skip to main content

We Are The Unheard Launch Funded Academy Programme for Gender Minorities

The MU is one of many supporters of the new programme which offers an introduction to Ableton software. From beginner to career, it aims to help improve the percentages of female identifying producers and songwriters in the Music Industry.

Published: 02 September 2022 | 5:34 PM Updated: 05 September 2022 | 4:38 PM
A woman wearing headphones and making music using her computer at home.
Women make up around 20% of all musical artists, yet only 2% of women are music producers. Image credit: Shutterstock.

The online Academy is born from the We Are The Unheard Campaign, and is funded by The Arts Council and supported by leading music industry software and hardware company Ableton, the MU, Help Musicians and Why Not Her.

Why is this programme needed?

The aim of WATUA (We Are The Unheard Academy) is to be accessible to gender minorities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. To offer training and support from beginner to career and help improve the percentages of female identifying producers and songwriters in the Music Industry.

Women make up around 20% of all musical artists, yet only 2% of women are music producers. Even though there are plenty of talented female producers creating amazing work, male producers and artists continue to increase and dominate the music industry.

WATUA aims to address this disparity by delivering an 8-week Introduction to Ableton online program.

During this program, participants have the opportunity to attend 3 in-person masterclasses/events where they can network, collaborate and connect with industry professionals.

For more information, including module content and to sign up for a place, visit WATUA’s official event page.

Programme details

The programme is completely funded. All participants are required to do is purchase a WATUA hoodie and promote on socials to pay it forward.

Date: From 29 September, 2 hours per week for 8 weeks.

Venue: Online via Zoom. There will also be 3 in person networking events in London, with masterclasses from industry professionals.

All participants attending in-person events will have childcare costs covered and those travelling from outside of London will have travel costs covered.

Participant eligibility: Those who identify as female, non-binary, trans woman. Age 18+.

Contact details: Email support@wearetheunheard.com for more information or use the WATUA’s contact page.

About the Founder

Black box with We Are The Unheard Academy in white textWATUA was founded by Eve Horne. Eve is an Award-Winning Creative Mentor and Advisor. She has over 20 years' experience in the Music Industry as a Singer, Songwriter and Producer. She is the founder of PeakMusicUK and the UNHEARD Campaign which demands equality for women in the Music Industry.

Eve says:

“I am so proud and grateful to be able to deliver this program to female identifying producers. It is important to me that I do everything within my power to help change these abysmal statistics so we can finally focus on the beauty of creating.”

 

Join the MU's work for equality in music

Be sure your voice is heard - and help make the music industry a better place for every musician. At the MU we stand for equal opportunities and inclusion for musicians, and aim for the industry to be more diverse and representative.

Be a changemaker 

Learn what we do to make the industry inclusive and diverse, and how you can get involved in making a change.

Get involved

Join the MU's work for equality in music

Continue reading

Daniel stood against a tree at sunset, holding a flute, with a forest and lake in the background.

How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious

In this honest and informative blog, composer, post-production specialist, tutor, flautist, and MU member Daniel Finch explores how musicians are using AI in their work—sharing insights from his own research and outlining the potential benefits, risks, and ethical challenges.

Published: 27 May 2025

Read more about How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious
Birdseye view of feet staring down at an EU flag on the ground, representing a border.

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

The MU welcomes early signs of progress on cultural mobility at the first EU-UK Summit, including youth mobility and faster border access, but calls for further action to ensure musicians are properly supported in post-Brexit negotiations.

Published: 21 May 2025

Read more about EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members