Concert Attendance & Active Listening
Key Terms
Classical music (capital C)
European "popular" art music composed roughly between – (e.g.
Haydn, Mozart, early Beethoven).
“classical” music (lower-case c)
Broad umbrella covering most Western European art music written before .
Active listening
Focused, distraction-free hearing that applies knowledge of musical elements, form, style, & historical context—lyrics are not the primary focus.
Passive listening
Music = background; attention divided (driving, studying, scrolling, etc.).
Intermission
Mid-concert break ≈ halftime; proper time for stretching, chatting, restroom, concessions.
Concert program
Printed (or digital) guide listing repertoire order, movements, composer bios, performer bios, translations, and listening tips; doubles as proof of attendance for your concert report.
Encore
French “again”; unscheduled piece(s) performed in response to prolonged applause—can happen mid-show (rare) or after the final bow (more common).
Active vs. Passive Listening
Most LAMC students say they “listen” mainly to lyrics; music itself is often ignored.
Course goal: train the ear & mind to engage actively. Steps:
Remove distractions (no multitasking).
Identify instruments, melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, form.
Build a mental library (“musical memory”) through repeated, attentive exposure.
Analogy: learning a new language—requires practice, patience, and deliberate focus.
Where Today’s Music Comes From
Hip-hop, pop, Banda, classic rock, EDM, film scores—each genre inherits practices (chords, forms, orchestrations) that trace back to European "classical" traditions.
Appreciating lineage deepens respect for contemporary creators & broadens taste.
Why Experience Live Music?
Studio perfection (e.g.
Beyoncé’s takes) ≠ the one-shot thrill of stage performance.Live concerts add:
Visual spectacle & acoustics you can feel (subwoofer rumble vs. cello resonance).
Audience energy & unpredictability—mistakes, improvisations, spontaneous chemistry.
Total-body focus (no “earbud isolation”); you become part of the artwork’s completion.
L.A. advantage: dense calendar of events—from Walt Disney Concert Hall to college recital halls; Wyoming students weren’t so lucky (professor anecdote).
Preparing for a Concert
Research beforehand = higher payoff. Actions:
Read composer bios, historical era, form, and plot (for opera/oratorio).
Stream sample recordings to familiarize motifs.
Dress code myth-busting: tuxes/gowns optional, but avoid underdressing ("T-shirt & jeans guy"). Aim: comfortable yet classy.
Logistics:
Arrive ≥ min early (earlier for will-call or open seating).
Late arrivals must wait at doors until an applause break.
Ticket Economics
University & community concerts: (student ID discounts).
Major halls: – depending on seat; modern venues (e.g.
Disney Hall) designed for good acoustics in nearly every seat.Free/cheap alternatives: student recitals, church series, non-profit events.
Concert Etiquette (Focus on “Classical” Settings)
Before curtain:
House lights dim → conversations cease, phones off, candy unwrapped.
Performer entrances:
Orchestra: concertmaster enters → tunes to oboe ; audience applauds; conductor enters → orchestra stands → audience applauds again.
When to clap
After complete works, not between movements.
Unsure? Follow seasoned listeners—never lead!
Late entry / early exit
Stand quietly at doors; move only during applause or intermission.
Note-taking: small notebook & pen OK; no glowing screens or recorders.
During & After the Performance
Stay still; even candy-wrapper noise breaks immersion for performers & patrons.
Mid-concert talking acceptable only during applause breaks.
Vocal praise: “Bravo!” (male), “Brava!” (female), “Bravi!” (group), “Bravissimo!” (exuberant).
Encore frenzy: sustained stomping, cheering may coax extra piece—often virtuosic and not listed in program.
Course Assignment: Concert Report
Requirements:
Attend one live performance (any genre allowed, but try something new—opera, symphony, chamber, jazz).
Keep & submit the program as appendix.
Write analytical report applying active-listening concepts (describe elements, context, personal reaction).
Ticket-Finding Resources (Professor’s Curated List)
High-profile vendors: Ticketmaster.
Discount / student-friendly:
Goldstar, Eventbrite, TodayTix (app), Bachtrack, PacificSymphony.org, ValleyPerformingArtsCenter.org (CSUN), Los-Angeles-Theater.com.
Community / niche: PerformingArtsAlive.com, Dorothyswebsite, Mim.org, AndyHiFi 50webs.
Strategy: check college music-dept calendars (LAMC, CSUN, USC, UCLA) for recitals & ensemble concerts.
Practical & Philosophical Takeaways
Ethical/Professional respect: silence phones, respect start times, minimize disturbances—honors labor of countless creators (composers → marketers).
Cultural literacy: understanding classical roots enriches appreciation of modern hits and informs creative work.
Growth mindset: stepping outside familiar genres fosters open-mindedness and can ignite lifelong concert-going passion—professor’s favorite result each semester.