Classical Music

Audience Etiquette

Quiet Please

Audience noises likecrinkling wrappers

whisperscell phones or

someone suddenly leavingcan be distracting for the audience as

well as the performers.

Try to keep these kinds of sounds to a minimum and use breaks between

pieces and the intermission to leave or cough.

http://100a215.blogspot.com/2011/06/importance-of-body-language-in.html

Dress

Many classical music concert-goers tend to dress up a little to go to a

concert. Even if you don’t come in your formal-wear, you might want to avoid

wearing anything too grungy.

http://www.gazprom.com/social/supporting-cultural-projects/chinas-young-talent/

When to Clap

It can be difficult to know when to clap at a classical concert. That’s because some musical pieces are broken up into sections, called “movements.”

http://www.martinhigginsmusic.com/the-engraving-process/

It can be tempting to clap between movements, but audience members

who follow good concert etiquette only clap after the last movement of a

piece.

http://www.papermag.com/2008/06/eight_items_or_less_clapping_g.php

If you’re not sure when to clap, just follow the lead of the audience

members around you.

http://en.minghui.org/html/articles/2008/3/27/95811.html

It’s also customary to clap for performers when they come on stage, before a single note is played. This is

to thank and acknowledge the performers for sharing their talents.

http://www.superstock.com/stock-photos-images/1589R-07471

End of the Concert

At the end of a concert, if there is enough clapping, the performer or

performers may return to the stage to bow again or even perform another

piece, called an “encore.”

Stick around after the last piece has ended and you may have the opportunity to see even more

wonderful music being performed!

http://counterpoint22.wordpress.com/2010/12/12/the-deadly-risks-of-classical-music/

Show respect for a long-standing tradition of sharing beautiful music by

becoming familiar with the rules of etiquette at classical concerts. Help

everyone enjoy the music!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/festivalsandevents/7770820/Classical-music-festivals-2010-summer-guide.html

Adapted from the Community Arts Music Association (CAMA) website:

http://www.camasb.org/yad/yad-etiquette.shtml