News • 22.09.2025
New report shows why it is harder for girls to build a career in rhythmic music
Today, The Talent Report on the Music Sector is published, prepared by the Danish Institute for Cultural Analysis for the Ministry of Culture. The quantitative analysis was carried out by the data department of the genre organizations.
Gendered instrument choices hold girls back
The report documents that the choice of instrument has a decisive impact on young people’s opportunities in the music world. When girls more often choose vocals, violin, or flute, while boys dominate drums, guitar, and bass, it means that boys are more likely to play the instruments typically in demand in bands. This gives them easier access to band communities, networks, and experience—resources that later become crucial for a musical career.
80% of girls apply with vocals
Over 80% of the girls applying for MGK’s rhythmic music program apply with vocals as their main instrument. This means they face much tougher competition for the few vocal spots in bands, while boys are spread across several instruments with better access to roles and experience.
Girls shaped by perfectionism and spending more time on homework
Girls are more likely to balance music with school, homework, and social demands. They spend significantly more time on homework, while boys dedicate more time to music. In interviews, girls describe a pressure marked by perfectionism and fear of failure, where music often feels like an obligation rather than a free space. 69% of girls at MGK spend more than four hours a week on homework (compared to 56% at music school), while the share of boys falls from 34% to 32%.
Role models and teachers of the same gender are crucial
Role models and teachers of the same gender are vital for girls’ motivation and confidence. The report shows that the lack of visible female role models can lead to dropout, while female teachers strengthen the belief in a future in music.
Read the full report via this link. The report is only available in Danish.
“I definitely think that, completely unconsciously, I thought piano and vocals were for girls, and guitar, bass, and drums were for boys – that was just how it was divided at the music school where I started.”
Woman, 23 years old, vocals and songwriting at MGK, from the survey.
“I’ve always wanted to sing, but as a boy it didn’t feel right when I was little.”
Man, 17 years old, electric guitar at MGK, from the survey.
The report was prepared by the Danish Institute for Cultural Analysis for the Ministry of Culture. The data departments of the four genre organizations – JazzDanmark, Tempi, Rosa, and Art Music Denmark – carried out the quantitative analysis, which constitutes a central part of the report. Read the full report here.
The photo above is from JazzDanmark’s JazzCamp for Girls, which takes place at music schools across Denmark and in 17 other countries worldwide. The aim is to encourage more girls to discover and play a rhythmic instrument. Read more about the project here.
All data and the graph of MGK applicants in this newsletter are from The Talent Report on the Music Sector (Danish Institute for Cultural Analysis for the Ministry of Culture).
Kontakt
Morten Ogstrup Nielsen
Project Manager for Data and Documentation
+45 33 45 43 00
