Women in Irish Traditional Music - (Irish Musical Studies) by Joanne Cusack (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Traces the position, experiences and reception of women in Irish traditional music through detailed ethnographic and statistical findings.

This book is the first of its kind to engage in the larger subject of women in commercial Irish traditional music. It considers the experiences of performers in the various commercial arenas of the tradition, while also engaging in critical discussions of choice, agency, feminism and sexualisation. It reveals how the commercial music industry and Celtic music label continues to place women within a stereotypical idealised role or occupation.

The book provides new insight into the legacy of women-led bands and compilations as well as their impact on Irish traditional music over five decades. Its findings on commercial dance shows are equally significant. While these shows had a positive impact on performers, at the same time they enforced gendered, racial and heteronormative expectations.

Drawing on extensive ethnographic and statistical research, the book finds strong evidence that women and other marginalised practitioners continue to face greater challenges and different expectations when maintaining a professional career and participating in Irish traditional music. It also uncovers characteristics and dynamics related to the recreational and commercial spaces of the Irish traditional music and Irish dance scene that enable harmful and predatory behaviour.

The author's findings support understandings and aid future legislation for creating a safe, inclusive and equitable performance space for all.

Cover artwork by Claire Prouvost

Review Quotes

The book is aimed beyond those interested only in women or in Irish traditional music and dance alone. Some of it is painful to read because it contains hard truths about what women have experienced; at the same time, the urgent currency of its claims belies the oft-stated comment that "it's all about the music itself."-- "Sean Williams, professor of ethnomusicology and Irish traditional musician"

The most important and impactful works in academia address difficult societal issues through hard questions and truthful examination. In Women in Irish Traditional Music, Joanne Cusack holds a mirror up to gendered norms and long-held foundations in the scene and presents the strongest statement to date in the age of FairPlé, with the deep engagement of a tradition bearer and co-founder of the movement.-- "Scott Spencer teaches at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music."

This timely and pioneering work presents a thoughtful, multi-dimensional, and nuanced problematisation of the gender-based inequities experienced in the commercial and avocational spaces and scenes navigated by Irish traditional musicians. Cusack offers a compelling contribution to ongoing advocacy that strives for increased diversity and inclusivity across multiple areas of musical activity in Ireland and beyond.-- "Dr Jack Talty, Irish Traditional Musician and Lecturer in Irish Traditional Music at University College Cork"

With a six-decade long career linked by work in the area of human rights, activism and advocacy, I recognise and value the passion and dedication clearly evident in this book which shines a light on the often overlooked, unacknowledged and undervalued position of women in Irish Traditional Music. What is particularly impressive about Joanne's book, is her unwavering commitment to highlighting the broader sociocultural and political landscape of Irish society while simultaneously exposing the specific dynamics related to our tradition which continue to enable discrimination and prevent it from being a safe, inclusive space. This work and the understandings within are a welcome new resource for academics, activists, and practitioners alike. It underscores the significance of our musicians as cultural ambassadors and the necessity for our musical spaces to be accurate reflections of modern Ireland.-- "Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights."