Play it Loud! Launches the PIL Crescendo Survey & Focus Groups

Striving for a more inclusive and equal music sector, Play it Loud! contributes to a diverse and equitable Youth & Music sector by welcoming underrepresented youth to express themselves, take ownership, and actively participate in local and European democratic spaces. By empowering young people through music, the initiative works toward shaping a more inclusive society.

Through a combination of local and international activities, Play it Loud! engages young musicians, cultural and youth organizers, and music experts across Europe. Activities have been implemented in Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, France, Finland, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Sweden, and beyond.

Key outputs of the program included so far:

• An initial assessment of best practices and needs analysis.
• A set of pedagogical guidelines and recommendations for Youth & Music organisations.
• The Play it Loud! Handbook – a toolkit and checklist to implement inclusive activities for and with underrepresented young musicians.
• Video resources to support organisations in using the handbook effectively.

Since its launch, the program has also created a Pool of Trainers and a Young Ambassadors program and implemented over 30 local actions, reaching more than 800 young people and Youth & Music professionals. Activities implemented in 2024 included new Training for Trainers, two study visits to partner countries, and a new research and mapping phase.

Youth & Music organisations are crucial in shaping young minds during their formative years. By addressing gender norms and stereotypes early, these organisations can create empowering, inclusive and accessible experiences in music. Initiatives that challenge stereotypes and champion diversity not only promote equality but also enrich the creative potential of the music ecosystem as a whole.

Recognising this, JMI launched the “Play it Loud!” process in 2020, a project committed to fostering gender mainstreaming, diversity, and inclusion across the JMI Network and beyond.

This year, in collaboration with the International Music Council and JM Norway, we are expanding these efforts through the Erasmus+ PIL Crescendo project.

The new project is now focusing on research and mapping, including this focus groups in and the online survey, with two main objectives:

1. To identify the needs, challenges, and best practices related to gender equality within the Youth & Music sector.
2. To provide concrete, actionable recommendations that organisations can implement to promote gender equality effectively.

Who Should Participate?

The survey is intended for Youth & Music organisations or creative/music organisations that serve children and young people up to the age of 30.

Why Your Input Matters

The survey integrates findings and recommendations from research and reports on gender equality in music across Europe, organised according to Keychange’s 10 Actions to Promote Gender Equality in Music. Completing it is not only a chance to reflect on your organisation’s practices but also an opportunity to learn about strategies and recommendations to advance gender equality in your work.

By supporting this research, you contribute to creating a better understanding of the needs, challenges, and good practices within the sector. We sincerely thank you for your support.

Note: It is highly recommended to complete the survey on a computer to easily access linked terms, explanation videos and resources in new tabs if needed. The survey takes 20–50 minutes, depending on the level of detail provided.

Take the survey now!

Who Should Participate?

People from diverse backgrounds are sought to join the focus groups:

1. Young women in music (13–23 years old): Aspiring to work in the music sector.
2. Young women in music (24–30 years old): Currently or aspiring to work in the music sector.
3. Young women in technology-related roles: Working or aspiring to work in roles like music production, sound engineering, or stage management.
4. LGBTQI+ caucus: LGBTQI+ identifying individuals (up to 30 years old) involved in or aspiring to work in music.
5. Disability caucus: Women and gender-expansive people with disabilities (up to 30 years old) involved in music.
6. Global majority caucus: Non-White women and gender-expansive people (up to 30 years old) involved in music.
7. Working-class caucus: Working-class women and gender-expansive individuals (up to 30 years old) involved in music.

Why Your Input Matters

Your participation will help gain a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and experiences, shaping recommendations and actions to foster inclusion and equality in the youth music sector.

Register for the focus groups now!