Listening Skills

Concert reviews

In this session we will:

• Be able to recognise key musical and sonic components in performances

• Be able to evaluate and review several live performances

Musical Components

What do we look for in a performance?

Musical Components

• Correct notation

• Good Dynamics

• Correct Tempo

• Timing

• Musicianship

• Interaction with the rest of the ensemble/band

• Tuning/Pitch

• Stability/Stamina

• Control

Sonic Components

• No feedback

• Balanced levels

• Correct Volume

• Suitable use of EQ

• Maintained and tested equipment

• Rehearsed changes (between performers)

• Effective Mic-ing

• Good monitoring

• Correct Cue’s

Success

For a gig to be a success for the listener, both of these roles in performance (Performer and Engineer) have to be executed to a high standard avoiding these errors.

Some can be avoided, such as a singer singing out of tune.

This can be avoided by the singer having a better monitor mix, therefore being able to hear themselves clearly

Or the musicians stamina can be correct through effective rehearsal schedules and sensible touring schedules.

Listening for these errors

These errors are much easier to notice as a listener than correct and positive achievements by the performer and especially the sound engineer.

Usually we notice these errors through distraction, but often we notice the error and not the source.

The source being what is causing the error (as mentioned in the previous slide).

Task

Listen to the following performances and write a short review on each the highlights 3 strengths or weaknesses of each either referring to musical components or sonic components:

• The Vines - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WyTgvSHQl4

• At the Drive-in - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JpzZLcm6_s

• Bastille - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwAI7jzjQ5I

• Sparta - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3zkNf8YhMg

• Tower of Power - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKLihKehg_U