Concert Etiquette for "Classical Music" Concerts

May and June can be the busiest months of the year for parents and students and also music teachers who are preparing their students for recitals and auditions.

The Sharon Youth Concert Series begins this Saturday evening, and many Sharon private music teachers  will be having their own studio recitals in the next several weeks.  With this in mind,  I am starting a discussion on concert etiquette for classical music concerts. 

There are many types of music concerts: classical, rock, jazz, folk, flamenco, opera, etc., and thus many types of musical experiences. Each one has it's own etiquette for the listener and performer.

Based on my personal experience as a performer and teacher, I offer these guidelines for concert etiquette in a classical music concert setting:

• Plan to arrive at the venue before the concert begins. If you do arrive after the concert has begun, wait to enter the hall during applause between pieces.
• Turn off all electronic devices:  phones, alarms, pagers, etc.
• Refrain from talking, whispering, unwrapping candy and rattling programs - the sounds of which carry throughout the performance hall.
• If the piece has several "movements" or sections, hold your applause until the very end of the piece. Look at the printed concert program for guidance or look at the performer or conductor - you'll know when the piece is complete. 
• Refrain from taking photos while the performer is playing. This is distracting - not only to the performer, but also to the audience. Wait until the piece is over for your "Kodak Moment".
• Stay for the entire concert. Intending to arrive after the concert has begun, or leaving after your child has played is disrespectful to the other performers. 
• Sit back and enjoy!