Interesting comments! I left for work this morning wondering if anyone would post anything.

So is there any effect of testosterone and/or estrogen on the musical process? Some of the politically incorrect assumptions of the past may well turn out to have some biological basis, such as the male hunter providing for the mother and child or the nesting impulses of the pregnant woman.

Another thought: many of the arts support groups of the past were run by women of leisure (read wealthy wives), and these groups supported starving (male) artists who were expected to support themselves rather than marry for support. Now that opportunities for careers are more equally available to both sexes, this has become somewhat of an anachronism. (I'm hedging). The cultural basis has changed, which may account for more women playing rather than listening.