Program Notes Challenge

Welcome to Day 1 of the Program Notes Challenge!

1. Provide basic information on the creator(s) of the work or performance.

"Creator" can be a broad term, depending upon the type of performance. Include relevant details for any persons or groups involved. [If you are creating a recital program as a degree requirement, do write about the composer in your program notes, but include performer bios separately in your program]

• European and American art music: composer and librettist/poet
• Popular music: songwriter, original recording artist, performer(s)
• Traditional music/dance: people/culture from which the work/performance originated
• Dance: choreographers, performers/groups

Be selective and intentional in listing off facts -- include what would be relevant to someone listening, not a full history.

• What is the nationality or cultural group of origin of the creator(s) and performer(s)? If it is traditional music (with no specific known creator), speak to the nature of the cultural group that originated the work.
• Did the creator(s) or performer(s) study under someone important, or have a creative relationship with a prominent group? Who were major influences over the creators?
• Are there unique facts or personal experiences from the creator's or performers' lives in relation to this work?

Now, write three short paragraph highlighting the major points of each of your creators' lives and careers. You're one step closer to noted!

Search tools:

• Oxford Music Online for European and American art music (composers or librettists/poets) or American popular music (includes jazz and rock)
• in print: Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Twentieth-Century Classical Musicians or Contemporary Composers for Euro-American art music
• Gale Literary Sources for poets and vocal music text authors
• Garland Encyclopedia of World Music for traditional music from anywhere in the world
• Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Popular Music, volumes 3-7 (locations) for popular music
• For any living creators or performance groups (any genre), search Google for the creator's own official website

Don't forget to check out the Get Started: Reference or the Regions, People, Styles pages on the Music Research Guide. Many of the Digitized Archives Online available from the Music Scores and Sheet Music Research Guide have a plethora of biographical information as well.

Preparing for your next challenge
Congratulations! This completes Day 1 of the Program Notes Challenge. The next challenge will have you exploring context!