You Play Good for a Girl

[EngineerGrl]

I've been playing since I was five years old and have heard that phrase all through my childhood and into adulthood. I no longer hear it -- mostly because I'm established in the local music scene -- but I'm wondering if female musicians still hear this.

Is the phrase, "You play good for a girl" still floating around out there? Are you rockrgrls still told this when people hear you play?

I'm doing some research on the subject and would really like your input!

[tray]

someone was introducing me to a friend once.. and he said "this is the best girl drummer i've ever seen" and while i thought of that as a huge compliment... i couldn't help but think.. "i want to be the best drummer period." and while that goal is not a practical one (besides.. how can you determine a 'best' at anything?) it still gives me great motivation to not just settle for 'good' but strive for 'great' :-)

[glynes]

Any issue with me being a girl has run a distant second to that of me being a middle-aged, beginning drummer! Mostly I hear "You play pretty good for no longer than you've been at it!" Initially, I felt like I was being dismissed, but I think it had more to do with my attitude (extremely timid!) ... lately, having gained a lot of confidence and having learned enough to participate in intelligent conversations, as I meet other musicians, they don't seem to bat an eye over my age or gender, are surprised at what I can do, and invite me to sit in!

[EngineerGrl]

Since I started this thread, it's only fitting that I add my story.

I heard all through my childhood that I played good for a girl. However, it wasn't until my first year of high school that I ran into the first proverbial brick wall that prevented me from playing because I was a girl.

I joined the high school band and approached the music instructor (a male) about playing percussion in the band. He immediately stated that I had way too much competition trying to play in a section with all boys and insisted that I play clarinet. I hated the clarinet but played it! This band instructor just happened to be a drum instructor and I took private drum lessons from him after school. After a few months of lessons, and going through levels one & two in the lesson books, he stated that no other student had progressed as quickly as me and asked why I wasn't playing drums in the school band. I reminded him of what he told me about not being capable of playing along side the boys -- he apologized and immediately transferred me to the drum section!

Another similar case: In college, I was a percussion major and during the first week or so, was taunted by the boys about being a girl drummer. A few weeks later, one of those boys came to me and personally apologized for his part and complimented me on my playing.

My main instrument is keyboards - synths. At one point, I was looking to play keys in a band and was making calls in response to ads. More than once, I heard things like: "Are you calling for your boyfriend?" or "Oh, you're the keyboard player? Well, we already filled that position." One guy was actually truthful and came right out and told me that he didn't want another female in the band (the singer was female) - he feared we'd get in cat fights!! I didn't even get to go on auditions before they dissed me. I did finally find a guy who was not put off when he heard a female voice on the phone, I got the audition and played with them for 15 years!

A short time later, I was interested in recording and became a recording engineer. By this time, I had established myself in the local music scene and had very few sexist issues to deal with.

These events happened many years ago and I don't think it's quite that bad now -- at least I hope it isn't. I do have another ism facing me now -- age-ism! Oh well, like Rosanne Rosanna Danna use to say, "It's always something."

The key is to be the best you can be! Kick ass on your instrument and/or craft and you will shut them all up!

[SonicCathedral]

Hey, not only are you a girl... you're from MD. Me too... Baltimore, Parkville to be more specific. Where abouts are you? Any chance I'm familiar with your band?
-Rick

[EngineerGrl]

Hey Rick,

I now live in Essex. I'm no longer in a band since the studio and writing keeps me busy. The band I played in was based in the Catonsville area although we played all over. The name of the band was Wind. I now own and operate a recording studio, Tracking Station Studio. In fact, until 4 years ago, my studio was in Parkville on Harford Road. Small world huh?! I taught keyboard lessons and recording lessons at the MARS store in Parkville until they went belly up. I wonder if we've ever crossed paths?

Gail

[EngineerGrl]

glynes,

I hear you girl about the age thing. But I wouldn't go back for ANYTHING. I would not trade the experience, wisdom and knowledge acquired from all the decades I've been here. Actually, you and I are only a few months apart but you are older! neener ;-)

[SonicCathedral]

engineergrl said:

Hey Rick,

I now live in Essex. I wonder if we've ever crossed paths?

Gail

Gail,
I'd almost bet that we have. I was involved with the POWERMAD Festival from begining to end... which MARS sponsored. You might remember a Swedish band named Myadome playing at Mars during one of the festival weekends. They were on the label that I worked for... I use to kick it with a Baltimore band called Mystic-Force, you might have heard of the band.
Feel free to troll my boards for perspective customers.
-Peace.
RBH

[xxxkissmedeadlyxxx]

Alot Of The Times I've Auditioned For A Lead Singer/ Guitarist Part I've Heard Alot Of The Band Members Say That .... But I've Been Singing Way Longer Then I've Been Playing Guitar!!!!

~ Melinda ~

[linnea]

Is it really that strange for someone to comment "you play good for a girl", or something similiar? Fact is, women are still underreprestented in the music industry. There aren't that many women out there, playing music. And of those who are, very few are excellent. Surely, it's a sexist remark. And I still get annoyed when I hear it. But I have to stress that there are very few women in my opinion who are as good as my favourite "male" bands. I'm not saying women can't play. I'm saying there are not that many who proves the opposite.