting Zhao
Edmonton, AB
she/her -
JoJo Worthington
Joanna Worthington
Montreal, QC
she/her/they/them -
Selci
Samantha Selci
Toronto, ON
she/her/they/them
Program News
The Women in the Studio National Accelerator is generously supported by
“Only 6% of the songs you hear are produced by women. FACTOR will continue funding the vital Women In The Studio program until this figure achieves parity. Talented women in this area have been denied opportunities for too long and this program is a remedy for modernizing the recording industry.”
— Meg Symsyk, President and CEO, FACTOR
“Ontario Creates is proud to support the 2024 Women in the Studio National Accelerator program. This initiative aligns with Ontario Creates’ mission to foster growth, innovation, and diversity in Ontario’s creative industries. Empowering women in music production not only contributes to a more inclusive industry but also makes good business sense and ensures that Ontario remains a vibrant hub for musical talent and creativity. We congratulate all the participants and look forward to their future successes.”
— Karen Thorne-Stone, President & Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Creates