Building a Stage for Women in Music: The Mission Behind Music Mavens of Texas

Music has always been more than sound—it's a feeling, a movement, and a way to connect people. For me, Jamie Goode, founder and President of Music Mavens of Texas Association (MMTA), as well as founder and photographer of Jamie Goode Studios, LLC, music has also been a lens for change. Over the years, through my photography work in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Nashville, I’ve had the privilege of capturing musicians in their element. But along the way, I noticed a pattern—and it hit me hard.

At shows I attended, from intimate songwriting nights to full-scale concerts, I watched women pour their hearts into their music, often balancing families, careers, and daily life alongside their passion. And yet, the atmosphere, the attention, and the support they received often didn’t match the talent or the effort. Men in the industry often had an easier path, more resources, more help. Women had to fight to be seen, to be heard, and to be given opportunities that aligned with their skill and dedication.

I remember one moment clearly: I was doing a shoot for one of our newest MMTA members at a local show in Kilgore. I watched her perform and saw the difference in how audiences, industry folks, and other performers treated women versus men. She was incredible—focused, powerful, and fully committed—but the support around her just wasn’t the same. That moment crystallized for me what MMTA could become: a space where women in music are lifted, supported, and showcased on their own terms.

Music Mavens of Texas is built on four pillars: supporting women in music, building relationships and community, advocating for opportunities and mentorship, and celebrating the love of music itself.

How MMTA Helps Women in Music

MMTA was created to provide real, tangible support for women navigating the music industry. Some of the ways we help include:

• Stage Opportunities: From songwriting showcases to curated concerts, MMTA provides multiple performance platforms where women can connect with audiences and industry professionals. Our events are designed to give female musicians exposure in environments where they are supported and celebrated.

• Promotion: We actively promote artists through social media, event marketing, and collaborations with venues, helping them expand their reach and grow their fan base.

• Industry Connections: MMTA creates networking opportunities by connecting artists with venues, labels, collaborators, and mentors. These relationships can lead to future gigs, tours, or collaborations that might otherwise be out of reach.

• Community & Mentorship: Beyond performances and photos, MMTA fosters a community where women can share knowledge, mentor one another, and grow together. It’s a safe space where questions are welcomed, experiences are shared, and guidance is offered.

• Photography: Every artist deserves to look like the star they are. Through professional branding sessions, headshots, and performance photography, we help women project confidence and credibility, not just talent. The right image can open doors, attract bookings, and build a strong public presence.

My Vision for MMTA’s Future

I see Music Mavens of Texas as more than an association—it’s a movement. Our goal is to create a comprehensive ecosystem that empowers women in music across Texas.

• Event Series: We’re building recurring showcases, private industry nights, and concerts that highlight women artists, songwriters, and musicians. These events will offer exposure, experience, and connections to help careers grow sustainably.

• Award Shows: MMTA will host recognition events celebrating female musicians and their achievements. These awards will not only highlight talent but also create industry visibility and credibility.

• Expanded Platforms: We plan to offer touring support, co-promotions with venues, and multimedia storytelling to give female artists multiple ways to reach audiences. Whether it’s a live-streamed performance, a photoshoot, or an intimate songwriting session, we want women to have the tools and stage to thrive.

• Partnerships & Growth: As MMTA grows, we’re seeking long-term partnerships with venues, labels, and industry professionals who share our vision. Together, we can provide sustainable opportunities for women in music, ensuring every artist has a platform to be seen, heard, and supported.

Why MMTA Exists

I’m not a singer or musician, but I know the challenges firsthand from working alongside women in the industry. I’ve seen the imbalance, the lack of support, and the extra obstacles women face. I’ve also seen their talent, drive, and dedication—and I want to amplify that.

I started MMTA because I want to help. I want to be a friend, a supporter, and a cheerleader for women in music. I want to create real opportunities, build meaningful relationships, and use my skills and resources to give women the stage, the visibility, and the confidence they deserve.

Music Mavens of Texas is about lifting women up, building them into stars, and giving them a platform that matches their talent. It’s about community, opportunity, mentorship, and the love of music. It’s about creating a Texas music ecosystem where women are seen, heard, and celebrated.

If you’re a musician, a fan, a venue owner, or someone who believes in the power of women in music, we invite you to join us, support us, and help amplify these voices. Music Mavens of Texas is here to make sure that the next time a talented woman steps on stage, she doesn’t just perform—she thrives.