ABRSM report finds 14% of syllabus composers are now women
ABRSM has published a new Repertoire Diversity Report showing increased representation of female and BBIPOC (Black, Brown, Indigenous and People of Colour) composers across its exam syllabuses since 2020.
The report, which reviews the organisation’s commissioning, publishing and syllabus development work over the past five years, states that 14% of composers across all syllabuses are now female and 8% are BBIPOC. It also highlights stronger representation in a number of subject areas, with Piano, Bowed Strings, Woodwind, Singing for Musical Theatre, Harp and Drum Kit all featuring at least 15% female composers.
For BBIPOC representation, Piano, Guitar, Harp, Percussion, Drum Kit and Jazz repertoire lists now include 10% or more composers from those backgrounds. In Practical and Performance Grades, ABRSM says at least 20% of composers in its Piano, Bowed Strings and Harp syllabuses are female, while Piano, Harp, Drum Kit and Jazz each include at least 10% BBIPOC composers.
ABRSM said the work has been supported by a widening network of selectors, researchers, consultants, performers, educators and music publishers, alongside partner organisations including Black Lives in Music, the Ivors Academy and the Musicians’ Union.
The report also points to the impact of ABRSM’s Writing for Music Education composer mentoring programme, launched in 2020 and now operating in the UK and Asia. More than 60 pieces by composers from the programme have been included in ABRSM syllabuses and publications, with over 50,000 exam candidates worldwide having performed them.
ABRSM said the report shows progress, while also underlining that more work remains to be done as it continues to refresh its syllabuses and broaden the range of music it promotes.