Masculinity and choral singing : an Australian perspective

This article focuses on the perceptions of masculinity amongst male participants in choral singing, drawing on data that form part of a larger project where the overarching aim was to explore how these perceptions influenced male participation in choir. Masculinity was considered in terms of the stereotypes associated with being a male singing in a choir, in an Australian context. The study involved four choirs, each of which represented a different age group and stage of development. Data collected from interviews, surveys and video analysis demonstrated that participants were aware of stereotypes or had personal experience of negative attitudes. Their experiences reflect the persistence of dominant ideologies that define the Australian male. Breaking down these gendered stereotypes has important implications for individuals in terms of personal and creative expression, and challenges the way music education and choir is made accessible and acceptable to boys.