Undergraduate music majors and nonmajors rated 17 musical instruments and two related musical occupations on a masculine/feminine scale. The harp, flute, and piccolo had high feminine ratings; the trumpet, string bass, and tuba had high masculine ratings. Instrument ratings were significantly different for major, but not for gender. (Author/SJL)

Studies have shown that sexism cannot only influence career choice, but even the musical instrument that a child chooses to play. The question music educators need to consider is how attitudes and behavior surrounding this issue can be modified. (Author/SJL)