This survey seeks to discover whether the gender of a conductor can be determined by listening alone. And, by extension, whether our visual perception plays a part in how we understand gender in orchestral conducting. It is not a quick survey. However, it presents the issue in an innovative way and should be of interest to anyone involved in orchestral performance as participant, observer or both.

If you are interested in taking part, you should allow up to 45 minutes in order to complete the survey. As well as open-ended questions, the survey asks you to listen-to and watch two recordings of orchestral performances. Ideally, the survey should be completed in one sitting. However, it is possible to take a break from the survey at any point.

The survey falls into four sections:

1. Some open-ended questions about your experience of observing women and men conductors. (approx. 5 minutes to complete)
2. Identifying the gender of conductors in a short audio-only recording of seven excerpts, each conducted by both a woman and a man. (20 minutes)
3. Watching and listening to the same recording with vision added, and noting your reaction to this experience. (15 minutes)
4. A few demographic questions and space for further comments. (5 minutes)

Many thanks for your participation.

Nicholas Logie MA, PhD (Open)

Honorary Associate at the Open University (music department)

More here