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Double Bass Will a tattoo be a problem in the classical world?

#21
Thank you for all of your responses. It seems like it would't be a big problem.. and really, how likely would they even be to find out if I you just wore long sleeves at the audition?

bassplayeralway said:
I don't think he's asking your personal opinions of whether or not he should get one, he's asking if professionally, this is a bad idea.
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Exactly, thank you.

I haven't decided anything yet. It has been on my mind for a while and I will have to think about it for a couple months more at least. As far as I know new tattoos don't go well with sunshine anyway.. ;)
 
#23
I have many tattoos but they all are coverable with a button down short sleeved polo. After the first one, I waited a looong time living with the idea of one before putting it on me. It's always been my plan to wait to get anything visible until I get tenure somewhere. Then I'll get full sleeves down to the wrist. Many of my colleagues are actually shocked to find out that I have any tattoos at all... much less that I have "business sleeves." :D

Be you, but be smart about it. Many people still judge regarding ink, and sometimes those that judge are the ones whose opinions matter. FWIW, lots of people (myself included) think tattoos are awesome, and that they can make an otherwise conservative classical musician much more interesting in real life. Also, if you're a fella, lots of girls think ink is hot. The converse is true as well.
 
#25
jaibeau said:
Curious on how you feel like an "individual" without ink when when the majority of society don't have ink. This comment sounds like my dad saying I'm a follower. I always ask him, lets go walk around stores you frequent and let me know who I'm "following". No ink doesn't make you an individual-
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Oh please. Tattoos are now ubiquitous on people in their 20s. Not having "ink" is definitely in the minority for that age group.
 
#28
Are you serious? You must have no idea how uptight the classical world is. I edit a magazine for mostly classical players. They complain about everything: don't show players in t-shirts (beneath an oxford no less); don't show players barefooted; don't discuss the lack of black and Latino players in professional orchestras; don't show colored bow hair You name it. Conductors are totally biased against contemporary instruments; you think they're gonna cozy up to a tattoo?
 
#29
atomicdog said:
Are you serious? You must have no idea how uptight the classical world is. I edit a magazine for mostly classical players. They complain about everything: don't show players in t-shirts (beneath an oxford no less); don't show players barefooted; don't discuss the lack of black and Latino players in professional orchestras; don't show colored bow hair You name it. Conductors are totally biased against contemporary instruments; you think they're gonna cozy up to a tattoo?
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Are you serious? Colored bow hair? Players playing barefoot? T shirts in rehearsals? Those are not an issue in professional ensembles because they look stupid and unprofessional (the last issue only barely being one- from what I've seen of professional rehearsals etiquette certainly doesn't require tuxedos). There's a difference between being uptight and acting with a modicum of professionalism- not that orchestral musicians showing up barefoot with purple hair is ever actually an issue.

There are at least a few organization addressing the dearth of black and Latino players in orchestras- the Detroit Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, and organizations like the Sphinx are actively promoting minority orchestral musicians, either by training or offering internship positions.

And modern instruments being biased against is another incorrect sterotype- off the top of my head, I know of at least a few players in ICSOM orchestras who play or have played on instruments made in the last 10-20 years- there are many fine modern instruments that have homes in the higher levels of orchestral playing- modern luthiery is doing awesome work.

As for a tattoo.. If the player isn't flaunting it or showing it off (easily coverable) then why would it ever be an issue? If it's in a not noticeable location, it has no bearing on playing ability, and this doesn't effect professional conduct.
 
#30
My tattoos have never been an issue. They're more of a conversation starter than anything. I've never heard about negative reactions to them.

The only things that professional musicians are going to be concerned with is how well you can play and if you are a good colleague. Most patrons don't care either. They are at concerts for the music.
 
#33
eyeballkid said:
:rollno:
ilia's chip says "really irritated by others being successful".

I think bassdirty's point wasn't "look how rich I am", but instead "hey, even if you work your way to success, people may still judge you".
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thanks..yes this was exactly my point.
true..I personally dont care what people think of me.
but lots of people do..and lots of times life coulda been just a smidge easier..better..different..if i hadnt been judged on occasions.

i am here now..so i guess it doesnt matter..but when someone asks for advice..not just hearsay..but based on actual life experience. I WILL give it. what they do with that info is their own business.
 
#34
Any visible tattoo diminishes your employability. It does not say "I am an edgy creative person". It says "I am a trend follower who lacks the ability to assess the future consequences of my actions". Think "permanent mullet".

Do you want to have to always wear long sleeves to advance your career? Or is your strategy to be a rock star?

There are some nice baseball caps with bass clefts on them.
 
#35
As a professional orchestra conductor I believe I can comment on your post with some level of knowledge...
Part of the reason orchestral music is suffering a slow death is that it has lost its relevance with today's media saturated world and culture. There are countless highly successful remakes of how classical music is presented to appeal to future patrons, and one of the key elements is KEEPING IT REAL! In other words, the amazing diversity and accessibility of an orchestra's membership is what is keeping this genre alive...If I were auditioning you for a spot in my orchestra, I would not think twice about a tattoo, piercings, or hair color for that matter. If I were you I would PROUDLY display your tattoo in any audition, that should have NOTHING to do with your audition results. Anyone who takes issue with a tattoo in an audition situation will enjoy the same slow death as the genre in its old format. Be proud of your character and uniqueness, if they don't like your tattoo they are not worth your time in the first place, and you should tell them that directly (and build your discrimination lawsuit). To take it a step further you should tell them a career conductor advised you on this, that'll turn their heads.

The great masterworks are the property of the whole world, and for everyone's enrichment. Audition committees have no right to deny qualified applicants because of a tattoo or any other personal freedom of expression. The orchestras who have reinvented themselves to speak to today's listener AND participating musicians will be the only ones left standing, just read the news in the field...
I hope you win (or won) that spot...
Glenn Q.
 
#40
Zojo said:
Any visible tattoo diminishes your employability. It does not say "I am an edgy creative person". It says "I am a trend follower who lacks the ability to assess the future consequences of my actions". Think "permanent mullet".

Do you want to have to always wear long sleeves to advance your career? Or is your strategy to be a rock star?

There are some nice baseball caps with bass clefts on them.
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Hey I understand you aren't into tats, but try not to come off like such a judgmental pompous wanker - it just makes you look bad. I would say the majority of us who have body art aren't concerned with how you view us - we do it for ourselves.

I have had no ill effects from having the majority of my body covered (nothing a long sleeve shirt can't cover). It's been worth every cent and every minute of pain. My body is a canvas and I'm happy which is all that matters :)
 

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