Breaking Barriers: Women’s Voices in Jazz Research and Performance

Research interest in women and jazz has only emerged consistently in recent
years and as part of a broader societal shift towards recognising and address‑
ing gender disparities across different industries. The perception and accept‑
ance of women as professionals within the music industry is a relatively new
development, characterised by ongoing challenges that continue to obstruct
their progress. Underrepresentation in decision‑making roles not only affects
the careers of individual women but also prolongs systemic inequalities that
have an impact on the music landscape. Compensation disparities are a key
concern for women in music. Most often, female artists and professionals
earn less than males, even when other key factors such as career experience
are considered. This wage gap can discourage women from pursuing a music
career or create financial instability, which can further exacerbate the chal‑
lenges they face in an already competitive environment