Stage or Classroom? The Role of Gender in Career Choices of Female Pianists

A review of music history reveals that the visibility of female pianists in the literature remains notably limited. The fact that female pianists were only rarely acknowledged, even during the 19th century, an era characterised by the widespread popularity of the piano and the rise of numerous highly talented pianists, suggests the persistent impact of gender roles. This study examines the gendered career orientations of female pianists working in contemporary Türkiye, with particular attention to their preferences for solo performance, accompaniment, and academic careers. Designed as a qualitative inquiry, the study utilised a literature review and interview techniques to explore the opportunities and barriers faced by female pianists in their professional careers, as well as their experiences regarding gender-based and sexist attitudes. In the initial stage of the study, the demographic characteristics of the participants—eleven women and four men—were established. In the second stage, semi-structured interviews were carried out to explore the influence of gender on participants’ professional experiences. The findings suggest that, despite significant progress in the music industry, female pianists still occasionally encounter gender-based prejudices in today’s professional contexts.