What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is held on 8 March every year and is recognised all over the world. It celebrates the achievements of women and advocates for their rights across all walks of life. At Maxx Music, we have asked some of our incredible female teachers to think about what International Women’s Day means to them, what challenges they have had to overcome as women in a traditionally male dominated industry and which women have inspired them.
All of our teachers, male or female, are vital role models for our young students, and this International Women’s Day we are proud to offer them a voice so that they can lead and inspire the young women and girls who attend Maxx Music for music lessons.
Louisa – saxophone and piano teacher
International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate the power of women in music and the importance of representation in every aspect of the industry. I draw inspiration from many strong female figures in my creative journey, especially my previous music tutors and current successful female composers who are spearheading a time in the industry of equality and empowerment.
My favourite thing about working in the music industry is witnessing the joy and confidence that music brings to my students. As a piano and saxophone tutor, I get to see firsthand how music empowers people, helps them express themselves, and connects them to others. Watching a student master, a challenging piece or perform for the first time is incredibly rewarding. Furthermore, as an aspiring film composer, I love the magic of storytelling through sound and how it allows audiences to transcend their everyday life.
However, the music and film industries, still has a long way to go in terms of gender equality. Women continue to be underrepresented in key roles like sound engineers and band leaders and on big-budget productions. There needs to be more opportunities, safer working environments, and greater recognition for female musicians, composers, and educators. By creating supportive networks and championing each other’s successes, we can help shape a more inclusive and equal industry.
There has been progress in gender equality, but young female musicians still need more role models, opportunities, and encouragement to pursue their passion. My advice to women wanting to make it in music? Believe in your skills, take up space, and never let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong. Music needs your voice.
Ana – violin teacher
You work in the music industry – tell us about what you do and your journey into doing it.
I think I have being very lucky to work as a music teacher in a company that seems inclusive and comfortable for me to come into work and feel happy to see my students every time!
What advice do you have for women wanting to make it in the music industry?
Never give up! Dream big! Don’t be scared on taking a chance on yourself. Go out there and be confident!
Georgia – vocal teacher
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What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International women’s day is a day to celebrate our journey in the world not only as an individual but a whole society. The music industry is always growing and changing and the idea that we can ‘have it all’ a career in all walks of music production and achieve our goals outside of music is so exciting, and something to celebrate.
What is your International Women’s Day message?
My international women’s day message is that I hope girls both young and old will have the courage to grab the dreams that seemed out of reach and to never stop challenging the ideals that try to stop them.
Tell us about some women in music who inspire you.
My inspiration is Audra McDonald. She is successful in all walks of life and still continues to strive for more. She reminds us that performers are also humans too, and as a performer and teacher I find a lot of comfort in knowing that there is no pedestal that separates us and our idols and we too can strive to achieve the same things they have!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome as a woman in the music industry and how did you overcome it/are you overcoming it?
As a performer one of the biggest challenges to overcome was my own self judgment. After the dry spell of performances during Covid I was met with an overwhelming feeling of imposter syndrome build by thoughts in my head that wondered if what I was doing was enough to please other people. At the end of the day, we are musicians because we love music, once I realised that I was performing for me and not for the hopes that everyone else on the ‘judging panel’ would like me, I was met with not only greater joy but greater success.
What is your favourite thing about working in the music industry?
Collaborating with so many different artists and the respect everyone shows for each other’s talents.
You work in the music industry – tell us about what you do and your journey into doing it.
I work in the music industry as a teacher and as a performer. I grew up performing and decided to make it my career. Whilst I love being onstage, I found the most joy when being able to teach others something that I love so much. I have spent my whole life leaning about the art form of musical theatre and through making industry contacts was presented opportunities to be onstage or teaching in the studio. If you are wanting to be a performer there are three things that make you a good performer (but you only need 2 of them):
- Show up on time
- Be a Kind person
- Have Talent
If you have a dream of being in the industry, you can make it a reality!
What will you be listening to this International Women’s Day
“Half Way There” by Big Time Rush – I know this song isn’t sung by a female but I thin International Women’s Day is about all of us coming together to celebrate how we have progressed as a society! This song is about celebrating how far we have come and how far we can still go!
Ann – Piano and Violin teacher
International Women’s Day is the day I celebrate all the women who have been important to me in my life and ALL the people who have cared for them. I am lucky enough to count women among my friends from all over the world – from every continent except Antarctica. And, I have been lucky enough to have had amazing women among those who have taught me in Australia and overseas, including pianist Marina Trefilly and Australian composer (and poet) Miriam Hyde, both now no longer with us. I also enjoy supporting young people, including women, achieve their goals. This International Women’s Day, I will celebrate by listening to Miriam’s two Piano Concertos, and my playing all my instruments, including viola.
Adelaide – Guitar and Bass Guitar teacher
Tell us about some women in music who inspire you
Some women in music who inspire me are Nita Strauss, the incredible guitarist, and Charlotte Wessels from Delain. Nita’s electrifying guitar skills and stage presence break down barriers, proving that women can shred with the best of them, blending technical mastery with raw power. Charlotte, with her radiant vocals and magnetic presence, proves that true power lies in authenticity and vulnerability. Both women are fearless trailblazers, redefining metal and inspiring us all that women are not only part of the scene—they’re shaping it with every note. Their voices and talents are a bold declaration of strength, passion, and limitless potential. They have had a huge impact on me as a musician and teacher and I cannot thank them enough.
What progress have I seen in gender equality in the music industry?
In recent years, I’ve seen great progress in gender equality in the music industry, especially in metal. Growing up, there weren’t many female guitarists or musicians to look up to, but now women like Nita Strauss, Merel Bechtold, and Alissa White-Gluz are breaking barriers, proving that women can dominate in traditionally male-dominated spaces with talent and presence. More female musicians, producers, and leaders are making their mark, from the stage to the studio. While challenges remain, the rise of these powerful women and their growing visibility is an inspiring sign of how the industry is evolving toward greater equality and representation. Today, many girls and women have these incredible role models to look up to, and their stories continue to inspire the next generation of musicians to chase their dreams without limits.
What is your message to women/young girls
Don’t be afraid to make noise and shake things up in the music industry, your voice matters too. Growing up I never had a mentor/teacher to tell me these things. Until I met my guitar Teacher Merel Bechtold who is a metal guitarist and has played in bands across the world. She once told me “If you love it, play it”. Which doesn’t seem like much to just anyone but to me it meant everything. It gave me the confidence to play metal without the fear of being judged because I’m a woman. The metal industry was such a heavily male dominated world but its people like Merel, Nita and Charlotte who have paved the way for women like me. I hope I can be that inspiration for other girls I have the privilege of teaching. We belong in that world too.
What advice do you have for women wanting to make it in the music industry?
My advice is- go for it, it’s never too late to start! Don’t take no for an answer. If someone tells you that you can’t do it then prove them wrong. Practice is a huge thing too; it takes hard work to get where you want to be. Also be kind to yourself on this journey. Play as much as you can, start a band in your garage and make connections with other musicians. Having a support network is amazing. No one tells you this, but you will make mistakes along the way and that’s okay because we learn from them, no musician is perfect.
What are you going to be listening to this International Women’s Day?
- Victorious by Nita Strauss (feat. Dorothy)
- Fire with Fire by Delain
- Mind Your Own by 51st Avenue
Kirthana – Saxophone and Clarinet teacher
International Women’s Day has become increasingly important to me as I grow, exploring the different pathways of life. Through my exploration I have come to realise the subtle actions women take to make the world a better place. A woman takes on so many roles in her life, always acting with compassion and wisdom. I believe women should be celebrated everyday but I am glad that a day like IWD exists, so that a spotlight can be shined on the many achievements of women throughout time.
Antha Minerva Virgil, the inventor of the Techniphone, a soundless keyboard for home practise. Centuries later we are still adapting her idea for guitars, drum kits and even orchestral instruments! Carleen Maley Hutchins, the inventor of the violin octet, an experiment that made its way to Yo-Yo Ma’s performances! Laurie Spiegel, the inventor of Music Mouse, a revolutionary interactive software for creating music using a computer, a program that will be forever expanded upon due to its versatility.
These women have been instrumental (pun intended) in the music world. Give a woman time, space and unwavering support and you are left with a masterpiece, unlike anything you have ever seen. This is something I hope the music industry can take on board. Female artists are still not being given an equal platform compared to their male counterparts. Women have strong voices, sometimes they simply require microphones to be heard. Let International Women’s Day be a day where we give a woman a microphone and listen.
Thanks to all of our teachers for their thoughts about International Women’s Day. We hope this has inspired you and given you some food for thought. You can also check out last year’s post “Empowering Voices: International Women’s Day”
Take a listen to the songs our teachers will be listening to on Saturday.
