Have you ever heard of the Blind Audition Study Orchestra? It is a unique orchestra that was formed in 2018 by a group of researchers from the German Institute for Economic Research. The orchestra is made up of professional musicians who auditioned for a position in the orchestra without revealing their gender, age, or ethnicity.
The Purpose of the Orchestra
The purpose of the Blind Audition Study Orchestra is to study the impact of blind auditions on the selection process for orchestras. Blind auditions are becoming increasingly common in the classical music industry as a way to combat discrimination and bias in the selection process.
The researchers wanted to know if blind auditions truly level the playing field and create a more diverse and inclusive orchestra. By forming an orchestra made up of musicians who auditioned blindly, they were able to compare the results to those of traditional auditions.
The Results of the Study
The Blind Audition Study Orchestra found that blind auditions did, in fact, lead to a more diverse and inclusive orchestra. The percentage of women in the orchestra increased from 30% in traditional auditions to 46% in blind auditions. The percentage of non-German musicians also increased from 21% to 32%.
The researchers concluded that blind auditions are an effective way to combat discrimination and increase diversity in orchestras.
The Future of Blind Auditions
The Blind Audition Study Orchestra has sparked a conversation about the future of blind auditions in the classical music industry. Many orchestras are now adopting blind auditions as a way to create a more diverse and inclusive environment.
However, there are still some critics who argue that blind auditions do not solve the underlying issues of discrimination and bias in the industry. They argue that orchestras need to address these issues head-on and create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all musicians.
Conclusion
The Blind Audition Study Orchestra has shed light on the impact of blind auditions on the selection process for orchestras. It has shown that blind auditions can lead to a more diverse and inclusive orchestra, but they are not a cure-all solution for discrimination and bias in the industry.
It is up to orchestras and musicians to continue the conversation and work towards creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all musicians, regardless of their gender, age, or ethnicity.