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How to Write A Concert ReviewA Student's Guide to Writing a Concert Reviewcourtesy of Middle Tennessee State University http://www.mtsu.edu/~sshearon/161crg.html The following is an outline of information and writing style that is usually part of a standard concert review: 1. Basic Information Who, What, Where, and When (and Why, if applicable). Who was performing? What was the event, and (especially) What were the performing media? When and Where was the event held? Why was the event held (any special reason)? 2. Critical Narrative The review should deal with aspects of the concert that are considered most important or striking. Be sure--always--to concentrate on musical matters, although brief discussions of other aspects of the concert may be included. In the process, talk about the works performed, how they were presented, how well the performers presented the music, and what made the performances effective or ineffective. Try to employ the concepts and vocabulary you have learned in Music History, if it can be done reasonably. The use of first-person narrative is fine. When writing about events that occurred at the concert, use the past tense. (Example: "Although the trombonist was quite good, I thought that she was far too loud to blend well with the others in her section.") But when writing about a particular musical composition or work of art, use the present tense. (Example: "In Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, the fourth movement in C Major seems to serve as a triumphal conclusion to the struggle of the preceding three movements in C Minor.") Finally, Be Objective! Comparisons of pieces and performers should be avoided unless it is to make an argument regarding Music History or Analysis. Reviews are most effective when they are honest and show that you seriously engaged the music and performance. 3. Style Compose your review on scrap paper. Feel free to take notes during the performance. The final version should be done on a computer or typewriter. Well handwritten reports are also acceptable if a computer or typewriter is not available to you. 4. Length Junior Students: Maximum One full page, double-spaced using 12-point font. Senior Students: Maximum Two full pages, double-spaced using 12-point font. Prepared by Frank Horvat, ORMTA Central Toronto Branch Member. For more information, please contact us at info@ormtatoronto.org Back to Top  |