Music production and composition is often considered a male domain, but why? Well, like other occupations considered a “males job” or “for men”, centuries-old societal norms have pushed an agenda that men are to take the lead and run things. So how do we go about breaking down ideals that have existed for ages?

Women need to know that they can do anything men can and then some. A large element of the ratio issue between men and women in the music industry is education. Studies have shown that “while music performance courses are split practically 50/50 in terms of gender, in composition and music technology courses the proportion of women students drops off dramatically”. Social constraints have been placed on women to make them believe that they should steer away from careers such as music production as it’s not typical. More music composition and production courses should be targeted and tailored towards women, and no more contending with a “hidden curriculum” that promotes a male-dominated industry, this way there are more qualified women stepping up to the plate to show what they are capable of and evening out the playing field. Women need to be shown the countless opportunities and possibilities that there are for them and they should never feel limited to what they can achieve.

We as a society need to stop associating gender to inanimate objects more specifically in this case instruments. Drum kits and guitars aren’t solely for boys, in the same way, piano and string instruments aren’t solely for women. Society indirectly partners the nature of the instruments; drums being loud, boisterous, and rambunctious compared to the piano being delicate and soothing to the ‘expected’ qualities of boys and girls/men and women. Removing gendered language could make a huge difference in how future generations perceive certain tasks and activities, paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future.

It is no secret that the music industry is male-led, female artist Lady Gaga has previously described the industry as “a ‘f***ing boys club’ after being hailed ‘Woman of the Year’ at Billboard’s ‘Women in Music’ event”. Even the Music Producers Guild UK reports that only 4% of its members are women. Not that women’s efforts go noticed as no woman has ever won a Brit Award for Best Producer despite being nominated. Increasing the amount of women producers may lead to more and more women getting the recognition they deserve and the music industry becoming an equal domain.