Concert Review
Concert Review: 12/8/17
Concert reviews require more than just listening to the performance.
Writing a music review on a concert requires going beyond the listening experience. You'll be more than a spectator as you document everything from the energy of the performers to the reaction of the class to the emotions that the show presented.
Things You'll Need
• A Concert
• Notebook and pens
Instructions
Record comprehensive notes before, during and even after the show. Capture in writing, moments during the concert that were particularly notable such as audience interaction or poignant statements by the performers. Items to consider while taking notes:
Using the approved concert list (see below), you’ll choose a concert to attend before 12/8/15. These concerts are considered extra-artistic and/or cultural. This element is a key feature, as I want to send you to a performance you might not be likely to attend otherwise. Find a concert on a day that works, at a place you feel comfortable attending and a price that works (almost all concerts are available under $15 if not entirely free–others are more, it’s up to you to decide).
When you attend the concert, you’ll take notes and type a review. This review is to be in paragraph format–not in a list. Staple the ticket or program (absolutely required for a passing grade) to the report and hand it in to me on the scheduled due date (12/8). Your review needs to be a 2-3 page typed document. When taking notes and writing your review about the concert, I want you to focus on the following points:
1) What was the environment like? How is this different than more “popular” concerts you might have attended? Why do you think the environment is like this? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Explain.
2) Describe your experience listening to the music included in this performance? Again, how is the musical experience different than what you are used to listening to (if at all)? Do you see this kind of event as some form of alternative musical entertainment than a more typical pop-type of concert? Explain.
3) What did the music specifically sound “like”? Describe as much as you can remember. What will you remember most about the music that was performed in a year from now? Explain.
4) How was your experience getting to the performance? Was anything different than what you are used to? Did you see any new places or confront any new experiences Explain.
Once you’ve done this, staple the ticket stub or program and you are set. This assignment is absolutely due on 12/8 – PERIOD. If I can give you any advice on this project–don’t wait until the last minute! Late submissions will not be accepted.
Approved Concert List: ANYTHING UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS RELATED (PENDING APPROVAL) IS OKAY
Any concerts you wish to attend that are not on the list need prior approval.
No exceptions. Concerts/performances that are not approved are on the list below:
Concert reviews require more than just listening to the performance.
Writing a music review on a concert requires going beyond the listening experience. You'll be more than a spectator as you document everything from the energy of the performers to the reaction of the class to the emotions that the show presented.
Things You'll Need
• A Concert
• Notebook and pens
Instructions
- A review should tell a story
- A review should be written in simple, everyday language
Record comprehensive notes before, during and even after the show. Capture in writing, moments during the concert that were particularly notable such as audience interaction or poignant statements by the performers. Items to consider while taking notes:
Using the approved concert list (see below), you’ll choose a concert to attend before 12/8/15. These concerts are considered extra-artistic and/or cultural. This element is a key feature, as I want to send you to a performance you might not be likely to attend otherwise. Find a concert on a day that works, at a place you feel comfortable attending and a price that works (almost all concerts are available under $15 if not entirely free–others are more, it’s up to you to decide).
When you attend the concert, you’ll take notes and type a review. This review is to be in paragraph format–not in a list. Staple the ticket or program (absolutely required for a passing grade) to the report and hand it in to me on the scheduled due date (12/8). Your review needs to be a 2-3 page typed document. When taking notes and writing your review about the concert, I want you to focus on the following points:
1) What was the environment like? How is this different than more “popular” concerts you might have attended? Why do you think the environment is like this? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Explain.
2) Describe your experience listening to the music included in this performance? Again, how is the musical experience different than what you are used to listening to (if at all)? Do you see this kind of event as some form of alternative musical entertainment than a more typical pop-type of concert? Explain.
3) What did the music specifically sound “like”? Describe as much as you can remember. What will you remember most about the music that was performed in a year from now? Explain.
4) How was your experience getting to the performance? Was anything different than what you are used to? Did you see any new places or confront any new experiences Explain.
Once you’ve done this, staple the ticket stub or program and you are set. This assignment is absolutely due on 12/8 – PERIOD. If I can give you any advice on this project–don’t wait until the last minute! Late submissions will not be accepted.
Approved Concert List: ANYTHING UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS RELATED (PENDING APPROVAL) IS OKAY
- All Philadelphia Orchestra performances (or other subsequent Kimmel Center concerts)
- All Philadelphia Chamber Music Society Concerts
- All Curtis Institute Performances (most are free)
- APPROVED EVENTS associated with the Rowan University music department
- APPROVED EVENTS ONLY Temple Performing Arts Center performances
- All recitals in the Mallery Concert Series (Rutgers Camden)
- APPROVED EVENTS ONLY at Chris’ Jazz Cafe (Philadelphia)
- All Norman David & The Eleventet performances (I play in the band...you should all check this out anyway)
Any concerts you wish to attend that are not on the list need prior approval.
No exceptions. Concerts/performances that are not approved are on the list below:
- Musicals: high school shows, amateur theater productions, community theater/playhouses–Broadway/off-Broadway shows are permitted)
- Alternative/rock shows
- Singer songwriter shows
- Anything at a dance club
- Club "The Music Is Too Loud" feat. DJ "Who Cares"
- Popular music concerts/festivals
- Hip-hop/R&B concerts
- CD release/networking parties...at Club "Who Cares"...with the same lousy DJ
