What to wear to a college audition?
One of my kids is gearing up for some college auditions-- so many non-musical details to attend to, such as transportation, lodging, etc. One issue I'm wondering about is what one wears in a college audition. In most past auditions, for competition, or juries, my daughter has always gone with a skirt, not too short or long, and a modest blouse or tank-top/shrug combination (which means modesty/sleeves.) These are usually in spring, and the colors were more towards the pastel range; sometimes the skirt is a muted floral. The exception would be in an open audition on a stage, where she would wear a toned-down version of concert dress, or an audition with her quartet, where everyone wears black.
But this is mid-winter, and the floral/lightweight wardrobe seems wrong and too casual. All-black with a longish skirt (the chamber music/orchestra uniform) seems too severe.
We were hoping to find something plain (so as not to be distracting) and comfortable that would hit the right tone of seriousness, but not a long, black shirt.
She just bought what we call a "Michelle Obama" dress: a black sheath dress, just above the knees, short sleeves, modest but interesting neckline. But I'm wondering if she looks as though she's heading to a State Department luncheon.
Any suggestions or tips? What did others wear to their winter auditions?
Replies (6)
I think black pants are the best option. A long skirt is too formal and a short skirt is never appropriate on a stage. With a short skirt you run the risk that the she will be on stage looking down at the judges and legs can be too distracting. So a nice pair of black trousers and a nice shirt that's suits your style but is also comfortable to play in - avoid buttons and zippers and collars as they can interfere with holding the violin.
One thing I'm always aware of when watching people perform is jewelry. Violinists shouldn't be wearing dangling earings, necklaces, bracelets, or rings, or nail polish. And whatever shoes she chooses to wear make sure she spends a few practice sessions with them on just to make sure they are comfortable. Good luck!
Thanks, Mendy and Marina! Very good advice so far. My daughter rarely wears pants because she is quite short, and long-waisted (so her legs are even shorter than most people her height), and it's very difficult to find any dress pants that retain an elegant line after the severe hemming required. In fact, after what seems like eons of shopping we have never found a good pair of black dress pants that fits well. So we're going with "tea length".
Both of you make a good point about auditions often being on a stage and how hemlines can be a big distraction. My daughter doesn't wear jewelry, but I hear what you are saying about nothing flashy, distracting, or impeding playing. Last night she tried out several outfits with the most physical passages from her audition pieces. I liked the dark brown blouse with a brown/green tea-length skirt (H & M, about 2 years old), but she felt most comfortable in last year's recital dress from White/Black (tea-length and strapless, but very secure, and covered up with a white shrug it appears to have 3/4 sleeves). She felt that the brown outfit was not "formal" enough for the occasion; the black-and-white dress is a bit more dressy.
If anyone else cares to comment, I'm also curious about the level of dressiness expected at these auditions. Tomorrow is just the first of several. Thanks!
I would say it's not too dressy. I would avoid formal wear - it's not a recital. This is more of an interview and I'm inclined to say look more business minded than frilly. Walking into an audition I want to look like a serious candidate rather than a diva. You'll see all sorts of fashion when you arrive, boys will probably be wearing button down shirts, slacks and a tie if it's not impeding for them. Some people will be wearing jeans. Some people will be wearing velvet skirts, so it's the whole gammut. You have to pick something that you feel comfortable wearing - walk in as yourself and nobody else. At the end of the day they will be judging your playing regardless of how well or poorly you're dressed and that's the truth. I've seen people walk out of their auditions with jeans and full scholarships, and people driving off rejected in recital gowns. Playing and stage presence are more important than anything.
I also love black pants and feminine top. Here it's very acceptable for girls to put chic pants. I know it wouldn't pass for a prestigious concert but for small recitals and audition, I agree with Marina that if you arrive with a dress "à la Diva" which are beautiful for sure but maybe "too much" for an audition, they'll automatically think of you as these woman soloist they have seen and will unconsciously have higher expectations. They'll say, she presents herself as a soloist, may she play like one lol In addition, you don't know how the others will be so it's touchy because you don't want to be too chic or not ennough. I don't know it's just my impressions.
Good luck!
Anne-Marie
I also have trouble with dress pants. My "holy grail" ones are actually children's pants in the Amy Byer line, which is carried by JCPenney and I think one or two other department stores, and are indistinguishable from adults' pants except for the size on the tag.
This discussion has been archived and is no longer accepting responses.
Violinist.com is made possible by...
Dimitri Musafia, Master Maker of Violin and Viola Cases
Johnson String Instrument/Carriage House Violins
Subscribe
Laurie's Books
Discover the best of Violinist.com in these collections of editor Laurie Niles' exclusive interviews.
Violinist.com Interviews Volume 1, with introduction by Hilary Hahn
Violinist.com Interviews Volume 2, with introduction by Rachel Barton Pine
January 15, 2010 at 04:45 AM ·
Whatever she ends up choosing, it should be something comfortable that not interfere with her playing and comfort. For colors I would think burgundy or dark green is nice for winter. I'm partial to tea-length dresses/skirts. Necklines can be an issue as they can get caught on the shoulder rest.
You might want to think about bringing the violin along while shopping for outfits :)