Written Critique Guidelines

Due April 8 - Late papers reduce grade by 1/2

These are updated guidelines as forwarded by Mr. Zialcita:

Vista College Music 15B Jazz, Blues, and Popular Music in America.

Guidelines for Written Critique

Assignment:

Write a review on a live music performance, preferably on a style that has been or will be studied in this course. Examples would be jazz, blues, or other popular music styles. If possible, try to talk with the artist and discuss their viewpoints about their work.

Length:

1-2 types pages. No more than 2 pages, please.

General Tips:

  1. Strive for an insightful and thoughtful evaluation. You need not use and essay format unless you prefer it.
  2. Write about the artist’s inspirations or motives for doing their music.
  3. Explain why you felt that their music represented a certain style or classification.
  4. Analyze the music in detail, giving an overview of the technical aspects as well as the aesthetic values of the work. Use terms from the text book in your description.

Elements of Popular Music:

Try to include these terms in your description of the live performances. Terms such as Instrumentation, Dynamics, Melody, Harmony, Form, and Inflection need to be used effectively and accurately to describe the music and the performances.

Writing Style:

  1. Clear and grammatically correct English.
  2. Proper spelling and punctuation
  3. Well organized paragraphs
  4. Clear, logical, well directed arguments

Grading:

In addition to the above, you will be graded on your ideas and how well you present them.

 

NO LATE PAPERS, PLEASE. Thanks. Reduction by 1/2 of total points earned.

 

* This web page is a creation of one of the students taking Mr. Otis's course, and does not necessarily represent the views or policies of Vista College, its administration, or the professors or students in this course. I expect visitors to this page to conduct themselves in a manner acceptable to community standards, using good etiquette and respecting each other. I also welcome critical dialogue and dissent. You may participate in our discussion, or e-mail me directly at NicoMo@aol.com, but I do appreciate your participation within these guidelines. Thank you!