Gender issues in music, mirroring those in society at large, have existed for centuries (Green, 1997; Campbell, 2022). Although research regarding the gendering of instruments appears to have peaked by the 1990s (e.g. Byo, 1991; Delzell and Leppla,1992; O’Neill, 1997; Shansky, 2022), the issue itself remains timely; sex stereotyping persists as women still lack equal representation in almost every aspect of the music profession in the Westernized world (Hallam, Rogers, & Creech, 2008; Sheldon & Price, 2005; Smith et al., 2025). Further, Lucy Green (2017) reminds us that “musicians not only learn from listening to each other, but also from watching each other” (p. 82). Given the continued uneven gender balances in instrumental music, the purpose of this study is to explore the gender-related personal, social, and musical experiences of female-identifying and gender non-conforming (GNC) musicians in masculine-dominated areas, using the lens of feminist pedagogy (Lamb, 1991, 1996). We created an exploratory survey, based upon the extant literature, designed to develop an understanding of how women musicians currently experience masculine-dominated music spaces. After IRB approval, online survey invitations were sent to female drummers/ percussionists, guitarists, bassists, conductors, and brass musicians through email and targeted social media groups. The survey included questions about experiences commonly associated with female-identified and GNC persons, both in general and as musicians. Topics included life-cycle events, identity, mental and physical health, and experiences such as discrimination, harassment, belonging, and equity. Participants were asked open-ended questions regarding their experiences with gender-related issues in the music field. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVAs to determine possible differences based on demographics.Preliminary results suggest high overwork, sexism, patronization, professional blockages and discouragement, lack of mentorship, and high rates of sexual harassment. Misogyny, marriage/partnership, and mental health had the most impact on career, and there was a significant difference between age groups regarding choices of appearance, sense of belonging, and experiences of aggression. However, nearly all felt the belonged and had comradery with different-gendered musicians in their area. Interestingly, many felt they did not share the same sense of belonging with other same-gendered musicians. The results of this study may be used to further the conversation regarding the social roles of women in music and music education at all stages and propel further action to effect social systemic change.