The Mystery of Why Women Are More Likely To Be Violinists in Orchestras

STOKE NEWINGTON, U.K. - Feb. 5, 2016 - PRLog -- A Study of gender in America’s top orchestras showed that in the strings family, women are much more likely to be playing the violins and harps rather than other stringed instruments.

The study by composer and programmer Suby Raman of America’s top 20 orchestras showed that not only were they only 37% female, but also that apart from the harp which has 95% female players, the violin was the only other strings family instrument  that showed significantly more female than male players at 59%.

The same study showed female players of the cello at 32% and the bass at only 9%.

It is thought that these could reflect historical perceptions that some instruments have stronger masculine or feminine associations, observations that there is greater alignment with traditional gender ideas by boys in their later school years, and general perceptions of "feminine" and "masculine" instruments.

A much earlier study from a University of Washington (2002) for example found that in the early years of learning, girls tend to be more flexible about what instruments they might play whereas boys were far more fixed in their perception of masculine instrument choice.

Opinion From A Violinist and Violin Maker

Gary Bridgewood of Stoke Newington based dealers, repairers and restorers of fine stringed instruments Bridgewood and Neitzert says:

“The results are interesting.  Social pressures, biases and gender stereotype have always been present in so many aspects of life, and therefore in music too. Perceptions of shapes that are more masculine or feminine, and popular assignment of ‘he’ or ‘she’ to different objects clearly exist in society too for a variety of reasons. The dynamic and culture of orchestras are other factors to consider when thinking about research like this however.  For me though, as a violinist and violin maker gender is not and shouldn’t be an issue in taking up, playing and enjoying any stringed or other instrument. The sound of the violin is just as beautiful and the enjoyment of playing just as great to all and we can of course all think of many examples of truly great male and female players of all instruments.”

Shop and Workshop in London

Gary says “We have a violin shop and workshop staffed with skilled craftsmen, and we can help players of all levels with all aspects of their instruments.  We sell fine stringed instruments, strings, and a wide range of accessories.  The workshop can undertake the whole range of repairs and restorations (http://www.vivaceviolin.com/sitepage/Repairs.html) on well as violins, violas, cellos, basses and bows, and on early and period instruments including lutes, viols and viola d’amores. All workmanship is guaranteed. We also provide help and expert advice.”

For more information call Bridgewood and Neitzert on 020 7249 9398, visit the website http://www.vivaceviolin.com or contact Bridgewood and Neitzert online here (http://www.vivaceviolin.com/sitepage/ContactPage.html).