writing an email reviewing a concert

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A quick and easy guide to writing concert reviews

How to write a concert review in six eight nine easy steps!

Concert reviews can provide valuable experience to the beginning writer. Here are some steps and pro tips for reviews that will serve fans and non-fans alike. 

Done right, the concert review provides a valuable service. Part reportage, part boosterism, a concert review can give both fans and non-fans a glimpse of what it’s like to see a musician or band in action. A review can also validate and/or illuminate (or not) the concert experience for those who were there.

For budding music journalists (or arts reporters in general), covering a show is fairly straightforward writing practice. Unlike an album review, say, a concert review requires no particular point-of-view, i.e. critical thinking. Nor is it necessary to talk to anyone, as one would have to for an interview/profile piece.

Using journalistic skills like research, observation, and note-taking, the writer can approach a show review  as an exercise in straight reportage.  (Of course, the writer chooses the facts and observations. So some perspective and context are involved.)  Applying these skills to a form that attracts enthusiasm more than technique immediately elevates your review above 90 percent of the others on the internet. 

Unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer paying gigs for the prospective concert reviewer. Daily newspapers only cover the biggest arena- and stadium-filling shows. Weeklies, those that survive, devote less and less space to them. Blogs and online magazines have taken up the slack, somewhat, but most can offer only a concert ticket (with a plus-one if you’re lucky).

It’s a labour of love, concert reviewing. On the plus side: experience; a ticket to a show; and maybe a life-changing experience.

Step-by-step concert review writing guide

Choose a show by a musician or band that you know.

A no-brainer, maybe. But it does help to have at least some knowledge/interest in the subject. And if you enjoy the artist’s work, you may be more inspired and energized when it comes time to sit down and write the damn thing. On the other hand, don’t let your prior knowledge lull you into thinking that the reader knows what you know. As an editor, I can’t count the number of times a reviewer has mentioned a song as though the reader should know something about it. Also, don’t get carried away by your enthusiasm. Save the poetry for your journal. Unless you’re an actual poet .

Do some research

You can do this after the show. But I recommend researching beforehand. You may or may not use what you learn but at least you have a few facts in your back pocket.

When researching, here are a few things to look for:

• The latest release. Is it an album, an EP, a song, a video, an art installation? Find out. The show/tour is probably in support of it. You’ll want to be familiar with the new product if only to be able to authoritatively drop song titles into the review. Pro tip: reach out to the band’s publicist (if they have one) for a digital copy. The publicist’s email can usually be found in the “about” section of the artist’s Facebook page.

• The tour. Did the artist just roll out of bed? Try to find out if the show that you are reviewing is at the beginning, middle or end. Usually, if it’s the beginning or end it will be relevant to the review. Even if it’s just a random date in the middle, it might account for a lack-lustre show. Dropping this kind of info into the review is just the kind of thing to give you credibility with the reader.

• Names. Try to find out the names of everyone in the band, if there’s a replacement musician for the tour etc. This is another detail that lends your review credibility. An artist’s homepage is usually less up-to-date in this regard than a Facebook page.

• The opener. It’s not necessary to see the opener, or to include in your review. However, I recommend catching at least a few minutes of their set. It’s worth writing about the opener if they’re a) local, b) extremely good or bad, and/or c) blowing up in some way (i.e. a YouTube video going viral). You don’t want to be the reviewer who missed the Next Big Thing because you were too lazy to get your ass down to the venue in time.

I cannot emphasize this enough. Nothing separates the amateur from the pro like a notepad. Do these ramblings have to be legible? No. Just the act of writing stuff down helps you remember .

For note-taking, I prefer the old-fashioned way, a lined notepad to a cellphone. Sure, it looks dorky, but it’s also empowering—like wearing a fedora with a “Press” card in the hatband. (Okay, maybe that’s not that empowering.) Whatever you decide, here are some things to note of:

• how many people were onstage? What did they play? Did they switch instruments? Was it one guy with a laptop?

• what were some of the songs played? If you’re not sure, write down some lyrics so you can Google them later. Or ask the nearest rabid fan who is mouthing the words.

• were there any guests? I.e., did Courtney Love show up and disrupt the set ?

• were any cover songs included?

• what was the energy like on the part of the performer(s), on the part of the audience? Did it change?

• did anyone say anything memorable between songs? Of course not, they’re musicians. Still, including some between-song banter again scores credibility points (there’s no algorithm for this as yet, unfortunately). Incorporating quotes is also another handy journalism technique that requires practice before it becomes second nature. Plus, quotes breaks up the copy.

• how many people in the audience? Was the show packed, sold-out, half-full? Were they begging people to come in off the streets? How is this different from the last time the same act played in town?

• Was there anything interesting/unusual about the stage set-up?

Pro tip: never mind about the sound. No one cares.

Arrive early (but not too early). Stay until the end

Your ride is leaving, buses stop running soon, you can’t afford a cab, the bouncers have your boyfriend down on the ground and are kicking his ribs in. It doesn’t matter: stay until the end. You don’t want to find out later that the band had a fistfight onstage.

If you do have to leave, make a note of it in the review. However, be aware that your credibility score is at risk in the mind of the reader.

Likewise, arrive early. I mentioned catching the opening band(s). But an early arrival also lets you stake out a decent spot. It also gives you a chance to take stock of your fellow-concertgoers, the venue, the stage set-up, etc.

Work on the review ASAP

As soon as you can, take ten minutes to write about the show—general impressions, what stood out, general description as though you were describing it to a friend, anything that comes to mind. Try not to consult your notes. Then, sleep on it. You’ll be amazed to find, when you sit down to writing the actual review, how much of the work has been done. Not to mention, you may wake up with some additional thoughts. The notes you make directly after the event is usually the stuff that stays (and slays).

Write a second (and third) draft

As above, this is more of a general writing rule. For many writers, the first draft is only a starting-point. Get it all down, then see what can be cut. See what can be moved around. See what’s necessary and what can go. Work on a through-line; does the end flow naturally from the beginning?

Pro tip: write the first draft in a rush. Then cut the first three or four paragraphs and let the review begin at this new starting point. If there was any important info in those first three paras, you can include later in the review. Often, in a first draft the first three paras are full of either factual (“The band is on its third album”) or personal (“I arrived at the venue but had to stand in line for an hour”) info that can (and should) be excised.

Assume the reader knows nothing

Just because you know that the singer’s new song went viral on Snapchat doesn’t mean your reader does. Write so that both fan and the uninformed can get something out of the review. Include enough detail for the former and enough general info for the latter.

Write in third-person

First-person reviews are okay for a blog. But writing in third-person guards against the review becoming too much about the reviewer. (This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. This Butthole Surfers in Vancouver concert review is written in first person and sort of works.) And a review written in the third-person reads more professionally—the writer comes across not just as some gushing fan but as someone who’s done his/her homework.

Pro tip: If I’m writing a review and find it absolutely necessary to bring in my personal bias, I will instead refer to myself as “this reviewer.” I.e.: “The fans loved it, but for this reviewer, the addition of a 20-minute version of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ sung by children in angels’ costumes was over-the-top.”

When stuck, follow this simple, easy-to-use template

Stuck? Here is how I would break down a review.

1st (and maybe 2nd para)—A grabby opener. Something dramatic or interesting/unusual. This could be something about the artist, or the tour, or the show. Or it could be a moment during the evening. It could be a particularly telling bit of audience interaction (“Without warning, Chris Martin jumped into the audience”) or dramatic/humourous incident in the performance (“Midway through the set, Martin broke down and told us about his mom”).

2nd, 3rd and/or 4th paras—Actual info/context. This is where your research comes into play. I.e.: “With their viral video, Mouthbastard is the hottest band out of Salt Lake City since the Trepanning Satanists”), context of the show (part of a tour for a new album), even lineup (“This was Groper’s first show since the loss of their founding tympani player, Hiram Phinbottom”).

4th and 5th paragraphs—Songs played, atmosphere of show, individual musicianship, highlights, low-lights (this is where, if you have one, you can express your opinion), onstage banter, crowd interaction. Remember those notes?

6th para—Wrap-up. Sometimes the hardest para. It’s easy to slip into cliché here: “Hopefully, they’ll be back again soon” is a standard and deathly dull way to wrap things up. In a well-constructed review, the end will tie-in (perhaps answering a question) with the opening paragraph, and conclude the arc of the review.

Random notes:

Genres—Most of my experience is writing rock/pop concert reviews. Most of the same rules apply, however. Exceptions are hip-hop and EDM shows, which as younger genres come with a different set of expectations. I.e., it’s perfectly acceptable for artists in either genre to rely on pre-recorded music, something that is (or would have been) anathema at a rock show.

Photos—You can try taking your own, if you can get close enough (or if you have a good enough camera). You can also make friends with a photog at the show—identifiable by his or her large camera—and ask if you can use a photo. Most will say yes, as long as you credit them. I wouldn’t recommend downloading random live shots from Google images as these are the property of the photographer and/or artist. You can also request publicity images from the band’s publicist or reach out to the concert promoter to see if they have any images you can use.

Style guides—If you’re writing for a publication, make sure you know their style guidelines, especially when it comes to things like song titles (in quotations?) and album titles (italicized)?

Check in with yourself—During the performance, periodically ask yourself what you are experiencing. Are you mesmerized, or are you thinking about that load of laundry you forgot to take out of the dryer?

Fact-check EVERYTHING. But this really goes for any piece of writing. Also, proofread, and look for clichés.

Run everything through the Hemingway app . This will help you avoid passive sentences, unnecessary adverbs and lengthy sentences (something or which many of us, including me, have a tendency towards).

Next: how to write a press release

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How to Write a Concert Review

MUS 121 typically uses concert reviews as a primary medium of writing. Concert reviews are structured as follows.

Introduction

Introduce concert title

• Concert titles are put in quotation marks in MLA
• Voi che is a work within an opera, and Le Nozzi is the opera

Give your overall impression of the concert

• Did you like the concert? Were there any aspects you did not like? Briefly mention this.

Outline structure of concert

• Talk about the songs played in the concert using their titles and composer names. Briefly describe how they sounded to you (i.e. jovial or somber).

Mention important names

• Mention any featured conductors or performers (especially with concertos).

Concert hard facts

Describe the ensemble’s instrumentation (and if it changes).

Talk about the song tone.

• Was the piece fast or slow? Did it emote a specific type of emotion? Were there many parts to the song?

Mention any extra anomalies that occurred (i.e. special announcements, strings breaking, or lighting issues).

Experience review

This is where you elaborate on how the concert made you feel, what types of emotions you thought the concert or a piece conveyed, talk about any images that it may have reminded you of, and any other ideas or opinions you experience in this setting.

Tie up any final thoughts, your opinion on your overall experience, and future ideas you may want to address at another concert.

Contributed by: Cameo Flores

How to Write a Concert Review: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Concert reviews are crucial aspects of music journalism, offering insightful opinions on live performances to readers. They serve several purposes, including giving potential concertgoers a sense of what to expect, critiquing the performers' skills and production, and sharing personal experiences and impressions. In this article, we offer a step-by-step guide to help you write an excellent concert review.

Understanding the Purpose of a Concert Review

Before writing a review, you should understand why it's essential. First off, reviews provide insight for people considering attending a concert. By reading your review, they can learn about the performers, their style of music, and their overall performance. Moreover, reviews help critique the performers' skills, production, and atmosphere. Additionally, reviews let you share your personal experiences and impressions with your readers.

Providing Insight for Potential Concertgoers

As a concert reviewer, your writing should target people who haven't attended the performance in question. Consequently, your first task is to provide a sense of what the performance was like. You should describe the venue, what kind of music the performers played, and what the atmosphere was like. Also, describe what made the concert unique, exciting, or disappointing.

For instance, if the concert was held in a stadium, you could describe the size of the venue, the seating arrangement, and the stage setup. You could also mention how the performers interacted with the audience and whether the crowd was enthusiastic or subdued. If the concert featured multiple artists, you could describe how they complemented each other and whether there was a standout performer.

Furthermore, you could provide information about the performers' background, including their previous albums, awards, and collaborations. This information could help potential concertgoers understand the performers' style of music and what to expect from the concert.

Critiquing the Performance and Production

As mentioned earlier, the concert review should provide a critique of various aspects of the concert. You should, for example, offer your thoughts on the performers' musical skills, pitch, and general technical ability. You can also comment on the quality of production, including lighting, sound, and stage setup. As an expert, you can tell when the performers did well and where they could improve.

For instance, you could comment on the lead singer's vocal range, the drummer's timing, or the bassist's groove. You could also mention whether the sound was balanced, whether the lighting was appropriate, and whether the stage setup was creative. Moreover, you could mention whether the performers engaged with the audience, whether they interacted with each other, and whether they played any new or unreleased songs.

Sharing Personal Experiences and Impressions

Unlike traditional reviews, concert reviews give you the freedom to offer a personal perspective on the concert. Were you impressed by the lead singer's stage presence or the guitarist's solo? Share your thoughts and feelings with your readers. Were you disappointed by the low turnout, or were you amazed by the energy in the crowd? Let your audience know.

For example, you could describe how you felt when the performers played your favorite song, or how you reacted when the lead singer invited the audience to sing along. You could also mention whether you met any interesting people at the concert, whether you bought any merchandise, or whether you would attend the same concert again.

In conclusion, writing a concert review requires you to provide insight, critique, and personal experiences. By doing so, you can help potential concertgoers make informed decisions, offer constructive feedback to performers and production teams, and share your passion for music with your readers.

Preparing for the Concert

Now that you understand why concert reviews are crucial let's dive into the preparation process. The first step is to research the performers and venue. By knowing more about the concert, you're in a better position to write a compelling review.

Researching the Performers and Venue

Find out about the performers' background, previous performances, and style of music. Such information will help you put the performance in context. It is also essential to understand the venue settings. You can find out about the seating arrangements and ticket prices as well as how to access the venue.

Familiarizing Yourself with the Setlist and Musical Style

Familiarize yourself with the setlist and musical style of the performers. Understanding this information will help you follow the performance as it progresses, allowing you to provide informed commentary. Additionally, it allows you to better appreciate and enjoy the concert.

Bringing Necessary Materials for Note-taking

Remember to carry a notebook and pen to help you take notes during the concert. Jot down anything that catches your attention, including lyrics, musical arrangements, and anything else that stands out. All these notes will help you write a comprehensive review later.

Attending the Concert

Once you've done the necessary preparation, it is time to attend the concert. This section outlines what you should do to ensure you have an excellent concert experience.

Observing the Atmosphere and Crowd

First off, take time to observe the atmosphere and crowd. Notice how people are dressed, their age, and what they are doing. Also, look at the ambiance and the overall energy in the venue. Is the crowd enthusiastic? Are people dancing? Observe the general atmosphere and how it relates to the concert.

Paying Attention to the Performances

During the concert, you must pay attention to the performances. Look out for the performers' musical abilities, visuals, instrumental solos, and any other elements that stand out. Take note of anything that strikes you as noteworthy.

Noting Standout Moments and Key Details

As the concert progresses, you might notice standout moments and key details. Maybe the drummer had an extended solo, the crowd sang along to a song, or there was a special guest. Jot all these details done. They make great talking points in the review.

Writing the Concert Review

Structuring your review.

Now that the concert is done, it's time to structure the review. Start with an introduction that provides an overview of the concert and the performers. Follow this with the body of the review, where you comment on various aspects of the performance. Finally, conclude with a brief summary of the concert.

Describing the Concert Experience

As you begin your review, describe your experience at the concert. Share details that help readers understand how the event was from your perspective.

Analyzing the Performances and Production

Next, analyze the performances and production by describing what the performers did exceptionally well and where they could improve. Offer constructive criticism and give reasons for it. Also, comment on the quality of production, including stage setup, lighting, and sound quality.

Providing a Balanced and Fair Critique

Ensure your review is balanced and fair. Avoid excessively praising the performers or over-criticizing them. Instead, provide a moderate critique that highlights the concert's strengths and weaknesses.

ChatGPT Prompt for Writing a Concert Review

Use the following prompt in an AI chatbot . Below each prompt, be sure to provide additional details about your situation. These could be scratch notes, what you'd like to say or anything else that guides the AI model to write a certain way.

Compose a detailed and thorough analysis of a live musical performance, including your observations and opinions on the musicians, their instruments, the venue, the atmosphere, and any other relevant aspects that contributed to the overall experience.

[ADD ADDITIONAL CONTEXT. CAN USE BULLET POINTS.]

Writing a concert review is both informative and entertaining. It allows you to share your thoughts and feelings about a performance, while also critiquing it in a constructive manner. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can write an excellent review that provides insight and entertainment to potential concertgoers.

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How to Write a Concert Review

MUS 121 typically uses concert reviews as a primary medium of writing. Concert reviews are structured as follows.

Introduction

Introduce concert title

• Concert titles are put in quotation marks in MLA
• Voi che is a work within an opera, and Le Nozzi is the opera

Give your overall impression of the concert

• Did you like the concert? Were there any aspects you did not like? Briefly mention this.

Outline structure of concert

• Talk about the songs played in the concert using their titles and composer names. Briefly describe how they sounded to you (i.e. jovial or somber).

Mention important names

• Mention any featured conductors or performers (especially with concertos).

Concert hard facts

Describe the ensemble’s instrumentation (and if it changes).

Talk about the song tone.

• Was the piece fast or slow? Did it emote a specific type of emotion? Were there many parts to the song?

Mention any extra anomalies that occurred (i.e. special announcements, strings breaking, or lighting issues).

Experience review

This is where you elaborate on how the concert made you feel, what types of emotions you thought the concert or a piece conveyed, talk about any images that it may have reminded you of, and any other ideas or opinions you experience in this setting.

Tie up any final thoughts, your opinion on your overall experience, and future ideas you may want to address at another concert.

Contributed by: Cameo Flores

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• Writing Tips

5 Tips on How to Write a Live Music Review

• 5-minute read
• 27th March 2021

When you write a live music review, you want to capture the experience of being there. But how do you write an engaging gig or concert review? We have some tips to help aspiring writers write reviews that will capture the imagination:

• Prepare for the gig by doing some basic research on the artist(s), checking the details of the gig and venue, and making sure you arrive in plenty of time.
• Take notes about the gig while it is happening, including the songs played, the audience reaction, and any notable elements of the performance.
• Don’t overindulge! It’s fine to have a bit of fun while you’re out, but you won’t be able to write a review if you don’t remember the gig!
• After the gig, organize your notes and plan how you will write up your review.
• Before publishing it, reread your review and get it proofread.

Find out more on all the tips above with our guide below.

1. Be Prepared

Preparation is important if you want to write a good live music review:

• Do a little research on the artist – You don’t need to know everything about the performers to write a review, but it can help to know what you’re expecting. If you don’t know the artist (or the support acts), look them up online.
• Look up the venue and gig details – Make sure you know exactly where and when the gig is happening, along with performance times (if available). You should also check whether the venue permits photography if you plan to take photos. You may even be able to organize a press pass with a little planning.
• Make sure you have everything you need – While reviewing a gig isn’t equipment heavy, you’ll want some way to take notes and possibly a camera.

Make sure you arrive with plenty of time before the gig starts. After all, if you miss the concert or part of the performance, you won’t be able to write a review!

2. Take Notes

You should take some notes during the concert so that you don’t forget any key points. Some things worth noting are:

• The set list – Note down the songs played, including any new material. You may even be able to get a set list after the gig (or take a photo of one).
• The atmosphere – Note down the feeling in the room before and after the gig, as well as the audience’s reaction during the performance.
• The performance – Make at least a few notes on the overall performance, as well as notable events such as costume changes or an impressive light show.
• Technical issues – While it might not be the performer’s fault, make sure to note any problems (e.g., poor sound quality) that affect the quality of the gig.

However, don’t get so bogged down in taking notes that you fail to engage with the performance. Just jot down the key points and enjoy yourself!

3. Don’t Overindulge!

We know, we just told you to enjoy yourself! But you don’t want to enjoy yourself to the point where you can’t remember anything about the gig, lose your notes, or get ejected from the venue (certainly an impediment to writing a review).

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A glass of wine or pint of beer is fine. But if you get drunk you won’t take good notes and you might forget things that happened, which is not good journalism!

4. Plan Your Review

Before you write your review, go back through your notes and pick out key details. After this, you can plan your review, breaking it down into a series of paragraphs.

A few helpful tips that you can apply to any review include:

• Think about whether your readers will know the artist already. If not, you can give some background information, but don’t overload your review with trivia!
• Check information online if you’re not sure about anything (e.g., names of band members, song lyrics you might have misheard).
• Use storytelling – such as relating your experience of the gig in the first person – to give your readers the sense of being there at the concert.
• Be honest about your opinions, even if it was the worst gig of all time ! Make sure to explain why you liked or disliked things.

Think about where you plan to publish it, too. If it is for your own music blog, you are free to write as much as you want in whatever style you please! But if you’re writing for another publication, make sure to stick to any word limit you were given.

5. Have Your Live Music Review Proofread

When you have finished drafting your live music review, take a break before rereading it. This will help you to spot any errors. It will also give you a chance to revise anything that isn’t clear or add any key details you forgot to include.

Once you have revised your work, you might also want to get it proofread . This will ensure you produce a professional, error-free review for your readers.

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Amazing Concert Review: How to Start?

Reviews are probably the most casual types of written assignments because they combine both: reporting on an issue and providing your own opinion. Its main goal is to evaluate and provide information on the regular events: shopping at the mall and judging the quality of items, watching a movie or reading a new book . Every time we do something we judge people, atmosphere or plot even without noticing it.

Luckily, reviews are so different in shapes and topics that they don’t have a common structure. There are many genres that students may choose: evaluating musicals, movies, books, TV shows, places and much more! However, the main goal remains the same: to give an evaluation of the chosen topic.

It may seem quite a simple task to provide your own ideas and judgments on the topic. Although there are still many rules that you should follow, all of the claims must be supported with evidence. It is not simply an interpretation of the topic but also arguments-based research on the chosen issue.  You need to make the reader believe your point of view.

Concert review is not the most common assignment students may get. You should describe not only musicians but also evaluate location, time, atmosphere and even response of the audience. In addition, you need to compare the chosen concert with other concerts to give readers a broader picture of the topic.

If you have troubles writing a concert review or it is actually your first review of such kind, go on reading, and essay writing company will give you all the tips you should know for a great result!

Understanding Background Knowledge of Your Audience

To write a catchy and interesting review, you should not only provide a chronology of events but also analyze the musical genre, have a solid understanding of the theory and various musical styles.

Another important element before getting started is to know your audience. For example, if you are writing for teenagers, you need to concentrate on describing the performers: their outlook, behavior, dialogues and so on. However, if you write the review for your teachers, it is better to write about the composition, plot, engaged interests, and expression to show how well you have mastered the genre.

What Does Your Audience Want to Know?

In most cases, readers are interested in getting the general picture of the concert and its impact on the writer. However, if you are writing for people, who have a deep understanding and interest of musical genres, pedagogy, and instruments, don’t forget to include those details to your review.

If you are writing for an audience that is interested in technical aspects, write about the scene, location, light, sound, and other important details. However, there are things which all of the readers not depending on their interests are willing to know: whether the instruments were appropriate for the piece, how the audience reacted and so on.

Your Writing Style

Information you provide is not the only thing that matters. You should be equally attentive to the way you express your ideas in order to engage the reader. When writing a concert review, you should be both formal and informal .

Try to avoid personal pronouns, like ‘I,’ ‘you’ and ‘your’: they always show that you are subjective on the topic and the readers may doubt whether your opinion should be trusted.

In addition, if you want to make your review professional and catchy, you need to avoid clichés and general terms, like ‘interesting.’ Try to find synonyms instead, for example, ‘appealing’ or ‘outstanding.’

How to Write a Remarkable Concert Review?

If you want to get a high grade and to engage the reader, understanding music and listening to various concerts is a must. Your ability to put impression into words is one of the key features you need to master if you expect a great result.

Writing a concert review consists of two stages: on the first one you need to attend the event or listen to the audio, and on the second you need to write everything down.  Below we have collected all of the stages and elements you need to include to your concert review.

Stages of Pre-writing

Carefully read guidelines.

Concert review is quite a vivid assignment, so greatly depends on circumstances and requirements. For example, if you are writing for a teacher, you need to follow a particular formatting style and to make sure to include all of the required elements. However, if you are writing a paper article, it is important to know the audience.

Get the Tickets Beforehand

To make sure that you get the best seats, from where the scene and performers will be clearly seen, it is better to buy the tickets well in advance.

Make Notes During the Concert

This is one of the most challenging but yet important stages because the quality of your review greatly depends on how well you will write down all of the important details. Remember, you need to pay attention not only to the concert itself but also to the time and location, clothes of musicians, lighting, general atmosphere and much more. You can also make notes on the dialogues on stage and among visitors.

Write Down Performed Compositions

It is important to provide readers with information on what compositions made up the concert. If you miss any of the pieces, it is better to contact concert managers and to get a list of the compositions that were played. Later in your text, you can tell which of them you liked more and why.

Tell About the Musicians

You need to write down your impressions from performers. Where they good or bad? However, back your opinion with reasons why you consider performers good, average or bad. Make notes whether performers shared powerful energy with the audience. Don’t forget to notice gestures, mimics and other important details on stage.

Additionally, concentrate on the leading singers: were they confident? How well did they interact with the audience? Did they use all space on stage?

Examine the Audience

It is a well-known fact that part of the performance depends on how well the audience responds. Of course, you need to focus on musicians, but there is also a need to notice the mood of the audience.

Not depending on the goal of your concert review, your readers will be interested in the concert atmosphere, so make notes on the audience, its quantity, age and response to the concert.

Writing Stage

The second stage starts right after you leave the concert and must contain the following elements:

Introduction

In the first part of your review, you need to provide all of the important details considering the concert — for example, its title and date, venue, names of musicians and ensembles. You can also give details on the location to provide readers with a broader picture. This is especially important for readers, who are not familiar with the area. You also need to mention whether the concert took place in the evening or at night.

Description

Main paragraphs of your review must contain a description of various compositions that were played during the concert. Here is when your notes come in hand. Devote a separate paragraph to every composition or aspect you want to highlight.

The format of your description greatly depends on the musical genre, but you should still mention composition’s title, name of the composer and information on the audience’s reaction on the discussed piece.

Evaluation section is the heart of your review because it contains your personal opinion based on the information you have provided in the previous body paragraphs. Here you should tell readers about the general experience of the concert. Tell the audience whether it was worth seeing or not. What made it different from other similar events? Here you can also include information about musicians, interesting facts, history and so on.

In this part, you must provide both positive and negative thoughts on the performance. Was there anything that the concert lacked? What things could improve the show?

In the evaluation section, you should also tell about the audience’s response. What songs or musicians got more applauds? Don’t forget to evaluate the organization of the event. It is also important to tell about the quality of music and sound, as well as of musical instruments. You can also compare the live and the studio versions: were they very different? Which one was better?

The closing paragraph of your review must be a summary of your experience and impression of the concert. In this section, you can mention whether the concert met your expectations. Remember that conclusion is for summarizing and not for providing any new information and details.

Closing Thoughts

Writing a concert review is quite different from other writing assignments, and it may take lots of time and preparation. Your main goal is to experience different emotions and then to render them to your target audience. If you want to create a great review, it is important to have a deep understanding of music and to understand format peculiarities. Hopefully, the tips above will be of great help!

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Writing a Concert Review: Tips from a Conservatory Student

• Post author By Daniel Hagenbuch
• Post date February 15, 2022
• No Comments on Writing a Concert Review: Tips from a Conservatory Student

How do I write about the music I hear at a concert? 

Most undergraduate students will face this question at some point during their time at Wheaton, as Introduction to Music professors ask their students to submit written concert reviews. 

Introduction to Music (MUCS101) serves as a general education requirement for students outside of the conservatory of music. Dr. John Rakes, who has been on the Music faculty since 2014, describes this course as “a chronological-historical approach toward an understanding of music” with a specific focus on “great musical works of the Western tradition.” Dr. Rakes also highlights the value of developing a “coherent, Christ centered, theology of the Arts.” 

As part of this course, professors ask their classes to attend at least one concert during the quad. During these concerts, students must make detailed observations, as these descriptions form the basis of their concert review papers.

While attending a concert is an exciting event, many students may feel outside of their comfort zone when tasked with this type of writing assignment. Students will likely have questions such as…

What musical terms should I use to express the sounds I hear?

How do i best describe how the musicians appear on stage.

Some students may not even know where to start. They might have questions that include…

Where should I go to conduct my research?

How do I find concerts to attend?

Let’s address the last question first: How do I find concerts to attend?

One way to discover an upcoming concert is simply to walk around campus! As Publicity Manager of the Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra, I know that conservatory ensembles promote their performances by hanging posters all around campus. You can find plenty of concert options posted in the stairwells of Armerding or Lower Beamer.

Not all students are aware that the Conservatory of Music holds performances or “open recitals” every Thursday at 1:15pm that are open to all students. Open recitals last about 50 minutes and include performances by current music majors. If you are in class during this time however, no worries! There are plenty of other on campus concert opportunities.

Visit www.wheaton.edu/calendar-of-events to find a concert that interests you. Also, check out www.wheaton.edu/streaming to watch free live streams of music performances.

After attending a concert, students should gather background info and conduct additional research before writing their reviews. The program notes section of a recital or concert booklet is a good place to start, as this section often includes composer biographies with dates and brief summaries of the compositions performed. 

In addition, students should seek primary and secondary sources in order to write meaningful concert reviews. Physical copies of music resources including scores are located in the south half of Buswell’s lower level; here, you will find writings detailing the work of composers whose music you heard performed. 

If a concert features composers of the late 20th and 21st centuries, you may have better results conducting online research. Buswell’s music librarian Keith Eiten recommends using the “Music Index” search tool under Research Databases – or in the case of a living composer, visiting their personal website to gather information about their music. In some instances, the bottom of a composer’s Wikipedia page will have links to reputable sources such as newspaper articles or video interviews.

Now that you have conducted your research, it’s time to write your review. Some professors may request a concert review with two parts: a musical description and a personal analysis. According to Dr. Rakes, about half of the concert review should “describe what you experience, see, and hear.” The musical description portion should draw from your research of historical context and contain a discussion of musical elements present in the compositions.

Note that these directions do not ask for a personal opinion of the music! In casual conversation, college students are known to comment on music using phrases such as “it was good, I liked that song” or even “the vibes were chill,” but this informal language lacks the clarity and objectivity needed for writing an academic concert review. 

Instead, musicians tend to analyze pieces based on four main components found in music:

• Melody & harmony → These are elements related to pitch; we identify pitch by the highness or lowness of a sound. The melody in a piece of music is the most prominent sequence of notes, which often repeats throughout the piece. Harmony, meanwhile, takes the form of chords that support the melody.

Ex: When listening to the first movement of Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major , I could hear the violin soloist playing the melody in a higher register with the orchestra supporting the soloist, playing lower harmonies.  

• Rhythm → Rhythm relates to the arrangement of musical sounds over a period of time. Composers usually organize rhythms into groups of beats that reflect a meter: a way of establishing pulse in music (you can tap your foot along to a steady pulse).

Ex: I sensed a regular pulse throughout much of the symphony’s fourth movement due to the steady offbeats in the horns.

• Texture → Texture describes the number of independent lines in a piece of music, which often correlates to the size of an ensemble. For instance, a symphony orchestra will have a thicker texture than a piano solo with a more thin sounding texture.

Ex: During the performance of Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major , I noticed that the music had a mostly thin texture with only a few musical lines, a common trait of the classical period.

• Timbre → Pronounced “tam-ber,” timbre focuses on the sound quality of instruments in a piece of music. Some examples of timbre include balanced, bright, and dark sounds. Generally, higher pitched instruments (flute, glockenspiel) will have brighter timbres.

Ex: In Debussy’s La Mer , I observed that the most prominent melodies were given to the upper voices (violins, flutes, oboes, trumpets) of the orchestra, creating a brighter timbre.

With these concepts in mind combined with your research findings, you can provide a more detailed account of your concert experience. When listening to a piece, see if you can identify which instruments have the melody, whether the meter is steady or unclear, and what timbre or tone color certain instruments produce. Does a composer write repeated rhythms for the violas? Does the bassoon ever get the melody? Take note of features like these in the music and incorporate these thoughts into your concert review.

Finally, a concert review should recap observations seen from the audience’s perspective with regard to the musicians on stage. For example, some observations may include the uniformity of attire across members of an ensemble, a conductor’s varied gestures, the synchronized movements of a string section, or the facial expressions of a brass player. Do the musicians read from sheet music or do they have their music memorized? You can address how the musicians are positioned on the stage; perhaps seats are configured in a semicircle around the conductor or vocalists stand on several sets of risers. If a concert has an intermission, try sitting in a new location to get a different view of the stage.

Some concert reviews for Introduction to Music may also require a section demonstrating how the concert has made a personal impact: the analysis half of the review. Be sure to raise any questions you have about the performance in this section along with connections to other past experiences. Maybe the conductor shared a surprising story about the music or you have questions about the text from a vocal piece. At times, the style of one composer’s music may reflect that of another composer; for instance, Stravinsky’s 1924 piano sonata may remind you of a Bach invention. Think about how the pieces of music compare to your listening habits – what do the composers have in common with your favorite artists?

Music is a communal activity

Although not everyone has musical training or plays a musical instrument, the ability to engage with music is not restricted to a certain group of people. By reading, writing, and listening to music, we become participants in the activity of music. In fact, author and musicologist Christopher Small uses the term “musicking” and claims that music is a verb, not a noun . When we write about music, we are invited on stage, as writing empowers us to become part of the performance.

I encourage you to support Wheaton’s student musicians by attending recitals and concerts. We love sharing our music with you and we’re always delighted to have you join us!

Works Cited:

Small, Christopher. Musicking : the Meanings of Performing and Listening. Hanover: University Press of New England, 1998.

• Tags analysis , community , concert review , conservatory , events , harmony , introduction to music , john rakes , keith eiten , melody , music , research , texture , timbre

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How to write compelling concert reviews

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Reviews are a dime a dozen these days, but a great live review by an engaging author can still make the difference between a tour’s success or failure.

Ah, the concert review. It has been a staple of entertainment journalism longer than almost any other feature, appearing long before recorded music was even thought possible, and it will most likely outlast us all. Why? For starters, the financial risk in seeing virtually any show is much higher than consuming a single song, album, or movie. Most people will risk $10 on a new release, but far fewer people are willing to spend $30 (or in many cases, much more) to see a performance whose quality is uncertain.

Then there’s the YouTube problem. Just last week, I saw Kelly Clarkson tell a crowd of thousands at Van Andel Arena how much she appreciated their attendance by admitting, “I don’t know if I like anyone enough to leave my house. You could have watched this whole thing on YouTube from your couch, but you’re here, and that means something.”

There are thousands of hours of concert videos on YouTube. In the time it takes to read this article there will likely be hundreds, if not thousands more than when you started. A lot of the clips feature muddy sound and poor video quality, but there remains more than enough decent uploads to sustain those unwilling or unable to purchase tickets for themselves. Just look at this video from the latest Panic! At The Disco tour, which is currently making its way across North America:

The clip above may not duplicate the live experience, but for many, it’s good enough.

These reasons, as well as many others, explain why creating quality live reviews is so important in entertainment today. A compelling live review can determine whether or not a ticket is bought, which plays a role in whether or not artists can support themselves and continue to create.

The importance of criticism in regards to concerts is as much about the performers on stage as it is the production, the crowd, and the overall vibe of the event. Journalists can speak to all these elements on a technical level, but what really grabs today’s easily distracted reader is the critic’s own journey. The consumer of your material may never make it to the show in question themselves, and the reasons for that are numerous (schedule, cost, etc.). What they can do, however, is live vicariously through you.

In today’s entertainment writing culture, the key to crafting a great live review lies in learning how to tell a good story — your story. You should consider yourself, your feelings, and everything that goes into a night out on assignment as a vessel for others. Capture as many moments as possible, especially the tiny moments that others in the crowd might miss, and use them to make your story more engaging for the reader. Here are some questions to get you started:

• What is the weather like?
• Is it hot or cold inside the venue?
• Do people look happy to be there?
• When did the venue staff notice people lining up? (Don’t be afraid to ask!)
• What are people in the crowd talking about?
• What are people in the crowd wearing?
• How much time between sets?
• Did the performers engage the audience? If so, how?
• What moments from this show will you remember in six months?
• What would you change, if anything, to improve the night?
• How did you feel during the show?
• Were your expectations met?
• Where were your expectations?

2019 is shaping up to be a banner year for live entertainment. Legendary acts are returning to the stage for a final run, new artists are trying to fill large venues, and there appear to be more festivals than ever before. Everyone who is anyone is trying to get a piece of consumers’ live entertainment budget. The reality is, only a few will succeed, and critics can play an active role in determining who comes out on top.

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A Guide To Writing A Concert Review For Students

• January 31, 2021
• Josh Samuels

Reviews are about expressing your opinion on something; it can be a book, a movie, a bar, or a concert. The thing is, you review things in your mind unconsciously every day. Reviews are about judging a musical performance or the writing of a book, but it comes with more than that. When you express your opinions, you need to back them up with facts and arguments, so that the audience is convinced by them.

Students often find themselves having to write reviews as school assignments. And even though a review does not have a specific structure, it has some rules you need to abide by to make it powerful and convincing. When writing a concert review, it is important to look at some things that could influence the music experience people could have when attending a concert. Here you have a guide to writing concert reviews for students, that we hope will shed some light on what you need to point out.

A review is not convincing and effective enough if the background experience of the reviewer is not rich on the topic. For example, when writing a concert review, you need to have good knowledge of music and live performances, and to have at least attended a few ones. If you want your review to be convincing and people to trust your opinion, you need to prove, from how you express your opinion, that you have some knowledge on the subject.

At the same time, as a concert reviewer, you need to adapt it to your target audience. It is a common student task to write a review, and many teachers are looking forward to reading them. They might be interested in concepts related to music theory, while music fans would be more interested in reading about the concert experience you had. However, many students are already looking for a good source of concert review examples , to understand the points they need to discuss in their review. We have shortly briefed some of them below.

Take Notes During the Concert

Music has a powerful influence on student character development , having the power to inspire, comfort, or motivate them. Concerts and any live performance can boost the mood of students who are attending it. But when you know you need to write a compelling concert review; you need to pay attention to many details and factors that influence your experience. It is therefore important, when attending the concert, to take a notebook and note everything you notice and feel. Or you can directly note your thoughts on your phone. As the experience will be very stimulating and enriching, you might forget some details. So, take notes about the lightning that is on the stage, the venue, the performance of musicians, and their interaction with the public.

Your Overall Impression

Review writing is a subjective process students are involved in. It is your impression of the musical performance and the overall experience that matters. Of course, it has to be backed up by facts, but it is your personal opinion and impression that are shared through a review. This is why many reviews are in disagreement, although they have been written on the same topic. Each human has his reality and sees things through the filter of his personal experiences.

When writing your concert review, it is important to give your overall impression of the concert. How was it? Were there any things you liked? Or others that you disliked?

Concert Details

Many students that write concert reviews focus too much on the musicians and too little on their performance. The latter one is more important, as it is their interaction with the public that matters. Their performance encompasses all their gestures, how they use the stage space, or back-up each other.

Another detail that needs to be pointed out is the songs they have played and their composers if the latter one is relevant (remember about the audience of your review and what they want to know). Briefly mention all these to help the reader imagine the concert atmosphere you will be describing. Why did you find some compositions more beautiful and extraordinary than others? Were they somber? Shortly discuss these.

The Audience

We know that live performances are so dependent on how the public reacts , and this is especially the case of live bands. But the audience reacts to what the band does, so it is like an endless cycle. Even though the focus of your concert review should be the performance of musicians, the audience should not be overlooked. You would want readers to imagine the atmosphere how you felt it, and for this, you need to observe the audience. Were they happy and joyful or bored by the musical performance? Were there any songs they liked more than others? How was the public interacting with the musicians?

Students often need to write concert reviews as school assignments. A concert review should present your personal experience when attending a concert. It should briefly present the compositions, the performance of musicians, and how the audience related to their performance. On top of this, you should express your personal opinion on the concert and back it up with facts, so that your review will be convincing and powerful. Do not forget to take notes during the concert and observe the lightning, the venue, and the gestures of the musicians .

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Young writers: How to review a concert

Written by Keith Stubbs, Head of Education at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, 2008

Who are you writing the review for?

As with any piece of writing, the first thing to think about is the reader. In the case of a Bachtrack Young Reviewer Programme review, the chances are that the readers will be other young people. There might be quite a large range of knowledge of classical music: some will be expert musicians, others will be novices and won’t understand any of the musical jargon.

What do you want to tell them?

You can write about any aspect of the concert: the musicians, the pieces played, the sound, the atmosphere, how it all made you feel. The most important thing is that your writing should be lively, vivid and interesting: you want to give your readers a taste of what it was like to be there. Choose the things that excite you most: they’re sure to be the easiest ones for you to get across to your readers.

There are some things that you’ll definitely want to mention: what were the main works being played, who were they composed by, and who were the main performers (especially the conductor and orchestra if there is one, and any soloists). You’ll particularly want to mention any new works that are being heard for the first time.

Before the concert

Have a look at the concert programme in advance. Do you know these pieces well already, or is there anything that might benefit from a little homework? For instance, if a piece tells a story, or has words, it might be worth reading these beforehand: this is particularly true for opera or choral music, where classical singing styles can make it difficult to hear the words. That way, when you’re in the concert hall, you can concentrate on the music and get the most out of it.

If there’s a new piece on the programme, get there in time to read the programme note, and try and find out a bit about the composer’s other music, so you’re not entirely surprised by what you hear.

During the concert

Listen to the concert with as much concentration as you can. Some critics make notes, but it can be hard to do this without distracting other concertgoers or the performers, which you simply mustn’t do. Others simply rely on their memories, and you may find this easier.

If it’s a work you know, listen out for anything unusual: is the performance faster or slower than you expect, or louder or softer. If it’s different from what you’re used to, do you like it this way? Do you think it’s the way the composer would have wanted it? Try to remember anything that sounds particularly beautiful, or exciting, or any moments that feel special – a particularly grand climax, say, a specially magical hush, or the way someone lingers over a tune. Try and get a sense of how the rest of the audience is responding, too. Is there a real sense of excitement – or is everyone bored stiff?

After the concert Think over your reactions. Was the concert a success? Did you feel you’d enjoyed or been moved by the performances? Which bits stick in your memory as particularly special? Did one performance in the concert stand out from the others? Or was one a disappointment? Try and put your finger on why – you’ll need to explain this to your readers

Writing it up

Try to do your writing the day after the concert (or the same day if it’s a matinée): that way, it will be fresh in your mind.

Don’t be shy about expressing your views, but unless the whole thing was dreadful from beginning to end, be constructive. Real performers, even great ones, make mistakes (that get edited out on their CDs), and it’s easy to get trapped into mentioning all the smallest errors and bad parts, and lose the fact that the vast majority of the piece was played beautifully. It won’t make you sound clever, and won’t make for an interesting review.

Being a published reviewer gives you the change to really influence whether your readers will go and listen to more classical music. When you write a review, be constructive, be entertaining, be fair and be yourself.

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Writing a classical music review combines personal and professional opinions on the event’s overall performance. For some reason, every review writing has a specific goal. For example, most people write a music concert review for academic purposes or to evaluate facts about the musicians or performers.

It’s not only the description of what happened at the music concert but a complete detail including your personal opinion on the entire concert’s quality. However, if you are a fan of music and love writing, here are a few tips you should consider before writing your first review of a classical music concert.

Include Every Negative & Positive Factor

Observe the performances, make a list of compositions & review musicians, introduction, description.

First, you should know that writing a music concert review is not simply a recounting of the event during the show. But it’s an opportunity you get after the event to share your opinion and provide critics on the overall management and performance of the entire concert.

And to do this effectively, you must include every negative and positive side of the situation. When writing a music concert review , include a brief show overview. Whether it was good or bad doesn’t matter.

On the other hand, start creating the outlines of the observations you had in your mind while writing your review . This will help you to organize your thoughts in one place, and you will write more conveniently with a smooth flow of words.

While including the bad or good aspects, don’t forget to explain why you feel this way and what they could do to prevent the bad situation from happening. For example, was that a management fault or the audiences?

The best concert review is the one that includes and demonstrates all of the nuances that make the concert so special. At this point, your observation should be strong enough to evaluate every aspect possible.

Pay close attention to living performances and observe every ins and outs to write a good concert review. The task of observing things would be easier, but converting that observation into writing is a challenging task.

Writing a review for an academic assignment requires you to understand the instructions and requirements. A magazine or newspaper project, however, should know its target audience.

Before entering the event, you must have all the necessary entry tickets (entry tickets). Listen to the music and make notes. In your honest opinion, why did you enjoy the show?

What was the value of attending for your readers? Highlight the points that could have been addressed more effectively.

This information is essential for your readers to know what compositions were performed at the concert. You should determine why some of your pieces stand out to you. The concert manager can obtain an official list of compositions played in the concert.

On the other hand, you should review the performance of musicians and performers while stating your reason for giving a remark. In addition, also include how the stage banter contributed to the performance .

Last but not least, reviewing and observing the stage and performers would be important, but you can’t neglect the value of the audience and how they are acting in the concert.

Your readers want the feeling of the atmosphere of the concert, as it is an integral part of your review. So, you must include which type of people show up at a concert, their ages, which type of music they enjoyed the most, etc.

Integral Phases Of Writing A Music Concert Review

Whether it’s an academic essay, a blog post, or a music concert review, the introduction is the first part of every content that must be compelling and resonate with your targeted audience.

Your music review introduction should have concrete details about the whole body and let readers know what they will read in the whole review. Plus, it would be great if you added a unique and eye-catchy title to excite your readers.

Secondly, if you want to make your review more helpful and authentic, you should add the location of the event, timing, concert areas, and stuff like that so the readers who are not familiar with the place may know the exact location.

The description is also known as the main body of the review. You must include every detail of compositions played during the different times at the musical event. Plus, you must give your honest opinion and elaborate your notes on the musical performances of different musicians and artists.

On the other hand, adding the details about the different genres in a separate paragraph will give more clarity and maintain a flow of words to engage your audience.

Evaluation is the main part of your review that grabs the attention of your readers. At this point, you explain your notes and observations to tell people about the overall performance of the music concert.

Plus, giving your honest opinion and highlighting the issues (if any) will increase the credibility of your music concert review.

And if you want to make your concert review stand out, include different facts and figures about the band’s reputation or anything that you think would engage your audience and is something they never even heard of.

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• A Research Guide
• Writing Guide
• Assignment Writing

How to Write an Interesting Concert Review?

Reviewers’ Background Knowledge

What do your readers want to know, writing style.

 “Sonorous pedals, a tender melody, freshness of musical sound, a deep bassoon solo, mellow horn chorale.”

How Can You Write a Good Concert Review?

Pre-writing phase, read the instructions, note down your observations, make a list of compositions, review musicians, observe the audiences, review writing, review introduction,  review description.

Useful information: Find some great evaluation essay examples .

 Conclusion

Bottom line.

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How To Write A Review Email

Writing a review email can be an effective way to provide feedback or share your thoughts on a product, service, or experience. In this article, we will guide you through the process of writing a review email and provide you with a template to help you get started.

Table of Contents

What To Do Before Writing the Email

Before you start writing your review email, there are a few important steps you should take:

• Research: Gather all the necessary information about the product, service, or experience you want to review. This includes any relevant details like purchase date, order number, or specific features you want to highlight.
• Reflect: Take some time to reflect on your experience or interaction. Think about what stood out to you, both positively and negatively.
• Organize: Outline the main points you want to cover in your review. This will help you structure your email and ensure you don’t miss any important details.

What to Include In the Email

When writing a review email, it’s essential to include certain elements to effectively convey your thoughts and provide valuable feedback. Here are the key components to include:

Subject Line

Your subject line should be concise and capture the essence of your review. Use keywords that summarize your overall sentiment or focus of the email. For example, “Great Product Experience” or “Unsatisfactory Customer Service.”

Start your email with a courteous and personalized greeting. If you have previously interacted with the recipient, mention your previous connection or conversation to establish rapport.

Introduction

In the introduction, briefly state your purpose for writing the email. Mention the product, service, or experience you are reviewing and state your overall opinion or sentiment.

The body of your email is where you provide the details and specifics of your review. Consider the following points:

• Highlight both positive and negative aspects: Be balanced in your feedback by mentioning what you liked and areas for improvement.
• Provide examples: Support your opinions with specific examples or anecdotes to make your review more credible and authentic.
• Focus on constructive criticism: If there are areas for improvement, offer suggestions or recommendations that can help the recipient enhance their product or service.
• Be clear and concise: Use clear language and keep your sentences brief to ensure your message is easily understood.
• Use bullet points or numbered lists: This can make your review more structured and help break down different points.

End your email with a polite closing note. Thank the recipient for taking the time to read your review and express your willingness to provide further assistance or clarification if needed.

Email Template – Review Email

Here’s an email template you can customize for your own review:

Subject Line: [Your Review] – [Product/Service/Experience Name] Dear [Recipient’s Name], I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to share my review of the [product/service/experience]. [Introduce the product/service/experience briefly and state your overall opinion or sentiment.] Here are the key points I would like to highlight in my review: [Positive Aspect 1] [Positive Aspect 2] [Negative Aspect 1] [Areas for Improvement] [Provide additional details and examples to support your points. Be constructive in your criticism and offer suggestions for improvement.] I appreciate the opportunity to share my feedback and hope it proves valuable for future enhancements. Please feel free to reach out if you need any further information or clarification. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards, [Your Name]

You can customize this template to suit your specific review and add or remove sections as needed.

Writing a review email allows you to express your thoughts and provide valuable feedback. Before writing the email, make sure to research, reflect, and organize your ideas. Include essential elements such as a clear subject line, personalized greeting, introduction, body with specific points, and a polite closing. By using the provided email template as a starting point, you can effectively structure your review and help others make informed decisions.

Remember, your review holds the power to influence and improve future products, services, and experiences. Use it wisely and constructively.

How to Request a Music Review (Free Template)

• By Jennifer Rosenfeld

Does it feel harder than ever to get reviews of your gigs, projects, or albums ?

You’d love to get good press . Afterall, reviews help legitimize who you are as an artist.

And if you’re looking to tour , many presenters and venues prefer to work with artists who have a proven track record of success, and reviews make them feel safer about saying yes to you.

So how do you get more reviews of your music?

Yes, it’s that simple….

BUT (you knew that was coming!)

…You have to ask the right way.

Here’s how to to request a music review (plus, a free, copy-and-paste email template you can use).

Before You Make the Request

Here at iCadenza we’re about giving you more than templates and blueprints. We want to get you in the right frame of mind to take action so that your efforts pay off AND you can actually enjoy making your dreams happen.

Here’s how to set yourself up for success before reaching out to music critics, bloggers, and influencers.

Choose the right people: Pick people who you’ve seen review or write about music or projects similar to yours. Choose at least 20 people if you can.

Test the efficacy of your email: Send your first email to about 20 people, then wait to see what kind of response you get. For every 20 emails, you can expect one or two to lead to a review.

If you don’t get at least two responses, tweak your email content and send it out to another set of 20 people. Continue to do this until you get a response rate of 2-3 people per batch of 20 sent.

Follow up: If you don’t hear back within three to four weeks, write a follow-up email. Keep it short and to the point. (If you’re unsure about what to say, scroll down to sign up for 3 more free email scripts, including a follow-up template.)

When you send your follow-up email, make sure you reply to the original email you sent so that your contact remembers who you are and has all of your information at their fingertips.

Don’t take it personally: If you don’t hear back, stay positive . People are busy and you might have caught them at a bad time. It doesn’t mean that you or your project are horrible. Continue to reach out to other people, tweaking your emails as you go.

Copy-and-Paste Sample Email

Sometimes, the hardest part is just knowing what to write.

You want to be assertive but not aggressive, professional but not overly formal. And you want to make sure you include the most important information.

Here’s an example of an email you can send when reaching out to someone requesting a review:

Subject: Review Request: [Your Name] – [Album/Project Name]

Hi [Person’s Name],

I noticed that you like to cover [these types of works]. I especially enjoyed [refer to a specific piece of writing that you liked]. [Explain why you liked it].

I thought you might be interested in my [upcoming album]. It’s [a brief summary].

Would you be interested in reviewing it?

You can stream the album here and download it here [include a link]. The release date is [date].

I’ll be playing a show in your area in [month]. I thought you might be interested in attending. It’s [a brief summary].

Would you be interested in reviewing it? If so, I’d love to put you on the guest list.

The available dates are [dates & times]. If you’d like to attend, let me know and I’ll make sure you’re added to the list.

I’ve also attached a one-sheet with more information about the [album/show].

Best wishes, [Your name]

Snippet [Your name]: [Paste in what we call a snippet, a few compelling sentences of your bio. Below that, organize important links.]

Video #1 // Video #2 // Video #3 // Website // Facebook

Jennifer Rosenfeld

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