“Sound of Support” Explores Music Community’s Caregiver Needs

A new report, “Sound of Support: Exploring the Music Community’s Caregiver Needs,” marks a turning point for Canada’s music industry. Released by Women in Music Canada and Music Publishers Canada, the report surveyed more than 200 music professionals across Canada – artists, publishers, managers, and administrators – and lays out a practical roadmap for making the industry more inclusive and sustainable for caregivers. The findings reveal that caregiving responsibilities are deeply woven into the fabric of the Canadian music community.

According to the research:

• 73 percent of respondents are caring for children;
• 39 percent are caring for aging parents or family members;
• 27 percent are managing dual caregiving responsibilities

The report highlights how caregiving often creates financial, emotional, and logistical challenges for music industry workers, many of whom navigate freelance or non-traditional work structures.

Robyn Stewart, Executive Director of Women in Music Canada and a caregiver for 14 years, states:

“Caregiving touches everyone in this industry, and the conversations are finally moving from the sidelines to centre stage. When we openly acknowledge challenges and barriers, we can create real change.”

Stewart added that Women in Music Canada remains committed to helping foster that change through advocacy, education, and community-building initiatives.

One of the report’s more striking findings is that 78 percent of caregivers surveyed were unaware of existing support programs and resources available to music industry professionals.

The report suggests that improving communication, peer support networks, and industry-wide coordination could provide immediate and meaningful improvements for caregivers working in music.

Margaret McGuffin, CEO of Music Publishers Canada, comments:

“This report is a call to action, and we’re encouraged by the willingness we see across the industry to adopt new practices, share what works, and build a music ecosystem in Canada where caregivers can thrive.”

McGuffin — who has also balanced multiple caregiving roles as both a mother and daughter — emphasized that the Canadian music industry is already developing innovative care-centred workplace practices that could inspire other sectors.

Momentum around caregiver support is already growing through the Balancing Act’s Level UP! initiative, a national program designed to help arts organizations implement care-centred workplace policies.

Through a partnership with Women in Music Canada, the initiative has expanded into the music sector, supporting organizations with:

• On-site childcare pilots;
• Flexible work policies;
• Compassion funds;
• Best-practice caregiving resources and templates.

The program has already partnered with more than 150 arts organizations across Canada. The report was prepared by Castledale Inc. and received support from Ontario Creates, Creative BC, and the Province of British Columbia.

Founded in 1949, Music Publishers Canada advocates for music publishers and songwriters across the country through education, communication, and policy initiatives.

Women in Music Canada is one of the country’s largest music industry associations focused on gender equality, professional development, advocacy, and community support for women and gender-diverse music professionals.