Invisible artists

While it is most often associated with concert halls, instrumental music infuses our daily lives, for example, in movies, TV series and video games. Yet little is known about the working conditions of its composers.

Danick Trottier, a researcher in the Department of Music at the Université du Québec à Montréal, carried out a study to better understand the conditions under which composers of classical music practice their profession in Québec. 

He reviewed the available literature on the subject and conducted a survey of Québec music creators. The results show that it is a male-dominated field (approximately 80%) practiced by individuals who often hold a graduate degree and began playing music at a young age.

While some have stable employment, particularly in teaching, most are freelancers. Their incomes are relatively low and irregular. The researcher also noted that a significant proportion of these musicians hold jobs outside of music to support themselves. Even in their profession as composers, they are also required to perform a number of unpaid related tasks, including negotiating contracts and filling out grant applications.

The current context does not make their lives any easier. The rise of artificial intelligence could lead to a decline in demand. In general, composers must adapt quickly to change. The study also reveals a glaring lack of recognition of this profession in the public sphere.

This data fills an important gap and has been shared with professional organizations such as the Canadian Music Centre (CMC) and the Société de musique contemporaine du Québec (SMCQ), as well as scientific communities, notably the DIG! network on gender differences and inequalities in the field of music in Québec.