Gender and Musical Instrument Choice: A Phenomenological Investigation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the current perceptions of high school instrumental music students regarding gender and instrument choice. Research questions included: Where did students think gender stereotypes derived from? What were the self-stated personal characteristics of those who broke gender stereotypes and those who did not break the stereotypes in instrument choice? What did students report as parent reactions to instrument choice? What categories emerged from these interviews which suggest the possible influences on these students regarding instrument choice? Were there other issues in instrument choice talked about by many of the students? Using a phenomenological interview design, 37 high school instrumental music students were individually interviewed. Interview tapes were transcribed and data were examined for commonalities and discrepancies. Results are interpreted with regard to previous gender and musical instrument choice research as well as the gendered musical meaning theory presented by Green (1997).

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