Let’s Hear It for the Girls
Did you know that, among the staff at Rock 101, there is an individual who has performed in not only Canada and the United States but also in Austria? Perhaps it will surprise you to learn that one of the drum instructors created drum curriculum that was published in Modern Drummer Magazine. Several staff own and run their own companies. One individual holds bachelor degrees in both Early Childhood Education as well as Emergency Medicine. Not to mention the staff member who, this very month, is a speaker at the largest Montessori conference in the world.
All of these accolades have one common thread that runs throughout: They were accomplished by female staff at Rock 101.
March marks the start of an entire month dedicated to Women’s History. The idea of honoring women started in Sonoma County, California, in 1978 with Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress officially designated the month of March as a time to celebrate female accomplishments and contributions, both past and present. Each year, the National Women’s History Alliance chooses a theme. The theme for 2025 is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.”
What better place to delve into this theme than at Rock 101 Music Academy? Not only are the female staff literally educating the next generation of musicians, we constantly educate and inspire each other. I had the opportunity to chat with some of the Rock 101 women and what I uncovered were commonalities that ran much deeper than even I anticipated. Take a look!
Theme #1: Don’t Underestimate Us
The first question I asked was, “If you could eliminate one female stereotype from all future generations, what would it be?” I was expecting to read a range of different opinions; however, every single answer centered around the same concept. We have all been made to feel and believe that we are less than, weaker than, less competent than our male equivalents.
Not motivated enough.
Not smart enough.
Not tough enough.
This prevailing societal norm manifests as workplace discrimination, pay gaps, and the lack of women in leadership roles. Says Brittney, Rock 101’s Scheduling Coordinator, “It assumes that women are naturally less ambitious or committed to their careers, when in reality, societal barriers - like unequal pay, lack of parental leave, and workplace bias - often push women into difficult choices between career and family.”
The manner in which “not good enough” manifests is often confusing. Though we are often not strong enough in a characteristic, being too strong is just as big a fault. Emma, Rock 101 vocals instructor, shares her desire to command a room without being labeled as bossy. “Sometimes it is frustrating when I’m working in a male dominated group and I see the solution to a problem very clearly but I find I have to figure out how to word my solution without coming off as rude or bossy. If I am perceived in this way, they won’t take me seriously and the problem won’t get solved.”
Despite our education and accolades, each one of us has received the messaging that we aren’t enough. As we navigate this system, we first have to prove to ourselves that this is untrue so that we can then pivot and prove the same to the world. There is a sign sitting on my desk that reads “Underestimate me. That’ll be fun.” This is the message from the Rock 101 female community. You are welcome to underestimate us as long as you are prepared to be proven wrong.
Theme #2: Life Accomplishments
The commonality that felt most powerful to me was about our life accomplishments. I asked my strong, female co-workers about the accomplishments that have made them feel most proud. Knowing what I know, I was thinking about the staff member who worked with The String Cheese Incident, the one who was a percussionist in Boston Musical Theater performances, or perhaps the instructor who is about to finish her fourth degree. Among the female Rock 101 staff, the list of achievements is long and impressive!
As the responses came in, however, I found a much different type of answer to this question. Not a single Rock 101 female listed a high-profile accomplishment as the thing that made them feel proud of themselves. The answers were either achieving a goal that they had to work diligently towards or a role they played in serving others. Because I won’t summarize any better than the original words, here are a few answers:
Sharon (Drum Instructor): “I am proud that I was able to inspire and help many students over the years. I am proud to pass on my knowledge to future generations thereby having a positive impact on their lives.”
Brittney (Scheduling Coordinator): “The accomplishment I feel most proud of is being a mother. I feel the greatest sense of impact when I see the values I instill in my children reflected in their actions - when they show empathy to a friend, stand up for what’s right, or express love without hesitation. Knowing that I am contributing to a future where compassion and understanding thrive is the most rewarding feeling.”
Emma (Vocals Instructor): “I feel the most like I am having an impact on future generations when I am teaching. With each student I get the privilege to teach - no matter the age - my faith in humanity is restored. By sharing some of what I’ve learned with future generations I feel like I make an impact.”
May the world come to understand: We work hard to accomplish challenging goals; however, it is not the ever-so-impressive goals that matter so much as the impact these goals allow us to have on our communities. We are proud of our impact, not of our accomplishments.
Theme #3: We Love Who We Are
Being a woman in a world that favors male characteristics can often feel like having a picnic on top of an ant pile. Despite this, none of us would have it any other way. We feel PROUD of being female. We love our qualities, even when society pushes back on them.
Says Danielle, Amazing Rock 101 Blog Writer, “Speaking generally, we see the world differently than men. While society would have us think this is a bad thing, I find that our natural female qualities of empathy and emotional intelligence allow us to understand situations and dynamics better than men. This is not a soft skill, this is a leadership quality.” Sharon concurs and believes that women are emotionally strong. “We are able to show confidence along with our feminine side.”
While society may say we are weak, emotional, too quiet, or perhaps not quiet enough, Brittney would rather have the world understand that we are resilient, adaptable, and strong. “Women throughout history have broken barriers, challenged norms, and reshaped societies while balancing countless responsibilities.”
We are here. We love being here. And we most certainly are not going away.
You’re welcome.
Advice for the Next Generation
During Women’s History Month, we can remember and honor those who fought the battles that have provided the rights we have today. Maya Angelou says, “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” The power of women comes when we support, celebrate, and hold space for each other. Individually, we are strong; collectively, we are a force.
With that in mind, some Rock 101 female staff have messages to pass along to the upcoming generation, things we wish we had known when we were younger:
Brittney: “Give yourself grace. Life is hard sometimes, and that’s okay. It’s okay to be tired. It’s okay to not be good at something right away. It’s okay to fail - because everyone does. What matters is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep showing up for yourself.”
Kayla: “Perfection is unattainable, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Build a caring and reliable community around you. Also, remember to wear sunscreen (and your retainer)!”
Sharon: “Do not let anyone discourage you from following your dreams. You can do whatever you put your mind to.”
Emma: “It’s okay to not know everything. In fact, there’s power in knowing that you don’t know everything. You will continue to learn and grow as you go through life, and isn’t that such a beautiful thing. Control what you can, treat folks with kindness but know when to protect your peace, and give yourself grace. You’re doing your best, and that IS enough.”
Danielle: “What other people think about you is none of your business. Learn the sound of your voice and move forward with this as your guide. Power comes from lifting others up, never tearing them down.”
I write this with a full heart because the female struggle is real, ever present, and often degrading. When we look back at history, we see how far we have come; when we glance towards the future, we see how much further there is still yet to travel. The good news is that while I am on this journey, the company is great. I feel proud of my Rock 101 co-workers, comforted in knowing they will have my back as needed, and joyful that we work in an environment that sees us for who we are. Joan Jett nails it on the head: “Other people will call me a rebel, but I just feel like I’m living my life and doing what I want to do. Sometimes, people call that rebellion, especially when you’re a woman.”
I’ll see ya around, Rebels.
Learn more:
National Women’s History Alliance
Women’s History Month
25 Influential Female Rockers Through the Decades
- Danielle Parker