what should i wear to an instrumental music audition?

Question

Its a college audition and i'm trying to figure out what i should wear

Answer 1

First of all, whatever you wear, you should be comfortable!! You should be able to move freely (in order to play your instrument!). You will probably be a bit nervous, so wearing something constricting or uncomfortable won't help.

You want the ajudicators to notice your music, not your clothes, so don't wear something distracting. Wear something clean that makes you look confident.

If you look at symphonic performers, they usually wear black pants/skirt and a white shirt/blouse. A simple long black dress (not something shinny like silk, but a wool) for a woman, a simple black/dark grey suit for a man.

Something to consider though:

The colour red remains on the retina longer than any other colour, and thus makes you more memorable. It is a colour that inspires confidence. Any time I've had a job interview and I've worn red, I've gotten the job. So, how about a black, navy or grey skirt/pants (dressy/business like) and a red sweater/blouse/shirt? Nothing too revealing or flashy, though. And make sure it's the shade of red that looks good on you (reds can have yellow undertones or blue undertones)

Good luck. And remember to make sure they first notice your performance!! Oh, and maybe practice playing your pieces at home wearing the outfit you chose before the big audition!!!

Answer 2

Well, since a collage instrumental audition is obviously not about either hip-hop or sex (I hope), you should wear something classy, but not overdone. A modernistic, minimalist full length dress would be good. I'd go for black if I were you. Perhaps you're not a girl like I thought and they wouldn't even look at you if you showed up in a dress, in which case you should wear a nice button up shirt and tie with black pants. A musician fad we saw on our last Europe tour was a colored shirt that made the tie stand out, like a dark red shirt with a brigt green-and-blue tie. Don't wear a suitcoat or a cavat, nothing too fancy. Most important is that you still have freedom of movement, espically if you're a pianist or a bass player or (god forbid) a conductor. Don't wear any rings, bracelets or any other jangelies that's get in your way. Little story for you; my teacher was once doing a theme concert (even though she was a classical pianist) where her and her partner dressed in Jeans, Leather Coats and some sweet Shades. When they started playing, she soon discovered that her coat was too tight for her to cross her arms over each other, so she had to switch the parts in her hands on the spot. I wasn't at the concert, so I don't know how well that turned out, but you get the point.
Good Luck.

Answer 3

As a former music major, I understand you need to make a good impression. When I auditioned at different colleges, I went in neutral or light colors. Do not wear anything to extravagant. The professors need to have their entire focus on your performance. Wearing something too extravagant, may turn their focus away from your performance. Do not be too casual either, or they will think you are not being too serious. The safest bet is to go with a white blouse and a black skirt. Good luck on your decision, and break a leg!!

Answer 4

It really depends what you play. Obviously as a pre-requisite your outfit should be somewhere in between formal and casual. A floor length dress would be over the top and probably wouldn't make them like you. I'm sure a nice blouse and slacks would be fine. Make sure the shirt isn't to restricting around the diaphragm if you are a singer and if you play a shoulder instrument (violin viola etc) be careful about the collar.
just be comfortable

Answer 5

Darker colors and conservative cuts are a good way to go. As was mentioned by someone else, you want the adjudicators to notice your music, not you. Be comfortable and avoid glittery, showy-type dress and you should be fine.

Answer 6

Clothes.

A hat would be nice. With some socks. Make sure they match. Don't put brown shoes with black pants. Shave your head. And your face. Judges like people that look nice, even if they never see you.

Answer 7

That's a good point

Answer 8

Call and ask. 99% of music professors are super-approachable and would be more than happy to answer that question for you.

Answer 9

Dress as if you're going on a job interview. Come to think of it, you are essentially. Don't dress as if you're going to a ball, but do dress nicely.

Answer 10

probably, a nice collared shirt, and black pants. it really depends what type of music audition you're going to.