Attire For Exams, Is there some unwritten rule of what to wear? Options

[teoani]

I know I am only going for a Grade 3 Singing exam, but my accompanist posted a question to me:

What are you going to wear? Is there a dress code?

I didn't find any dress code in the rules and regulations, but I suddenly realised that this time round, I won't be hiding behind a piano, with my back facing the examiner. I will be facing the examiner, with no barrier before me, straight in the eye. Now some fashion sense would be helpful to create a good impression.

It is clear that both my accompanist and I should wear covered shoes instead of sandals (popular in my region). My accompanist asked whether we should wear skirts instead of jeans. Frankly I don't know. I was thinking of wear a presentable trench-coat-like long top (what I wear to office), jeans and leather shoes. I told my accompanist to wear anything that is full-length (no three-quarters or bermudas) and comfortable for her, as long as she is neat and tidy.

The reason my accompanist asked, was that she was required to wear concert attire when she went for her diploma exam in piano.

Has anyone some idea of what is appropriate for a Singing exam, and what is not? I will be going on to my higher grades soon. If I should wear a proper dress or skirt, and my accompanist has to do the same, we have some shopping to do! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[lucky045]

I know I am only going for a Grade 3 Singing exam, but my accompanist posted a question to me:

What are you going to wear? Is there a dress code?

I didn't find any dress code in the rules and regulations, but I suddenly realised that this time round, I won't be hiding behind a piano, with my back facing the examiner. I will be facing the examiner, with no barrier before me, straight in the eye. Now some fashion sense would be helpful to create a good impression.

It is clear that both my accompanist and I should wear covered shoes instead of sandals (popular in my region). My accompanist asked whether we should wear skirts instead of jeans. Frankly I don't know. I was thinking of wear a presentable trench-coat-like long top (what I wear to office), jeans and leather shoes. I told my accompanist to wear anything that is full-length (no three-quarters or bermudas) and comfortable for her, as long as she is neat and tidy.

The reason my accompanist asked, was that she was required to wear concert attire when she went for her diploma exam in piano.

Has anyone some idea of what is appropriate for a Singing exam, and what is not? I will be going on to my higher grades soon. If I should wear a proper dress or skirt, and my accompanist has to do the same, we have some shopping to do! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Oh, I worry about this every time I have an exam. It's not supposed to make the slightest bit of difference, hypothetically you could turn up in a clown costume, and have it make no difference... My old singing teacher always said to treat it like a performance - not in a huge posh evening-dress type concert, but just to look a bit smart, wear a dress, or nice trousers and a top, and make sure my shoes are clean and shiny (and that they always have a bit of a heel).

I'm sure loads of people turn up in scruffy jeans and hoodies though, and it doesn't make the slightest bit of difference. It's just that it feels more like a performance if you're a little bit dressed up, and can make it easier to give it your best. As long as you're comfortable, obviously, and your clothes don't make it difficult to breathe. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Czerny]

I think what is considered appropriate in Singapore could be very different from what people would chose to wear in the UK.

[all ears]

If it's any help, I've never seen any candidates really dressed up for exams in Japan (that is, of the small number of people I have seen coming and going at various exams here).

I think performance diploma is a different case, but for grade exams, people are not dressed up the way they tend to dress up in East Asia for student concerts. In Japan, most people seem to be in conservative casual clothing - e.g. dark pants and a nice shirt, but not a shirt and tie, or nice skirt and top, but not a suit.

Hope that helps!

[SueHM]

Most of the adults and accompanists I've seen turning up to exams tend to wear smart casual clothes. However I accompanied one lady at the last session who looked like she had just been doing the gardening (jeans and baggy sweater and hair with that 'dragged through a hedge backwards' look.) She still walked away with a distinction. As an accompanist I go for plain black and white on the whole - nothing distracting!

[sarah123]

I wouldn't worry about it. I went to my grade 6 recorder exam in scruffy jeans and trainers and still managed to get a good mark.

[hello_cello]

Go in something that you would where anywhere else - you dont want to worry about looking silly and overdressed, or looking scruffy. Wear something that you arent going to be self conscious about wearing.

[sarah123]

My theory is that if you go in looking really smart and like you've made an effort, they'll expect you to give a good performance, so you'll look a bit of a prat if you muck up, whereas, if you just go wearing whatever you normally would, they won't have quite so high expectations, so it will be a nice surprise when you play nicely and you won't look quite so stupid if you muck up.

This is the extreme case, but imagine someone went in the sort of outfit you'd wear to perform in a formal concert, acted all professional, then proceeded to sing horribly flat the whole way through and forget their words.

[hello_cello]

This is the extreme case, but imagine someone went in the sort of outfit you'd wear to perform in a formal concert, acted all professional, then proceeded to sing horribly flat the whole way through and forget their words.

I can imagine someone dressing formal and doing the same - on recorder
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)
*quickly ducks to miss sarahs slap*

[petrat]

My pupils tend to dress up for performances if they aren't wearing school uniform. I ask them not to turn up in jeans and trainers or tops with large logos on, especailly French Connection ones! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif) They are all very sensible and seem to like having the chance to wear clothes other than school outfits for exams. Clean, tidy and comfortable to play in is the best way to go.

[teoani]

I think what is considered appropriate in Singapore could be very different from what people would chose to wear in the UK.

True, but the examiner comes from the UK. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

If it's any help, I've never seen any candidates really dressed up for exams in Japan (that is, of the small number of people I have seen coming and going at various exams here).

I think performance diploma is a different case, but for grade exams, people are not dressed up the way they tend to dress up in East Asia for student concerts. In Japan, most people seem to be in conservative casual clothing - e.g. dark pants and a nice shirt, but not a shirt and tie, or nice skirt and top, but not a suit.

Hope that helps!

Yes it does help, all ears. I know that the Japanese are very conservative in their clothing. Pants are usually dark in colour for Japanese adults. Jeans are more common and widely acceptable in most occasions in Singapore, so I will go with a nice, ironed pair of jeans and a nice top.

My theory is that if you go in looking really smart and like you've made an effort, they'll expect you to give a good performance, so you'll look a bit of a prat if you muck up, whereas, if you just go wearing whatever you normally would, they won't have quite so high expectations, so it will be a nice surprise when you play nicely and you won't look quite so stupid if you muck up.

This is the extreme case, but imagine someone went in the sort of outfit you'd wear to perform in a formal concert, acted all professional, then proceeded to sing horribly flat the whole way through and forget their words.

Heehee... that is funny. I was thinking about the same thing last night. Low-key appearance with acceptable performance (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) But I think as respect, I will still aim towards being neat and tidy.

My pupils tend to dress up for performances if they aren't wearing school uniform. I ask them not to turn up in jeans and trainers or tops with large logos on, especailly French Connection ones! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif) They are all very sensible and seem to like having the chance to wear clothes other than school outfits for exams. Clean, tidy and comfortable to play in is the best way to go.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) The French Connection ones are indeed provocative. Thank you for the reminder. I do have a few tops with large and loud prints that I have to filter out. I'll pass that advice on to my accompanist too.

[jod]

I expect pupils to be smart for exams. This either means School Uniform, or a shirt with a collar for a boy and no jeans. Girls can wear smart trousers, but I prefer it when they wear a skirt or a dress.

Personally I'm a dress person as cut with an empire line there is loads of room to breathe.

[Czerny]

I expect pupils to be smart for exams. This either means School Uniform, or a shirt with a collar for a boy and no jeans. Girls can wear smart trousers, but I prefer it when they wear a skirt or a dress.

Personally I'm a dress person as cut with an empire line there is loads of room to breathe.

I'm not suggesting that it's a good idea to go to an exam looking scruffy, but isn't the most important thing for the candidate to feel comfortable so they can focus on their performance? As a teacher I wouldn't want to add to the pressure of the occasion by making a pupil feel obliged to wear a style of clothing they weren't accustomed to, just to keep me happy.

Once an acceptable level of smartness is reached, I think the most important thing is for the outfit not to be constrictive, not to be too warm or not warm enough, and not to make the wearer feel self-conscious. Exams aren't public performances, after all (and yes I agree diplomas should be viewed differently in this respect).

[Holz Gedeckt]

I'm not suggesting that it's a good idea to go to an exam looking scruffy, but isn't the most important thing for the candidate to feel comfortable so they can focus on their performance? As a teacher I wouldn't want to add to the pressure of the occasion by making a pupil feel obliged to wear a style of clothing they weren't accustomed to, just to keep me happy.

Indeed.

....very few young girls or even adult females for that matter actually own dresses or skirts anymore

You may need to duck for cover now! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[maledictis]

Not one single skirt/dress in my wardrobe...