I learned today that Frances Blaisdell recently passed away. The New York Times has an obituary featuring her historical accomplishments as a flutist who was one of the “early women to play a woodwind instrument with the New York Philharmonic”. I was also upset that before reading this obituary I didn’t know of Ms. Blaisdell or her career with and beyond the New York Philharmonic. Though we have come a long way in music and music education in recognizing gender inequalities and stereotypes, it seems we can do a lot more in helping our students become familiar with and learn about pioneering women throughout the history of music and the important roles they continue to play today. To what extent are women represented in the composers or performers you mention or include in your classroom and ensembles? To what extent are women included in classes that discuss music history? Lisa Hirsch’s also offers some thoughts on Frances Blaisdell’s passing on her blog “Iron Tongue of Midnight”.
If you are interested in issues of gender in music education you might want to look into the MENC Gender Research in Music Education (GRIME) Special Interest Group if you aren’t already involved with it.
Also, Susan Fleet includes a featured woman musician every month on her website.
Finally, the Feminist Music and Theory 10 Conference, with the theme of improvising and galvanizing, promises to offer some interesting and important perspectives on music.
Thank you to the New York Times for recognizing and sharing the important contributions of Frances Blaisdell and may she rest in peace.
Thanks for the post! Getting involved with social issues related to music education is really essential. As a music and piano teacher, I see to it that my students are updated, aware and involved in various social and educational events,activities and issues that they can establish camaraderie, develop skills and achieve academic growth and excellence. Please include some useful piano teaching tips and resources in your next posts; they’ll be surely of great help to all music teachers out there.
Thanks for sharing the information. It is also essential to be involved in social related issues.Coninue sharing informations like this.