Toronto, ON - Recognizing the need to continue to close the gender gap in the studio, Music Publishers Canada (MPC) is pleased to announce the six producer-songwriters selected for the 2026 Women in the Studio National Accelerator. The Accelerator provides women and non-binary producer-songwriters with technical training, industry networking, and career development.

Representing a diverse range of genres, regions, and creative practices in the Canadian music industry, the 2026 Women in the Studio Accelerator Cohort includes:

Aiona Santana – Ottawa, ON
Kayee – Toronto, ON
Sally Shaar – Toronto, ON
the della kit – Vancouver, BC
WILD BLACK – Toronto, ON/ Saskatoon, SK
Zamani Folade – Halifax, NS

Biographies for the 2026 participants can be found here.

Now in its eighth year, the Women in the Studio National Accelerator continues to address the persistent gender gap in music production. Recent industry research, including findings from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative 2026 report, shows that women only made up 4.4% of producers on the most popular songs of 2025, and remain significantly underrepresented as songwriters as well. Through targeted mentorship, skills development, and industry access, the Accelerator aims to help shift that landscape by supporting those already building careers behind the boards.

“Women continue to be underrepresented in music production, and meaningful change requires sustained, intentional action,” said Margaret McGuffin, CEO of Music Publishers Canada. “Women in the Studio is a key part of that effort, and we’re proud to support this year’s cohort as they continue to develop their skills, expand their networks, and take important steps forward in their careers.”

Since its launch, the program has supported 48 alumni, fostering a growing network of creators whose collaborations and professional relationships extend well beyond their time in the Accelerator. MPC remains committed to building on this momentum and creating opportunities for both the current cohort and alumni that contribute to a more inclusive and representative music industry.

"Women bring creativity and talent to music production, and they deserve the opportunity to help lead and shape the industry’s future," says Gayle Corcoran, Senior Director, Social Impact, RBC. "RBC is proud to support the Women in the Studio National Accelerator, a program that gives this year’s cohort the skills, connections, and confidence to do exactly that. Congratulations to the 2026 class. We can’t wait to hear what you create.”

The 2026 Women in the Studio National Accelerator will run virtually from June through October, with an in-person residency taking place in Toronto from July 7–12. Participants will take part in a series of training workshops focused on technical production, songwriting, branding, and financial literacy. The Accelerator also includes opportunities for creative collaboration and direct engagement with leading music and creative industry professionals. Each participant will also explore ways to give back through community-based volunteer initiatives.

Presented by Music Publishers Canada, the 2026 Women in the Studio National Accelerator is made possible with generous support from FACTOR and the Government of Canada, Ontario Creates and RBC. MPC also extends its gratitude to sponsors Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP and Compass Rose Group.

To learn more about the Women in the Studio Accelerator, please visit musicpublishing.ca. Additional details on program alumni are available here.

Aiona Santana

Kayee

Sally Shaar

the della kit

WILD BLACK

Zamani Folade

Additional Quotes:

“Skilled women excel in technical capacities across the span of Canada's world market-leading industries yet there are not clear pathways to careers in production and engineering in recording studios. That is why Women in the Studio is such a vital program for creating and keeping space for women in our cultural sector, bringing their invaluable creativity to our next Canadian-crafted global hit songs. FACTOR is proud to continue funding this essential initiative.” - Meg Symsyk, President and CEO of FACTOR - The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings.

“As the music industry continues to evolve, initiatives like Women in the Studio are essential to ensuring that technical roles reflect the diversity of the talent working in the field. Ontario Creates is proud to support a program that equips women with the skills, confidence, and experience needed to thrive in these careers. Congratulations to the 2026 cohort. We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make!” - Karen Thorne‑Stone, President and CEO of Ontario Creates.“

Media Contacts:

Chloe Leblanc
Strut Entertainment
chloe@strutentertainment.com

Ashley Sperling
Strut Entertainment
ashley@strutentertainment.com