2020 Student Research Conference:
33rd Annual Student Research Conference

Do Collegiate Wind Band Directors Discriminate Based on Composer Gender?


Andrew L. Eddington♦
Dr. Curran Prendergast, Faculty Mentor

Gender bias in music has been widespread in the Western world for all of its history, yet many are unaware of the extent of the issue. The impact of gender bias in wind band music selection has been measured extensively qualitatively, but quantitative studies are lackluster or focus entirely on secondary schools. The lack of external stimuli influencing university wind band music selection as compared to secondary schools makes it a prime candidate to view gender bias in action. This study calls for a survey of wind band directors at universities with more than 200 music majors that asks them to analyze an unfamiliar score and answer questions pertaining to quality and monetary value. Half of the sample will receive a composition with a male name and half will receive the same composition with a female name. Data collected will be analyzed to determine if gender bias is present.

Keywords: gender, bias, band, university, survey, wind, score, analysis

Topic(s):Music
Women's and Gender Studies

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA

♦ Indicates Truman Graduate Student
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