
The Berklee Institute for Creative Entrepreneurship (BerkleeICE) and New York-based Women in Music (WIM), the longest running and largest nonprofit organisation for women in the music industry, have partnered to conduct the first study in the US that will explore the socioeconomic landscape of women in the US music industry.
Building upon research conducted by Women In Music Canada in Ontario in 2015, the purpose of this study is to provide a current snapshot of women working in the American music industry. The study will consist of two published documents, beginning with the release of the survey, open until 15 July 2018, which will collect data regarding demographics, employment and challenges/opportunities in the workplace, and which will conclude with the release of a report detailing the results.
In addition to providing the public with factual, current information and a clearer understanding of the socioeconomic status of women in the American music industry, the study also aims to identify the current opportunities and challenges faced by women in the music industry and contribute in a meaningful way to closing the gender gap that exists within the industry.
Women empowered, but still facing obstacles
Erin Barra-Jean, an associate professor at Berklee and WIM board director who formulated this project, said:
‘We find ourselves at a tipping point where women have been empowered to play a more equal role, but still face considerable obstacles. Currently, very few statistics exist that relate to women in the music industry in the United States. The data that does exist is niche or without context.’
Women in Music vice president, Jennifer Newman Sharpe, said:
‘Over the last 30+ years, Women in Music has proudly provided resources and a strong community for our members’ personal and professional growth. This partnership and study will provide us with valuable tools and knowledge that we need to continue to support our community.’
Take the survey
The Women in Music survey will be live until July 15, 2018 and can be accessed here.
Header photo: Erin Barra-Jean, an associate professor at Berklee and board director of Women In Music, formulated the project, which focuses on the current status of gender equity across a broad spectrum of women working in the U.S. music industry. Image courtesy of Women In Music via Medium.