Erin Barra
We were honoured to present the Keychange Inspiration Award at Tallinn Music Week. The winner was none other than Erin Barra.
"Real change in the music industry isn't built on good intentions, but on tangible action. With the Inspiration Award, we celebrate a leader who embodies inclusion as a daily practice, consistently breaking down barriers at the intersection of music and technology. Erin Barra is not just giving the next generation a voice, but the tools to reshape the industry from the ground up." – Lea Karwoth (Project Lead)
Erin Barra is a multifaceted leader at the intersection of music, technology, education, and equity. She is the Director of the Popular Music Program at Arizona State University and the Executive Director of We Make Noise, a global nonprofit advancing gender equity in music and tech. A recognized authority in music education and innovation, she is also a longtime course developer for Berklee Online and a former Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music. As a songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist, Barra has worked with artists including Kimbra, John Oates, Res, Agnez Mo, Madame Gandhi, and Miles Robertson, combining deep musicality with forward-thinking production. She is also deeply committed to mentoring and developing emerging artists and producers, helping shape the next generation of creative talent. Her expertise in composition, performance, and creative music technology has led to collaborations and partnerships with companies such as Ableton, ROLI, Moog, iZotope, Splice, and MusicTech. A sought-after speaker and educator, she has presented at conferences and institutions including SXSW, Loop, NAMM, Moogfest, AES, and Gearfest. Across every role, Barra brings a clear focus on access, empowerment, and innovation in music.
“I am honored to be among such important voices in the field and grateful for the recognition after over a decade of work”
Awarded at: Tallinn Music Week 2026
Expertise: Producing, Songwriting, Music Education