To wear or not to wear. That is the question.

I love this discussion!

I personally think that it depends on the circumstances, but I like to make an effort when performing and I like it when other people do too. A concert should have a sense of occasion and out of respect for the music and the audience, one should dress accordingly. You're presenting yourself on stage as a performer and people are going to be looking at you. First impressions are important and if someone walks onto the stage looking scruffy, I get very cross! It's not nice to go to a concert to enjoy some music and find that your first impression is one of irritation!

I have recently sat on an adjudicating panel and I do take into consideration what people wear. It wouldn't influence my decision enough to change the outcome of their audition, but it does matter and I do mention it on their feedback forms. And who knows how much it affects my opinion without me realising it? Like Stephen said, if people are scruffy, it can imply that they don't care. It could be seen as a sign of arrogance.

Saying all this... if you can play like Nigel Kennedy -I think you can wear whatever the hell you like.

Lastly, it's been mentioned that it's important to be comfortable and I couldn't agree more. I have had a few wardrobe malfunctions on stage in my time... Let's just say that it's good to keep in mind that when breathing, you expand your back and chest, so strapless dresses may not be a good idea....!!!!

Lots of good comments from everyone.

It’s perfectly possible to be both comfortable and well turned-out, whether for a grade exam or anything else – so why not? Some celeb musicians do cultivate a persona such as Nigel Kennedy’s intentionally bohemian style – but emulating that, especially when a grade result is riding on it, is a very dangerous way to bet. Smart is never wrong.

So I agree with Lisa – it’s a performance and the whole thing matters, not just the musical performance thought that’s clearly at the heart of it.

The other thing is that taking trouble with appearance puts oneself mentally in the zone of its being an occasion and an event. Take a look this week at the dress sense of the lead Wimbledon players. Do they turn up in scruffs – not a bit of it. That both honours those who’ve paid and come to watch but also, it must do something about their own mental orientation as they walk out onto Centre Court.

Clearly, it cannot degenerate into style over substance. No amout of dress-sense will trade off for a rubbish performance. But that doesn’t mean style has no place.

Dress-code could even be used to complement the musical style of the evening say, if the recital involved a lot of Piazzolla tango stuff, or a recital of French flute repertoire (though it’s probably wise to skip wearing the beret…)

That’s it from me !

Steve

I've not commented on your blog for a long, long so I thought I would!

I totally agree with you Liz, it is only right to make an effort sometimes BUT be comfortable.

During the recent election I organised an Election Debate in which several Sixth Formers participated standing for different parties and which I moderated. We had a lengthy discussion of what to wear, somebody suggested wearing Suits and Dresses - I disagreed with this and said that this wasn't what the Sixth Formers would want to wear and they shouldn't have to bring a suit or whatever into College. They would not feel comfortable doing something they have never done before whilst wearing a suit etc. - however I did stipulate that everyone must looks 'Smart-Casual' - after all they did have to stand up in front of all the college and many of the staff and after all they were there to try and gain voters.

A very interesting topic!

"Never judge a book by its cover" is the saying that comes to mind, but the truth is, we all do - it's human nature. As for Simon, it's great news that he is now turning his life around, but I do wonder did he ever have a guardian or role model to look up to? It is just rather unfortunate that someone so young had ended up on such a path. Regarding dress code, I totally agree that appropriate attire is a must when in certain situations, be it in a court, a job interview or even in a concert performance. First impressions do count and people will remember. In my career, it is without question that I adhere to all uniform regulations, as being in the public eye, you are looked upon (often with lingering stares) and you will be the subject of conversation, so of course in my situation, appearances do matter. My advice would be if you are unsure, then look smart, and yes be comfortable too. However, we are all different, so whatever is deemed as 'appropriate', may be the contrary to someone else. I guess it's all a matter of personal opinion, so we can only do what we believe and feel to be right.

What happens when you've got a flute exam after school? You can't exactly 'dress to impress' when you're in your school uniform can you?

Simon is only 16. He looks like an adult but he is still a child. His soliciter and the people that care for him should have given him better guidance. If he nicks a telly, perhaps he should tune in to Judge Judy- she tells them to tuck their shirts in, stand up straight, remove gum.....
Appearance is the first thing that people have to judge you. It is not always fair but then nor is life
xx

Yes I agree it's important how all of us present ourselves for imprtant occasions. However in the case of the lad in court, I don't think he would have any idea about such matters. Someone should have given him advice -his social worker or solicitor perhaps.

For concerts it does matter how people dress as the audience are focussed on them for their entire performance. However it does seem rather unwise to wear a dinner suit if the temperature is high.The player will be too hot and the performance will be affected. Obviously females shouldn't wear distracting clothes of any kind! Fashion of course is very much a matter of taste so it's probably better to not be too extreme although some are just trying very hard to create a distinctive image as a marketing tool.
Lets hear more on the subject from the younger people....

It looks like we are all in agreement then.

It looks like we are all "singing from the same hymn sheet" so to speak.

.This is from Trevor Wye - thanks Trevor

Not sure what a blog is...I haven't stepped in one lately!
I am like you. Old fashioned.
I ALWAYS recommend dressing up, not down.
Two nights ago, Dave Heath looked a mess.

This is from my book, Efficient Practice:-

Be an efficient student.
Behave as a responsible professional would. Don't do or say anything which the most sensitive person would take offence to, or be critical of.
Avoid it: Don't write capitals in lower case; avoid teenage words such as humungous, it's like..., or 'see you'; yawning in a class;
expanding your name - it is enough for concert organisers to remember one name. If you want to be remembered professionally, keep your name short. (Julius Baker; Marcel Moyse; Geoffrey Gilbert; William Kincaid, etc). Don't choose your own publicity photo; ask a friend to do it; C.Vs: avoid listing too many teachers; it begs the question why you needed so many. If you haven't done much, then write less. Don't write rubbish.
Do it: Be properly prepared for lessons. Follow the advice offered. If you don't agree with it, do it anyway. Trust your teacher - or go to another.
Listen to other players, and other students; there is always something to be learnt.
Look at someone when speaking to them.
Be considerate to fellow students. They may be your colleagues one day.
Always be early. Cultivate a reputation for being reliable and punctual.
You cannot thank people enough for something they have done for you. Better still, thank them by letter.
Promptly answer all correspondence.
Develop good taste ('Le Bon Gôut) in at least some of the following: music; art; poetry; literature; interpretation; conversation;
correspondence; dress; social manners; food; appearance...
Do one thing each day to further your career, however small. This does not include practice! You always do that.
Remember that the flute community is relatively small. Word gets around. Teachers and players talk to each other, perhaps about you.
Be remembered...kindheartedly.

That's it!
Love,
Trevor

Great topic!

For me, it's about the whole package, what you're selling and where you're selling it. How can you convince a person to "buy into" you when you don't take the time or make the effort yourself? In the instance of a concert, remember that your paying public probably have come to be transported away, into a land that's far away from their daily lives. If you're playing at an audition or exam, remember that it's important to be yourself, but you do have to impress upon the panel that they just have to have you, or give you the best mark ever. Dressing nicely really does help.

In some instances, jeans ARE appropriate. If you're unsure, though, do ask the advice of your trusted teacher, pianist or parent...or ask Liz!

I have my exam on friday and it's in school time but I'll be popping home to brush my teeth first. Should I stay in school uniform (should I tuck my shirt in or not?) or change into shorts and a t-shirt (the only smart summery clothes I have is a black concert dress and I don't want to wear that).

An interesting topic! One brought up a lot by Peter Jones in the BBC's Dragon's Den!

When you buy your Chanel perfume or aftershave, they could give it to you in a mug, or a reused Evian bottle - it would make no difference to how you smelled after using it, and an Evian bottle is just as good a receptacle to store perfume in as any fancy coloured bottle, with an accompanying chrome lid and three layers of decorative wrapping. But these are the finer things in life.

And for the finer things - we would like some effort, and some thought with how things (and people) are presented. I think this holds true with turning up for any important event, be it a concert, or a court appearance.

I think this is proven by the exceptions to the rule. When Nigel Kennedy, or our own fluting Dave Heath turn up to play a classical concert in scruffy clothes - I think they're actually making an artistic statement - and it's like a costume in order to send across the message that you don't have to be "conventionally smart" to play classical music. But by subverting expectations in this way - I think they are actually reinforcing the conventions.

I completely agree. I am horrified at what I see some people (of all ages!) wearing in auditions and concerts! It's not a fashion show......its about the music. Having said that, I agree that its important to be comfortable. Playing the flute requires a bit of a wierd body position with the instrument having to go to the side so unless I am part of orchestra where tails are usually specified,I dont tend to wear a jacket when I play. that doesnt mean I dont look smart and respectful though (and perhaps even trendy too....??). I have to admit if I am sitting on an audition panel or judging a competiton and the performer is dressed "inapproprietly". I have no second thoughts about lowering their results. After all, I am not listening to a CD - I am experiencing a live performance and the visual element is part of that. I also can't help thinking "if they care that little about the immpression they give to their audience do they really care about the music?". Just my thoughts! Im sure many won't agree. I guess we all have to do what we personally believe is correct and acceptable.