Each student will be required to watch one recorded music concert or attend one live* music concert and submit a Concert Review paper. If you choose to attend a live concert (optional), you will earn 20 extra points, which will be added to your final grade. All music must be from the Jazz, Blues or Rock N’ Roll music genres. If you are not certain that your concert fits into one of these genres, you may ask for the instructor’s approval.**
A review combines reporting, or describing what happened, with personal opinion. Write your review as if your audience is the general reading public. Your voice should be that of a person who attends concerts for pleasure. As you write about the concert, deal with aspects of the concert which you consider most important or striking. Word choice is important. There should be a logical, comfortable flow to your writing. Finally, be honest and show that you seriously engaged with the music and performance. Read and follow the suggestions at the bottom:
COVER PAGE INSTRUCTIONS
The following information should be centered at the middle of the cover page.
Name of Student:
Class Title:
Semester and year:
Date review was written:
Indicate: Video review or Live review
OPENING PARAGRAPH
First, briefly describe the event using these questions:
Who–Who was performing?
What–What was the event? What was the title of the concert? What type of concert was this? What type of music?
Where-Where was the event held?
When–Date, time?
Why—W hat was the purpose of this concert?
Avoid naming all of the titles of compositions or songs in the opening paragraph.
BODY
The bulk of the review should address some of these questions. Remember to use essay form.
Questions about the performance:
-What about the experience was new or different for you?
-What impressed you about this live music experience? Why?
-Which selection intrigued you the most? Explain what it was about the music that intrigued you.
-If the piece is a new work, what is your opinion of the writing of the composition/song?
-Which work did you find most enjoyable? Why?
-Which work did you like almost as much? Why?
-If there was a selection that you did not enjoy, why didn’t you enjoy it?
Questions about the performers:
-What was your opinion about the performers’ presentation of the music?
-How good are they as musicians?
-How well did they work together?
-What did you think of the combination of instruments (also called instrumentation)?
Always be sure to concentrate on musical matters, although brief discussions of other aspects of the concert may be included.
Conclusion
Your conclusion should summarize your overall impression of the concert. Share your own reactions and opinions: What did you like, what did you dislike, and why? Finally, give the performers a pat on the back or suggestions for improvement, and give your readers good reasons for going (or not going) to the next such concert.
ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENTS
-Your assignment must be 1-2 pages in length (no more or less).
– A standard writing style format is preferred but not required. Any one of the following writing styles is encouraged: MLA Format, Chicago Style, Turabian,or APA. Otherwise, keep your writing typed, double spaced, with 1 inch margins and 12p Times New Roman font.
-You may use internet sources as long as you cite them. Do not copy and paste from the internet.
-To submit this paper, please attach it as a Microsoft Word File. If you don’t have access to Microsoft Word software, consult with the instructor of the course. Do not copy and paste in the submission box. You must attach a file to your submission.
Notes
* If you choose to attend a live concert, you must attend during the semester during which you are taking this course. Keep your program notes from live concerts. The instructor reserves the right to ask for the program notes you received during the live concert.
**Finding a live concert to attend for a review is entirely up to the student. The instructor of this course is not responsible for finding or suggesting live concerts.
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