In this chapter, we discuss the ambivalent experiences of gender that we find present among musicians working in Norway. Even if the field of music of today is more inclusive and equal than before, musicians still face certain gendered practices and structures in their professional careers. Through the theoretical concept of ambivalence (Ashforth et al., 2014; Bauman, 1991; Merton, 1976), we here identify three ambivalences related to gender: 1) ambivalent roles and positions, 2) discursive ambivalence, and 3) ambivalence in visibility. Finally, we discuss how ambivalent experiences leads to different responses and actions among musicians in different areas within the field of music.

A successful musician’s career has long been associated with extensive touring and travel. International activities have been a marker of success. Due to the growing focus on climate change, extensive travel has come under a new light. Drawing upon qualitative interviews with professional musicians, we investigate the way they think about how and to what extent climate issues affect their work. The informants recognize climate change as an urgent problem, and the majority express willingness to change behavior to contribute to a more sustainable profession. At the same time, this willingness is weighed against possible negative consequences such behavioral changes have on their own professional careers. In this chapter, we explore these conflicting impulses through the concept cultural dissonance. We conclude with a discussion of the extent to which and the ways in which climate values impact the music profession and what opportunities the concept of cultural dissonance offers to analyze this.