EQUALIZE workshops for women and gender diverse music makers

Free, one-day workshops to develop and hone songwriting, production and live audio skills

All Australian captial cities from Saturday 19 October to Saturday 9 November

APRA AMCOS’s free, one-day workshops for women and gender diverse* musicians and producers, EQUALIZE, will return in October and November 2024 with eight events across all states and territories.

The events will give participants the opportunity to develop and hone their songwriting, production and live audio skills in a supportive, inclusive and open environment. Music creators of all skill levels and experience are encouraged to register.

Skill development sessions will include Live Sound (how to set up and mic equipment for the stage and use live mixing desks), Music Production (the basics of production with Ableton), and Songwriting (learning compositional tips and methods from some of Australia's most skilled songwriters).

Each session will take place in small groups, facilitated by women and gender diverse experts in their fields, including BVT, Crystal Robins, Hannah Cameron, Natasha Newling and more.

Songwriter and mentor for the Darwin session, Crystal Robins, says: "I think there is something really special that happens when there is space for women to collaborate and support each other as artists, and I’m so looking forward to being part of these sessions in Darwin.

“There is still a long way to go in terms of ‘equalising’ opportunities for women and gender diverse artists in this industry, but any opportunity for women/gender diverse artists to connect and strengthen their skills together is a step in the right direction."

Karen Don, Head of Membership at APRA AMCOS, adds: “Now in its second year, we’re thrilled to bring this national event series back again to try to address gender disparities within music production, live sound and collaborative writing rooms.

“We’re fully aware of the gender gap within the music industry and hope that by running more events like this, along with initiatives like our 23% Mentorship program, that we can help to attract more women and gender diverse music creators to a variety of professional music environments and support them in building sustainable careers.

“Our goal is to empower emerging music professionals and work to help make the music industry a fair, safe and inclusive space for all.”

The workshops will run in all Australian capital cities from Saturday 19 October until Saturday 9 November and are open to all female and gender diverse APRA AMCOS members, thanks to sponsors Ableton, SAE and the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.

*Includes non-binary, trans, gender non-conforming, trans other non-cis male gender expressions