Please help me to choose a concert for my Music class

Concert Report Structure:

I. Proposal

Before you attend a concert, you must get my approval. Once you have selected a concert, send me a brief

proposal by email no later than MAY 23rd and tell me about the event- who, what, when, where, and why

you think it would be a good experience for you. Yes, all music is “world music,” so please think about the

best way to make your case.

IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT A PROPOSAL, YOU WILL FAIL THIS PORTION OF THE COURSE.

II. Content

I will base your grade on content, use of music vocabulary, and thoroughness. Be sure to answer every

question in as much detail as possible. Your answers must be in complete sentences. Provide as much information as you possibly can- take pictures (if allowed), interview other audience members, go

backstage and talk to the musicians, etc.

PLEASE NOTE:

• You are required to submit a ticket stub, photo, or some other form of evidence of your

concert attendance. Please include this in the document itself. Failure to provide evidence

will result in a serious reduction in your paper grade.

• DO NOT send me files that are larger than 1MB.

III. Format

An effective report is more than just a list of questions and answers. Weave your information together into

a narrative describing the entire experience. Avoid the passive voice, write in the first person, and insert

your own personality.

IV. Questions:

1. What instruments were used in the concert? Under what classifications (chordophones etc) do they fall?

If you can not find the name of the instrument, describe it using the vocabulary you have gained in the

class.

2. What types (genres) of music were performed? Does the music fall under any categories discussed in the

text? Please describe the music you heard.

3. Was there any singing or dancing? How important was this to the music? Who were the performers?

Did they wear any special costumes?

4. Where there any “composers” listed or mentioned? Was the music improvised at any point? How do

you know?

5. How did the musicians interact with each other? How did they acknowledge or interact with the

audience? Did this help or hinder your enjoyment of the music?

6. What feeling or mood did each movement or section of the performance seem to have?

7. What was/were the most important elements for getting the music across to you? (melody, texture,

rhythm, tempo, etc.)

8. What was unique about the concert? What did you like/not like?

One final thought- this assignment is about analysis and thoughtful observation, not about criticism. Avoid

writing in the tone of a newspaper or magazine music critic. I want to know what you saw/heard/felt, this

is not an opportunity to be a “troll.”