skip to main content

Research Reveals Huge Gender Gap in Composers and Signed Recording Artists in the UK

Research from Counting the Music Industry reveals that just 14% of composers and 20% of signed recording artists in the UK are women.

Published: 21 October 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Photograph of woman playing on drum kit
There has been increased participation by girls and women in music education at all levels over the past five years, to near equity. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Counting the Music Industry is a gender gap analysis of over 300 music publishers and record labels in the UK. This research reveals that just over 14% of writers currently signed to publishers and just under 20% of artists signed to labels are female.

This gap is surprisingly large and is indicative of widespread discrimination against women in the music industry.

Counting the Music Industry also looks at entry routes into music, particularly through formal education. There has been increased participation by girls and women in music education at all levels over the past five years, to near equity, often gaining better results than their male counterparts.

And yet female graduates do not seem to be as successful as their male colleagues in starting careers. This report looks at twelve barriers that exist for women wishing to start and sustain a career in music.

And finally, Counting the Music Industry identifies opportunities for further research and concludes with a list of practical recommendations for government, education and music organisations to implement, improve and ultimately close the gender gap in music, thereby creating a more inclusive industry.

Read the full report here.

Care about Equality in the music industry?

Find out more about the MU’s commitment to achieving Equality for all members, celebrating the diversity of the music industry and raising awareness of Equality issues.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

A DJ performing at an outdoor festival in Croatia.

Positive News for Artists Gigging in Croatia

The Croatian Parliament has passed amendments to the Aliens Act, meaning UK artists and crew performing or touring in Croatia for less than three months no longer need a visa and work authorisation certificates.

Published: 13 March 2025

Read more about Positive News for Artists Gigging in Croatia

Katrina Lee for Women’s History Month: "Be a Part of the Growing Community of Active Thinkers and Do-ers"

In our second blog for Women’s History Month 2025, Violinist and MU member Katrina Lee explores her journey as musician in relation to activism and social change, and discusses how her new album celebrates female composers and the violin in its virtuosity as a solo instrument.

Published: 12 March 2025

Read more about Katrina Lee for Women’s History Month: "Be a Part of the Growing Community of Active Thinkers and Do-ers"