Factors Affecting Bowed String-Instrument Selection: Evaluating Differences by Gender and Performance Experience

Abstract

The researcher evaluated various factors contributing to string-orchestra instrument selection. Guiding questions included: (1) What are the most important factors used by beginners today when choosing to play a particular instrument? (2) Are these factors similar to or different from factors used by players who initially chose their instruments ten or more years ago? (3) Does gender play a significant role in self-reported reasons for string-instrument selection? A survey—administered to randomized beginning string orchestra students (n = 174) and professional string orchestra players (n = 155)—evaluated the significance of the following seven factors related to instrument choice: instrument sound, look, size, family influence, peer influence, music teacher influence, and economic resources. Both groups rated instrument sound as the most influential factor relating to their instrument choices, followed by parental influence. The other five selection factors were rated significantly higher by the beginners. No significant difference was found by gender.