Date of Award

Spring 4-2-2025

Document Type

Distinction Paper

Degree Name

Music Education-BME

Department

Music

Advisor

Dr. Michael Yonchak

First Committee Member

Dr. Michael Yonchak

Second Committee Member

Dr. Gayle Walker

Third Committee Member

Dr. Amy Johnson

Keywords

Band, Music, Instrumental, Band Director, Female Band Director, Women

Subject Categories

Music Education | Women's Studies

Abstract

This research study aims to explore how gender has influenced the experiences of Women working as Band Directors at any level. According to DATA USA when looking at the workforce division of both Music Directors and Music composers, in the year 2022, 61.7% of employed music directors and composers were men, and 38.3% were women1. When looking at the clear gender gap between the two, it leans to the investigation of why there are so fewer women directors then male directors. This study seeks to address why there is a large gender gap in the role of directors, specifically looking at concert bands. This study will survey the history of professional bands in the United States of America while taking comments and interviews from band directors at all levels and discuss some of the issues that may cause women to not work as Band Directors. A special emphasis will be made on directors that are in a K-12 setting. Through a general questionnaire, compilation of interviews, repertoire review, and finally a demographic search through College Band Directors to try to determine some of the reasons that Women are not as prevalent in Band Director Roles. Finally, this study will provide thoughts of how to support female band directors as well as female instrumentalists in the band ensemble, in order them to feel encouraged of their spot in the ensemble in school and throughout their musical career.

Licensing Permission

Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use

Acknowledgement 1

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Acknowledgement 2

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