Why boys prefer playing drums and girls violins?
October 13, 2008
Today, girls have proved themselves and created a niche in several fields all around the world where guys have already done. The various efforts made by schools as well as society make it possible for girls. Even though there is one place still exists where stereotypes are prevailing till now: the musical room.
Boys are fascinated by several macho instruments such as drums, trombone and electric-guitars. However, the instruments like violin, harp and flute have province among girls. Actually, the gentler affect of their tones make them center of attraction among other instruments. Many researches have been done, just to fine out the basic reason behind such variation in behavior of both the genders.
The main fact behind such stereotype behavior of girls and boys may be the peer pressure and fear of harassment. Parental and teachers guidelines can also be one of the reasons for their choice of instruments. In addition, the shape and size of instruments can also be responsible for such behavior.
Professor Mr. Susan Hallam who is a professional musician in the University of London study the choices of half million children for musical instruments. He found that the majority of girls choose those instruments that are gentler and soft in their sound like flute, harp, fife, clarinet, piccolo, violin and oboe. However, boys prefer to play electronic-guitar and trombone. Several researches state that boys prefer instruments that require their physical input as well as those which are easy to learn. However, girls are likely to play instruments that have soft sound and light weight.
Mainly, music teachers guide their students to choose musical instruments as per their ability and eagerness to learn. However, children get influenced by their musical teachers and thus, prefer to choose that instrument that is played by their teachers usually.
If the presentation of instruments is visually and aurally done in front of boys and girls without any player, then it would let boys to prefer or select some feminine instruments. However, this phenomenon is less effective on girls. If the role model of girls and boys change their instruments, then it would also be helpful for girls as well as boys to choose something different from regular choices.































