Gender Associations

[Zaneta Sykes]

I'm writing a research paper on the effects of gender associations on musical instrument selection. In plain English, how the ideas of feminine vs. masculine instruments shape a child's musical instrument choice. I believe that most people are saddled with the wrong instrument as a child, because of peer pressure, band director's influence, parental influence, and instrument stereotyping.

Please tell me about your experience choosing your main musical instrument and what factors contributed to that choice. Also, back ground info: main instrument, how many years have you been playing, and describe your level of participation and commitment to playing your instrument.

Thanks,
Zaneta