Why I'm Trying a Woman-Only Cohort for my next course
Why I'm Trying a Woman-Only Cohort for My Next Course
by Sam de la Haye
Back in 2021, I was leading my eight-week program Piano.Vocal.Success for the third time. As with any new group, I felt a bit nervous at the start. However, there was something truly exceptional about this particular cohort - it was my first and only all-female group. Over the weeks we spent together, we formed a strong bond and remain close friends to this day.
After the course was finished, I took some time to reflect on the energy of the group. It was a unique, feminine and creative energy, somewhat softer and lighter than what I had experienced before. At first, I had planned to keep the cohort exclusively for women, but then I met a male student who was super lovely and inspiring. I decided to open up the group to all genders to ensure everyone had the opportunity to benefit from the positive energy and learning environment.
Since then I've successfully run P.V.S. Now named Express Your Truth six times, but recently I've been considering the possibility of creating a women-only cohort. I was reminded of the power of such groups during my time at a drugs and alcohol day centre, where I worked as a music therapist but also observed a women-only group. Witnessing the honesty, vulnerability, and beautiful feminine energy of those women was truly inspiring. They repeatedly expressed how the women-only group provided them with a safe space to share and connect.
Women-only cohorts have been on the rise in recent years, and for good reason. Creating a safe and supportive environment for women to come together and express their creativity can have a transformative impact on their musical journeys. In fact, studies have shown that women-only groups can have a significant positive impact on women's confidence, creativity, and career advancement.
According to a study conducted by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, women only account for 2% of music producers and 12.3% of songwriters in the music industry. The lack of representation can lead to feelings of isolation and discouragement for women trying to break into the industry. However, the study also found that women-only writing camps can increase the number of female songwriters on the charts. In 2019, women-only writing camps contributed to 18% of the top 100 songs on the Billboard Hot 100.
I also know that living in a world of uncertainty and fear can really take its toll on us.
There is so much unspoken talent and creativity out there that deserves to be heard and I want to create that safe space to inspire. I know there is something special that happens when women come together to support one another, share ideas, and create something new and so I’ve decided to make Seek Your Truth women only this time!
Now for all the men out there! Please note this is not an "I hate men" blog at all!!! I also intend to create a male-only group at some point in the future, so stay tuned!
Here are some additional benefits of a single-sex cohort:
1. Safe space for expression:
In my experience as an adult, women coming together offer a sense of sisterhood. We totally get the struggles of menopause, bringing children up, juggling work and family life, periods mental health issues etc and when women come together there is a deep empathy - Expression and authenticity come more naturally when you can be vulnerable; being surrounded by supportive and like-minded women will be paramount for this release of emotion.
2. Community and connection:
Women-only settings allow for a more intimate space where deeper connections can be formed and where women are more likely to share their experiences and challenges. Community and connection are key!
3. Support and encouragement:
As a woman, I can certainly say that I require plenty of reassurance and the confidence to overcome challenges! We often experience similar obstacles and so it’s so helpful to share experiences, especially if we are just starting out on our musical journey! We can collaborate, experiment with different styles and genres and find our authentic voice as a musician.
4. Empowerment and inspiration
We all have empowering women in our life, don’t we? Well, imagine what would happen when several women came together! This will be a chance for women to tap into their inner strength, uplift others around them and provide a loving space to explore their creativity.
So, if you are a woman who is interested in music, creativity, soul searching and breaking boundaries then I would love to invite you to my LIVE mini-series training starting 12th April! Oh, and it’s free!! This is your chance to pursue your passion and be transformed.
