Personally, I think there are fewer women in professional music because it is an insane business to be in! Only men are stupid enough to think it ought to be a career...

Women are more practical than us... Maybe it's something to do with knowing they are finally responsible for raising children, and can easily see this isn't easy if you are out playing in clubs all night every night. I know of a few women that have succeeded in this, but I also know of many that either never got into it, stayed with teaching for a living (steadier pay and sensible hours) or got out of the biz altogether.

Men tend to be more irresponsible, and what better profession for that type than music?