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In September 2021, the Recording Academy launched a Women In The Mix Study with Berklee College of Music Institute for Creative Entrepreneurship and Arizona State University. The survey was created to examine women’s roles in the music industry. On March 8, the Recording Academy announced the results from the Women In The Mix Study.

A view of the Latin Grammy Award trophy
A Latin Grammy Award trophy | Rich Polk/WireImage

The Recording Academy published the findings of the Women In The Mix Study

The Women In The Mix Study was based on a 2019 study called “Women in the U.S. Music Industry: Obstacles and Opportunities” which was conducted Berklee College of Music and Women in Music.

The findings from the Women In The Mix Study were published on March 8, which also happened to be International Women’s Day.

According to a press release, “More than 1,600 respondents from across the U.S., representing all ages, races and ethnicities participated. Respondents included those working in various capacities in the industry, from behind the scenes to front and center, and at all levels, from entry to executive.”

In the press release, the Recording Academy summed up the results of the Women In The Mix Study in eight key points:

  • “Discrimination is prevalent. 
  • They are overworked and underpaid. 
  • Music creators and performers see the lowest income and highest dissatisfaction with career progress.
  • Respondents prioritize career advancement over parenthood. 
  • Gender-expansive respondents face heightened levels of adversity. 
  • Mentorships prove to be beneficial toward respondents’ self-fulfillment. 
  • Despite challenges, career satisfaction and passion for the music industry remains high. 
  • Advocacy organizations provide value.”

The findings of the Women In The Mix Study can be read here.

The Recording Academy released a statement about the results of the study

Following the conclusion of the Women In The Mix Study, the Co-President of the Recording Academy, Valeisha Butterfield Jones, released a statement in a press release.

In the statement, Butterfield Jones said:

“We have a responsibility to ensure that we are amplifying women’s voices and our lived experiences. The Women In The Mix study is a groundbreaking account of the realities and decisions that we as women working in music are publicly and privately making each day. By centering this study around active listening, learning and building solutions, we’ve armed the industry with valuable data about the barriers affecting women in music and how we can together take a stand. We’re thankful to the more than 1,600 respondents that participated, whose voices are helping us shape the approach to achieving equity in the industry.”

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Where the music industry can go from here

Based on input from participants from the Women In The Mix Study, the three organizations came up with a list of next steps to help combat the pitfalls found in the data from the study.

The suggestions would ultimately lead to mentorship opportunities, a better work/life balance, more diverse hiring, and additional resources for women in the music industry.

According to a press release, the Recording Academy also donated “$50,000 to five organizations that support the growth of women and girls in music, including Beats By Girlz, Femme It Forward, Girls Make Beats, She Is The Music, and Women’s Audio Mission.”

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