“Almost half of musicians have experienced discrimination and inappropriate behaviour during their careers, according to a new study,” writes Georgia Snow in Thursday’s (4/26) The Stage (U.K.). Six hundred musicians “took part in a survey by membership organization the Incorporated Society of Musicians. Its results cover individuals working in musical theatre … in orchestras and large ensembles … schools … and conservatoires … among other areas.… 47% said they had experienced discrimination, including sexual harassment and other inappropriate behavior…. Among these, 60% said they had been sexually harassed…. 72% were self-employed…. Of those who said they had been sexually harassed, 77% did not tell anyone…. The ISM confirmed that it would be consulting on a draft code which employers would be required to sign up to ensure that individuals are protected…. The Stage’s own research into harassment within theatre found that 31% of respondents said they had been sexually harassed…. ISM chief executive Deborah Annetts said … it was the responsibility of the entire music sector to ‘change this toxic culture by putting in place a sector-wide code.’… People did not report the behavior … often for fear of losing work or gaining a negative reputation.”
Posted April 30, 2018
