Page 683 - Liverpool Philharmonic 22-23 Season Coverage Book
P. 683
20 October 2022
CLASSICAL MUSIC FACES ‘TALENT EXODUS’ BY
PARENTS AND CARERS, REPORT REVEALS
Florence Lockheart
Research by PiPA reveals that 40% of research participants are thinking of leaving their
careers in music due to lack of support for parents and carers
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Research into the experiences of parents and carers in the classical music industry has found that the
sector is at risk of losing talent unless employment practices are improved. The research, conducted
by Parents and Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) alongside Birkbeck, University of London,
culminated in the Bittersweet Symphony report.
Supported by Help Musicians and Musicians’ Union, the research used data from 443 participants
in surveys, online focus groups and in-depth interviews. The resulting report reveals the worrying
discovery that 40% of respondents are thinking of leaving their careers in music.
Professor Almuth McDowall led the research team. She said: ‘Parents and in particular self-
employed women report significant career penalties in terms of access to work and earnings. Our
