Records of prize winners in the most prestigious international piano competitions show that men significantly outnumber women. For first prize winners the gender difference is even more stark.
This gender disparity can be explained by the significant difference in hand spans between males and females, and the demands of the range of repertoire expected.
You can see the statistics here: Gender differences in major competitions and performing careers
This gender disparity does not occur in Mozart and Bach competitions, where women are much more on a ‘level playing field’ with men.
How many potential world class pianists cannot reach their potential due to having to play on a keyboard that is way too big for their hands and also puts them at risk of injury? It turns out to be more than 85% of women and 25% of men who are disadvantaged by today’s conventional keyboard!
