Women Shape Music - A project made possible with our partners, The University of Sheffield

Celebrating our Partnership with the University of Sheffield

A recent project we have helped facilitate is from university student Rhianna Taylor-Birch, called Women Shape Music. Rhianna set out to highlight the work of inspiring women in Sheffield’s Music Industry/Scene whilst inspiring the next generation of female musicians. Let’s hear a bit about Rhianna’s Project.

At Sheffield Music Hub, our partnership with the University of Sheffield is one we deeply value. This collaboration is rooted in a shared passion for nurturing the next generation of music educators and industry professionals. Through this relationship, university students gain hands-on experience in music education and the wider music industry, supporting both their personal growth and career development. In turn, we benefit from their fresh ideas, energy, and contributions to our work.

Over the years, many University of Sheffield graduates have joined our team—working across Business Support, as Music Tutors, and as Music Leaders. We've also welcomed students on work placements; students volunteer with our Friends and Volunteers of Sheffield Music Hub (our charity arm that supports fundraising and concert events), while others complete academic modules with us as part of their degree. This partnership brings incredible value to the young people of Sheffield and strengthens the connection between the University’s music department and the wider community.

We’ve also collaborated with the University of Sheffield Brass Band and Big Band to host inspiring, progression-focused concerts—giving our young musicians a chance to see and envision the next steps in their musical journeys.

Spotlight on a Standout Project: Women Shape Music

One of the most exciting recent projects to emerge from this partnership is Women Shape Music, led by university student Rhianna Taylor-Birch. This initiative aims to spotlight the achievements of women in Sheffield’s music scene while inspiring the next generation of female musicians.

What has the project already achieved?

For the initial run of the project, Women Shape Music brought four speakers excelling in their fields into Sheffield Secondary Schools. These speakers shared their career journeys, discussed navigating the industry as women, and offered advice to young female students just beginning their musical paths. The speakers included:

• Rose Wilcox – Classical Sheffield Coordinator, Head of Programming at The Leadmill and Events Manager at Dots Joines
• Lucy Revis – Director of Sheffield Music School and the transformative music project TRACKS (who recently brought Ed Sheeran to Sheffield) and Freelance Musician
• Eleanor Jarvis – Musical Director at Steel City Choristers, Director of Sheffield Music Hub’s Youth Voices Choir
• Dr Sarah Watts – Senior University Teacher at the University of Sheffield and internationally renowned bass clarinetist

All four generously volunteered their time to the project.

How it went

Feedback from Sheffield schools has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers appreciated the opportunity for their students to hear directly from women thriving in the music industry. The speakers found the experience enriching and insightful and were inspired by the students enthusiasm.

The Impact

The project has already made a visible difference. Teachers reported a shift in their thinking about gender representation in music education and staffing. Some schools have seen an increase in girls participating in musical activities. 

Several students shared how inspirational they had found the sessions, and how they would think about things a little differently from now on.

How have Sheffield Music Hub helped?

Rhianna shared her gratitude for the support she received from Sheffield Music Hub:

“Sheffield Music Hub have provided invaluable support to me, and to the project.  After an initial meeting where my vision for the project was discussed, the team helped me to shape my ideas into something that would be beneficial to the Sheffield community. They provided help with making initial contact with many of the speakers and schools involved in the project and were happy to offer guidance and support while the project was running. I would like to say a huge thank you to the whole Sheffield Music Hub team for their support with this project. It would not have been possible without them!”

Learn More and Get Involved

The Women Shape Music website is now live here The message is simple but powerful: girls and women can achieve anything they set their minds to.

If you're a teacher or a woman working in the music industry and would like to get involved, reach out via the website’s contact page or email: womenshapemusic@gmail.com.

At Sheffield Music Hub, we’re proud to have supported Rhianna in making such a meaningful impact on young girls in our city. Women Shape Music is just one of many inspiring projects born from our partnership with the University of Sheffield—and we look forward to many more in the future.