<p>Im posting this because in BassDad’s post of You want to be a Music Major: Our families Experience. He said that he noticed that the female vocalists seem to be ‘over done’. I do not know if anyone has formally addressed this. But,yes, it is custom for female vocalist to fallow tradition. Meaning, formal dresses that hit at the knee at least, no pants, they do not want to see women in pants. The only exception is for mezzos if they must wear them, because mezzos might play a male role in an opera. Otherwise, it is a dress or skirt. Also, in additon, they want to see the hair pulled off the face. This allows them to see facial expression better and your technique. The difference between instrumental and voice, is that a voice audition is based on two parts: sound,tech. ex and facial expression and portraying of the meaning of the peace. This is why appearance is so critical to vocalists. But most importantly wear a smile and be humble. Arrogance is something that will take you write off the list, especially in a field were vocalists are at a surplus.</p>
<p>I don’t recall saying they were “over done” as much as saying that female vocalists tended to be more done up than the instrumentalists or the male VP applicants and that I did not feel qualified to offer advice on their appearance. Thank you for supplying said advice.</p>
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<p>Based solely on my assessment of BassDad’s forum persona, my impression is that his preference leaned towards the rare side. ;)</p>
<p>Previous “what (not) to wear” threads:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/835924-what-wear-music-school-auditions.html?highlight=wear[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/835924-what-wear-music-school-auditions.html?highlight=wear</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/658518-what-wear-vocal-audition.html?highlight=wear[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/658518-what-wear-vocal-audition.html?highlight=wear</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/351412-vocal-audition-what-wear.html?highlight=wear[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/351412-vocal-audition-what-wear.html?highlight=wear</a></p>
<p>Actually, I can go either way but preventing “well done” from becoming “over done” is a rare skill indeed. With “rare”, at least you know what to expect and you can ask for a little more flame if needed.</p>
<p>When DD was auditioning we did see some VP prospects dressed as if for a recital instead of an audition. I think that it is easier for VP to go over the top since instrumentalist’s concert attire is not that different from audition attire, whereas VP wear gowns and cocktail dresses for many recitals. The audition is not a recital.</p>
<p>Wear comfortable shoes. I’m not saying you have to wear hideous orthopedic flats or anything, but the thing I remember best from my own audition years is that the girls wearing painful shoes really, really wished they hadn’t. If your feet hurt, all the rest of your muscles will tense in weird places and your support goes all to hell.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice!
So I guess I’ll put my hair in a bun… even though I hate it.
Like chory says, it’s also important to wear comfortable shoes and to practice singing in them if you plan on wearing heels.</p>