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Gender representation in undergraduate music technology education: case studies from Aotearoa/New Zealand

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2025

Catherine Hoad Open the ORCID record for Catherine Hoad [Opens in a new window] ,
Henry Johnson Open the ORCID record for Henry Johnson [Opens in a new window] ,
Megan Rogerson-Berry Open the ORCID record for Megan Rogerson-Berry [Opens in a new window] ,
Oli Wilson Open the ORCID record for Oli Wilson [Opens in a new window]  and
Josh Ellery
Catherine Hoad*
Affiliation:
Toi Rauwhārangi Massey University, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand
Henry Johnson
Affiliation:
University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand
Megan Rogerson-Berry
Affiliation:
Wintec Te Pūkenga, Hamilton, Aotearoa New Zealand
Oli Wilson
Affiliation:
Toi Rauwhārangi Massey University, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand
Josh Ellery
Affiliation:
Independent scholar, Aotearoa New Zealand
*
Corresponding author: Catherine Hoad; Email: c.hoad@massey.ac.nz
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Abstract

This article explores the relationship between gender inequities in undergraduate music technology education and the widespread imbalances that permeate the professional music technology workforce. We present evidence concerning the relationship between tertiary training and industry outcomes by focusing on three music technology degree-level offerings in Aotearoa/New Zealand. In doing so, we critically examine the ways in which higher education in Aotearoa/New Zealand may be seen to perpetuate international trends concerning the underrepresentation of women in music technology fields. Firstly, the article offers an overview of extant scholarship on gender and music technology training. From here, it examines national data on music enrolments that show gender imbalances across music degrees. It then analyses three music technology degree-level offerings in Aotearoa as case studies. These reveal how gender inequities are amplified in areas relating to music technology. Datasets are then considered in relation to gender representation within the music industry in Aotearoa. The article concludes by offering reflections on key areas for interventions and avenues for further research.

Keywords

music workforcemusic technologysound engineeringmusic productiongendereducation
Type
Article
Information
British Journal of Music Education , First View , pp. 1 - 17
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press

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