I can still remember the occasion when, as a seven-year-old, I played a bum note on my recorder in assembly (“How singing hits a bum note for boys”, February 12). When the head heard the error she demanded to know who did it. I felt embarrassed and gave up the recorder.

What is most revealing about this research is not the failure to teach the right sort of music to boys but how gender differentiation develops.

Incidentally, I can’t sing or play football, so did I become a teacher to compensate for my lack of self belief?

John Grimshaw, SEN teacher, Camden, north London.