GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING ON CONCERTS (AND OTHER MUSICAL EVENTS)

Whatever concert, or musical event, you choose to attend, you will be participating in and observing a social situation in which music is an integral part. Rather than focus solely on the music presented (the sound), you should regard the entire event as the subject of inquiry. You might want to make use of a simple version of the model the late Alan Merriam offers in his book The Anthropology of Music. He recommends examining all music from a three-point perspective: 1) as sound, 2) as concept, 3) as behavior.

The following questions, organized according to Merriam's three concerns, should help you focus your observations. As you organize your thoughts, consider how your perspective on these concerns might change depending on whether you view them from the standpoint of the performer, the audience (or any participant), or the organizer(s).

Music as sound

• What music is presented? (style(s), repertoire - i.e. selections of works or songs)
• How do the musical selections performed compare to examples discussed in class and in your text? Make specific comparisons, mentioning titles of works, composers, and relevant characteristics.
• .Does the music encourage certain kinds of behavior?

Music as concept

• Why do you think the performers have chosen the repertoire performed?
• Why do you think the organizers have chosen these performers, this music, this locale?
• Does this music, or its location, or the audience (or any combination of these conditions) project a particular attitude or perspective?

Music as behavior

• How do people (all categories) act at this event?
• Who interacts with whom and when? (performers among themselves, performers with other participants, participants among each other, etc.)
• What role does the music play in encouraging (or discouraging) interaction? (dancing, sitting, praying, etc.)
• Does there appear to be any prescribed or expected behaviors (rules)?
• What role does the locale play in determining musical behavior? Are performers obligated to operate in certain ways?
• Are there important props for this event? (printed material, decorations, etc.) How do people respond to them?
• How are people dressed? Does their dress match other features of the event?

Write a 3-5 page (double-spaced type, with standard margins) analysis of the event. Your goal is to explain the nature and role of music in this situation. Make every effort to connect your observations to the issues we have been examining in class. As always, pay attention to the requested format and the criteria for good writing.