In my experience over the years, while participating in different orchestras, I have noticed that there is definitely some sort of gender divide in music, especially when it comes to expectations from society on who can play what kinds of instruments. I noticed this as early as my beginning orchestra class, but it was much more prominent when I had gotten to the high school level. However, early on I did see much of it from the "band world" as I had friends in the school band as well. All of my friends who had decided to play in the band almost exclusively played flute or clarinet (all of them being girls), save for one who had chosen trumpet despite the section being almost completely boys. I clearly remember being given a sheet where I would select my top 3 instrument choices- viola, clarinet, and then alto saxophone- and being completely told against playing the saxophone, without being given much reason other than it's too "boyish."
I have also seen this kind of divide when it comes to popular music and discussions around popular music. In my personal experience, I've found that women are expected to listen to music like pop, country, or ballad-like songs, while men are to solely listen to anything of the rock, hip hop, or jazz style. I believe a lot of this has to do with the culture around toxic masculinity. This is because these songs that women are expected to like tend to be about love or romantic relationships, while rock tends to follow the typical tropes of being a rockstar (traditionally, at least). Because of this, this cultural divide can be found in discussions around music as these pop songs have lyrics that can often be highly emotional, while men are expected to not partake in liking things like sappy songs as a fear of being over emotional because society believes men to be "not emotionally invested" and assertive. I have definitely seen and experienced this growing up, as there was a period of time where I solely listened to rock music and I did have a quite a few people close to me tell me that this music is not for girls, or that they did not even believe me when I said I enjoyed this music, as if it wasn't possible.
Overall, I think in this newer, younger generation, a lot of these ideas that are pushed by society are being broken as you see more people playing instruments that they stereotypically would not have played, and a lot of people are becoming more confident in expressing themselves and the kinds of music that they enjoy, going against the backlash.
Very cool that we went the same route with this blog! I too have a lot of background in band ensembles and have as well noticed this gender divide. I remember in 6th grade when we had professionals come and demonstrate the different instruments. In the pre-pandemic world, we also got to play the instruments of our choice. I remember I wanted to go straight to the trumpet, but the first 3 instruments I was handed was the flute, clarinet, and saxophone. I wonder where this division came up to be?
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy how women are expected to do certain things. However, when I was joining band, they gave us a sheet of paper and let us tryout the instruments that we were interested in. The instrument that the instructor felt we sounded the best on and that we were the most interested in they let us play. But I feel that it's sad that women as a whole are supposed to be put into this box and are expected to listen to certain songs. I believe that it's okay for women to branch out beyond what others think we should.
ReplyDeleteHi Aimee! I really enjoyed reading your music and gender blog! I agree, women shouldn't be limited on what they really want to do. I am relieved knowing that it is more acceptable today for women to play male-dominate instruments because I am learning to play the accordion which is known to be played mostly by men.
ReplyDeleteI agree that today a lot of stereotypes about what instruments people should play are being broken. As a viola player, I found that there was usually a good mixture within the viola section with sometimes there being a few more females (with the exception of Converse). Do you feel like you have had a similar experience as a violist?
ReplyDeleteAimee I definitely see your point and see the same issue as future educators we have to change the stigma. Our students will never be forced to think that way.
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