Voices for Change in the Classical Music Profession

Response of the Classical Music Industry to Social Justice Movements

The classical music industry is increasingly paying attention to issues of equity and diversity, with efforts aimed at addressing inequalities related to race, class, gender, and disability. Scholars, activists, and musicians from Europe and North America analyze these inequalities and propose strategies for change.

Systemic Change and Challenges

While there is growing awareness and discussion about diversity, the extent of systemic change remains a subject of analysis. The book explores whether musical change can lead to broader social change and how activists can acknowledge structural inequalities while fostering hope for progress.

Strategies and Themes

Strategies include reflective practices, informal networks, and organizational initiatives. Themes discussed encompass institutional legacies, marginalized voices, changing the canon, and the impact of neoliberalism on the industry.

Interdisciplinary Approaches

The book emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary, empirically-founded, and practice-based approaches to addressing inequalities, aiming to make classical music more inclusive for musicians, students, administrators, policy-makers, teachers, and academics.