Virtual Music Event Critique
Gordon Rule Paper 2: Virtual Music Event Critique
During the semester in which the student is enrolled in MUL2380, one VIRTUAL musical event will be attended and you will critique the performance you view. Choose from one of the musical events below to watch a virtual concert and write a Virtual Music Event Critique on the concert you watch.
For proof of attendance, provide a screen shot of you watching the event on your device.
Instructions:
1 Write about your experience to include the following:
◦ lude answers to the journalistic questions of “who, what, when, where, and why.”
◦ Be specific about when and where the event occurred. Describe the setting for the event and type of venue where the event took place.
◦ Describe the performers and include information about the name of the band or performers, instrumentation, setting, costuming, and stage behavior.
2 Please make sure to answer the following questions in your paper:
a Were the musicians “engaged” or did they appear to be just going through the motions of performing?
b Did they communicate subtly with each other while performing?
c Did they simply provide music, or did they actively communicate with their audience?
d Did they seem polished and skilled? Describe in detail two songs that you especially liked.
e Were particular musicians featured in instrumental of vocal solos?
f What was the style of the music?
g What was it that you enjoyed about these songs?
h Describe the make-up and behavior of the audience.
i Did the audience attend to the music or treat it indifferently?
j With regard to the event, was the music the primary or secondary focus?
k Did you enjoy the event?
l What was it that made it enjoyable or not enjoyable?
m What do you recall most vividly about the experience?
3 Your paper should be three (3) full pages in length (approximately 280 words per page), double-spaced, written in 12 pt font, and must conform to MLA guidelines. Do not use extra spaces between paragraphs. Remember to begin with your thesis statement and purpose and end with a summary that restates your opening statement, using different words. Remember to use your own words–paraphrase all work and cite all sources. Your work will run through SafeAssign to check for plagiarism.
4 Type your paper into a Microsoft Word document, save the file and then upload the file.
5 Upload your file by clicking “Browse My Computer” for Attach File.
Sample Solution
I recently attended a virtual music event featuring David Braid and his Trio who performed on April 23rd at 8pm EST via live stream on Facebook Live and YouTube Live from Koerner Hall in Toronto, Canada. The band consisted of David Braid playing piano, Mark Godfrey on acoustic bass, and Jake Wilkinson on drums; all three musicians were dressed in classic black/white attire which gave the concert a formal atmosphere for their performance.
The trio performed two compositions written by Mr Braid: “Tribute” from his album Flux (2017), as well as “Dancing On A Memory” from Path Of Miracles (2019). Structurally both pieces followed traditional forms for jazz compositions with distinct sections for improvisation such as solos or polyphonic accompaniment; many of these components were composed with complex melodic lines that showcased the extensive musical talents possessed by each musician while maintaining an accessible sound to less experienced listeners.
Tonally both works featured a mix between major and minor sounds created by suspended harmony shifts throughout each piece; this was especially noticeable during Mr Braid\’s piano solo passages when he would seamlessly transition between different chords in rapid succession creating an emotionally charged atmosphere maintained further through contrasting dynamics levels played by the ensemble.
Overall, I enjoyed my experience at this virtual music event hosted by David Braid’s trio. Although there are some technical aspects such as audio mixing which could have been improved upon to ensure better clarity within instrumental parts heard simultaneously it still provided an excellent opportunity to hear masterful performances of jazz music without leaving my home. My only suggestion if given another chance would be to include more videos close-ups shots seen during critical moments during solo passages which could elevate audience engagement even further than what was previously possible before attending this show online.
