Bittersweet Symphony
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Headlines
PiPA’s Report on the experience of working lives and caring duties in classical music.
Published: 19th October 2022
Groundbreaking research from PiPA and Birkbeck, University of London, reveals the risk of a talent exodus as vulnerable parents & carers in crisis report profound impact on income and wellbeing. The research was supported by Help Musicians and Musicians’ Union.
This report discusses the barriers to sustainable careers faced by parents and carers, a sub-sector of every protected characteristic and socio-economic background, who struggle to meet the unique requirements of the classical music sector whilst supporting children, elderly or sick family members
Key Findings
£8,000 Pay Penalty
Self-employed women, over 85% of whom have caring responsibilities, including mothers, reported a pay penalty of £8,000, earning the least, at £12,000, compared to £20,000 for freelance men.
Turning down work
Outdated work and caregiving structures in Classic Music are highly gendered, with women twice as likely to turn down work due to caring responsibilities.
Work / life stress
82% reported managing work and family commitments as moderately to extremely stressful.
Leaving altogether
40% of respondents are thinking of leaving their careers in music.
Low support levels
Only 4% of respondents referenced a supportive employer, with the vast majority relying on a network of support from family, partners or friends to help them manage work and family.
Income not covering basic needs
Two thirds (65%) of respondents revealed that income from music never or rarely covers unexpected costs, while almost half (48%) said that income from music never or rarely covers basic needs.
The Report Recommends:
- Best practice sharing and more advance scheduling
- Flexible working
- Inclusion and intersectionality as a key focus
- Enhanced support for small organisations and freelancers
- More holistic career planning during music education
- Download the full report for more