First steps · 4 min

Costume and look

A child's stage look should be something they recognise themselves in, not a scaled-down adult costume. What works is one bright element on ordinary clothes — a colour, a hat, glasses, trainers — chosen by the child, that they can move and breathe in. A full costume, stiff shoes and stage make-up read as dress-up and pull attention away from the music.

What should a child wear for a first music performance?

• A child's stage look should be something they recognise themselves in, not a scaled-down adult costume. What works is one bright element on ordinary clothes — a colour, a hat, glasses, trainers — chosen by the child, that they can move and breathe in. A full costume, stiff shoes and stage make-up read as dress-up and pull attention away from the music.

Course

• First steps
• ORPL Kids