Abstract of

The Effects of Gender Role Stereotyping on High School Band Students' Musical Instrument Preferences

by

Sara Harris

Spring 2005

California State University, Sacramento

Statement of the Problem

This study investigates if gender role stereotyping plays a critical role in which musical instruments high school music students choose to play. Conducting an anonymous mixed methods survey, 39 high school music students responded to questions pertaining to their instrument choices and preferences. The results for the study indicated that gender role stereotyping does affect high school music students’ instrument choices. However the results also indicated that there are many factors related to gender role stereotyping and the music classroom environment that influence music students’ choices. Influences such as parents and music teachers compound the issue of gender role stereotyping, as well as the social structure of band classes and the socialization of music students. Implications for these results are discussed, as well as recommendations for future research in gender role stereotyping and musical instruments.