The World of Female Conductors

While many industries have made progress in integrating women into the workforce, others remain overwhelmingly male-dominated. The world of orchestral conducting is one of them. Historically, the image of a conductor has been almost exclusively male, yet gender makes no difference to those being conducted. 

I find it very interesting that if you take a look at the music industry, most famous singers and artists are female, yet there are very few women who take on the role of producers. In the world of major orchestras and classical music, the same issue occurs, with women making up around half of the orchestra, yet only a small fraction become leaders or conductors.

Marin Alsop is a trailblazer and made history as the first woman to conduct a major American orchestra when she became the music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in 2007. Despite her talent and accomplishments, she has spoken openly about the barriers she faced, from being dismissed early in her career to encountering outright resistance in competitions and job opportunities. She was even asked in an interview, “do you know how to cook?” Today, she proves that she does not need to fit the molds of domesticity, and actively mentors the next generation of women conductors.

Women in conducting are still vastly underrepresented. While there are more opportunities now than in the past, many competitions and conducting programs still impose age limits, often capping eligibility at 35, which disproportionately impacts women who may take career breaks for family reasons. However, programs like the Hart Institute for Women Conductors in Dallas, Texas, have began to provide support and career opportunities for female conductors. This residency, hosted by The Dallas Opera, offers training, networking, and mentorship for women in classical music. 

Dr. Yen’s accomplishments are no small feat, with her PhD in choral conducting and 25 years of experience, she has become a role model in an industry where most men are looked upon. I believe that dedicating yourself to a career you are truly passionate about can bring you happiness, but what if you are entering this career knowing there are so many obstacles, including being a female, keeping you from the highest and most distinguished roles? If I find the time to speak with Dr. Yen again, I would ask her what keeps her passionate about her work and how she defines success in an industry where recognition often comes much harder for women.