What to Include in Your Review You should begin by describing the concert “as a

WRITE MY ESSAY

What to Include in Your Review
You should begin by describing the concert “as a whole,” in other words, your general impression of
the performance. You should mention whether the group is professional, or a community group
made up of students and amateurs. For example, the PC Jazz Ensemble is a community group.
PC’s ensembles are comprised of students, amateurs and professional musicians. Groups that play
in restaurants/clubs such as Café 290 or Venkman’s are usually professional. If you choose an
online video performance, it must be from the list I have provided on iCollege. You may NOT
review a video that isn’t on this list.
Introductory material must include the following:
This information should be included on a title page for your review.
Individual Tunes or Pieces
It is best to list several individual works (also referred to as songs, pieces, compositions or tunes)
and describe them in detail.
The following points should be included:
 Names of at least five to eight (5-8) pieces that were performed. If you are reviewing a
shorter video performance, then describe at least three-five (3-5) pieces. Use separate
paragraph for each song (title) discussed. Titles of songs are required*.
 Names of songs should be CAPITALIZED (first letter of each word) and in Italics or such as
The Nearness of You.
 Which historical style-does the piece fit into any of the style categories studied in class,
such as New Orleans, big band swing, bebop, cool, hard bop, modal, progressive, fusion,
etc. If you are not certain, it’s okay, just indicate what it seems to be based on what you
learned in class.
 Musical forms-is it a “12-bar blues” or “32-bar song” (AABA) or some other form. If you
are not sure, then say what you believe the form to be, or that you don’t know the form.
• Your name: _______________________
• Course and section no.: Indicated on your syllabus (for example MUA 1500-004, 006, etc.)
• Your instructor’s name: Greg McLean
• Name of the performing group: ________________________________________
• Date and location of the performance: __________________________________
• For live performances include start time and end time of the concert (must include both):
__________________
• Instruments or voices featured in the performance:
Jazz Ensemble indicate “big band” (12-20 players) or “combo” (2-8 players)
For combos list individual instruments. You do not need to list all of the instruments for a big
band performance. You must list all of the players names if possible.
• Papers that do not include all of this information will automatically
have ten points deducted from the review grade.
MUA 1500 “Guidelines for Writing Jazz Performance Reviews” pg. 3
 Memorable features. Did you notice anything about the tempo, rhythm, melody, texture,
harmony? Was the tempo fast, slow, moderate, or did the tempo change. What about tone
color? Were less common instruments used like flugelhorn, flute or soprano sax? Did brass
players use mutes? Did musicians play more than one instrument (known as doubling)?
 Musical Influences-do the performers demonstrate influence by other well-known jazz
artists, current or past?
When you compose your review use good grammar, spelling and syntax. Be sure that your
ideas are stated clearly. Use the same procedure you would for any English composition class.
Try to apply terms used in class but remember you do not need to define the terms in your
paper. You can assume the instructor knows how the terms are defined. Try to use terms in the
proper context. If you are uncertain as to a definition, ask your instructor or refer back to course
materials.
Make an effort to use a more journalistic style of writing. Do not try to be flamboyant or cute.
For ideas on how to write your reviews, read online articles about jazz performances Also, look
for reviews of concerts written in the newspaper or a magazine such as Downbeat to get some
ideas. Have fun with the assignment. Basically, your review should describe the music so the
reader will feel as though he or she attended the concert.
In order to receive a satisfactory grade for your reviews the guidelines listed above should be
followed. In general, to receive an “A” you must include as much detail as possible about the
performance you heard. Pick a minimum of five (5) separate pieces and write about them.
Include titles of pieces. Be specific!
It is recommended that you do not wait until the end of the term to witness a performance.
It is best to have some background knowledge of jazz before trying to compose your review.
Also, it is best to write your reviews as soon as possible after you hear a concert so you will
remember more about the music. This is another reason to take notes during the performance if
possible. This is more challenging during a live performance but is still achievable. Remember,
you will not be allowed to record audio or video of any live performance at Perimeter College or
Georgia State University due to strict copyright laws. Still photos are allowed before and after the
performance only and no flash pictures are allowed, period
Video of for the performance review is Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour listed on youtube.

WRITE MY ESSAY