Sustainable Development Goal #5

The What!

SDG Goal #5 seeks to correct the imbalance throughout history in gender equality and empowerment. While we cannot change the past, we can assess and reflect on discriminatory practices in the arts (and all subject areas) and work to change the way we teach, practice, perform, and experience music. A key element of SDG #5 is the final five words: "empower all women and girls." We are each responsible for taking steps towards achieving that goal.

The Why!

My personal belief is that humans matter and one of the ways that we as a society show who matters is by giving them a voice. In the context of music, from performer to composer and from songwriter to conductor, individuals of all genders matter. Unfortunately, history shows without question that in the arts, and specifically in music, gender equality has yet to be achieved. 

Here is are a few quick facts to get you thinking (and to share with your students!)

COMPOSER STATISTICS BY GENDER

In 2021, 79.82% of professional composers identified as male and 20.18% identified as female. (https://www.zippia.com/composer-jobs/demographics/)

PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN STATISTICS BY GENDER

In 2021, 82.2% of professional musicians identified as male and 17.8% identified as female.

(https://www.zippia.com/professional-musician-jobs/demographics/)

ORCHESTRA CONDUCTOR STATISTICS BY GENDER

In 2021, 63.6% of professional musicians identified as male and 36.4% identified as female.

(https://www.zippia.com/orchestra-conductor-jobs/demographics/)

CHORAL DIRECTOR STATISTICS BY GENDER

In 2021, 52.9% of professional musicians identified as female and 47.1% identified as male.

(https://www.zippia.com/choral-director-jobs/demographics/)

But...

The College Music Society indicates that the percentage of collegiate women choral conductors has decreased from 32.95% to 25.90% from 2006 to 2020. Similar data from Chorus America and the National Collegiate Choral Organization show comparable decreases in the share of women choral conductors at the academic, professional, and community choir levels. (choralnet article)

The How!

 I would like to share two simple and clear ways to aide music teachers in their pursuit of achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. The first is sample lesson plans and the second is a guide for teachers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Female Band Composers--A link to Grades 1-4 Band literature composed by women.

ColourFULL Music--Links to repertoire lists broken down into subgroups

Choral Music by Women Composers database

28,000 Choral pieces composed or arranged by women