Since its foundation in 2006, the MädchenMusikAkademie NRW, under the sponsorship of the Mädchenzentrum e.V. charity based in Gelsenkirchen, has continuously been running music activities and pop music empowerment for girls and young women between the ages of 10 and 27. The project offers a safer space where participants can acquire knowledge and skills in the field of pop music – from beginners to aspiring professionals. This offering is unique in Germany and free of charge for all participants; instruments are provided. The project works together with professional music creators and ranges from vocal and instrumental workshops to sound engineering, band coaching, songwriting and knowledge transfer in the music industry.

Project objectives:

  • Promoting participation of girls and young women in pop music
  • Creating a safe learning space for girls and young women to discover and develop their musical skills.
  • Promoting self-confidence, self-esteem and empowerment through musical activities and creative expression.
  • Imparting knowledge, skills and providing role models in music and the music industry.
  • Providing free music activities and instruments to overcome financial barriers.

Activities and achievements:

Over the years, we have offered a variety of music workshops, courses and events tailored to the different interests and abilities of our participants. In addition to workshop formats lasting several days, there is a weekly continuous drop-in open hour and workshops at schools (especially secondary schools, comprehensive schools and special schools). The highlight of 2023 was the implementation of our first International Academy, which was attended by participants from North Rhine-Westphalia, Sweden, Great Britain and the Netherlands. The multi-day academy not only enabled the exchange of musical ideas and techniques, but also created new friendships and connections across national borders.

Through the generous support of the Hans Thomann Foundation, we can continue to ensure that all our services are free of charge and that tools are made available to those who do not have their own. This has allowed us to reach out to girls and young women from financially disadvantaged families and create a more inclusive community.

In 2023, we were able to carry out the following projects, among others, through this donation:

  • Weekly instrumental and band workshops for girls and young women from all over North Rhine-Westphalia
  • Vocal activities for small vocal groups in which the keyboards have been used
  • A concert series in cooperation with the LGBTI youth centre together in Gelsenkirchen, in which the instruments and the backline were used
  • The first International Girls’ Music Academy in October 2023, which was attended by around 30 girls and young women from North Rhine-Westphalia, the Netherlands, Sweden and Great Britain. The material donated by the foundation benefited all participants in workshops, band rehearsals, songwriting, jam sessions and the final concert. Without the donation, we would not have been able to adequately equip all participants and all music rooms.

All our activities will continue, and there will also be additional activities for which the equipment provided by the Hans Thomann Foundation will be used.