Free beginner sessions in London, Berlin, Amsterdam and Dublin aim to support underrepresented musicians.

Music Production for Women (MPW), in partnership with digital distributor DistroKid, has announced the 2025 EmpowHer Sound Tour — a series of free, beginner-level music production workshops taking place in four major European cities this July.

The sessions will be led by MPW founder Xylo Aria and are designed to provide accessible entry points into beatmaking, audio effects and synthesis for female and non-gender conforming musicians.

The workshops are scheduled for Dublin (10 July), Berlin (14 July), Amsterdam (16 July), and London (22 July). Hosted by academic institutions including the University of Westminster, SRH University and Trinity College Dublin’s Music Department, these sessions will focus on essential music production skills in an inclusive environment. Attendance is open to all genders, with free registration available until venue capacities are reached.

The EmpowHer Sound initiative follows on from MPW’s previous UK-based events, which attracted nearly 200 participants. The decision to expand across Europe reflects increasing demand for community-focused learning in music production — an area that continues to show significant gender disparity, particularly in electronic music and technology.

Xylo Aria, who founded MPW six years ago, said: “We designed these events to be that perfect first step where artists, particularly women, can get a taste of music production while making new friends in a safe and encouraging space.”

MPW has grown to serve more than 8,000 musicians from over 120 countries. Its work has been recognised on platforms such as the She Said So Alt Power List and the Top 50 Innovators of East London. Aria herself has been a finalist in the IABCA’s Young Professional of the Year Awards in both 2023 and 2024.

This year’s tour is supported by sponsors Novation, Kilohearts and DistroKid. In addition to the free workshops, attendees will have the opportunity to win production gear and software packages, including a Focusrite Studio Bundle, a Novation Launchkey Mini, and plugin licenses from Kilohearts, with prizes valued at over $700.

While aimed at empowering women and gender minorities in music production, the sessions are open to anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of electronic music creation. Participants are encouraged to register early, as availability is limited.

The tour comes at a time when more organisations are offering grassroots alternatives to traditional music education. In an industry still dominated by men, especially in technical roles, MPW’s initiative highlights a broader movement toward inclusive and community-driven learning. The growth of free and accessible workshops mirrors a shift in how aspiring producers are entering the field — often outside of formal education systems and through peer-driven environments.

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