“Hey, you’re a woman, I hear we haven’t been supporting you!”: Jazz, gender and strategies for success since “#MeToo”

Purpose In this article, I examine the strategies for success practised by women and other gender minority jazz musicians in Melbourne. Research has established that jazz is dominated by men, with women experiencing marginalization and exclusion in education and venues. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on interviews with women and other gender minority jazz musicians I identify strategies for success that have emerged since #MeToo. Findings In so doing, I shift the focus from the structures and practices that limit women, to solutions as these are enacted in Melbourne, Australia. Research limitations/implications The findings demonstrate that the culture of jazz is changing in relation to gender, at least beyond the realm of tertiary education. Practical implications The research makes a valuable contribution to the literature on gender and jazz. Originality/value The research makes a valuable contribution to the literature on gender and jazz.