Music

Calling all the cymbal ladies! It’s time to drum out the stereotypes ensnared the world of professional drumming. 

Blue Mountains Music Academy spokeswoman Sylvia Uebelhoer and Gina Tedeschi are looking to beat gender stereotypes, one student at a time.

Sylvia Uebelhoer says the 21^st century has forgotten the first drummer named in written history was a woman.

“Her name was Lipushiau and she lived in the Sumerian city-state of Ur in 2380 BC. She was the highest ranking priestess in the temple Ekishnugal and it seems, in her days, women were the primary percussionists and drummers.” – Says Uebelhoer.

Today, the situation is different, with females being greatly underrepresented in the world of professional drumming.

Gina Tedeschi, a drummer living in the in the Blue Mountains, is starting an all-girls drumming group at the Blue Mountains Music Academy.

Tedeschi says, "The idea came about after years of being a professional drummer myself, and always having people comment about me being a 'female drummer', rather than just a drummer. I want to show the world that girls can be amazing drummers too, and to inspire young girls to take up whatever activities they like without feeling like there are gender barriers."

If you are interested in the all-girl drumming group, in learning an instrument or voice training, contact the Blue Mountains Music Academy for further information. Private tuition and group classes are available.

Gina Tedeschi is a sibling of renowned classical pianist Simon Tedeschi.

Feature Photo: Gina Tedeschi with one of her students, Sylvie Jones.