Guide to Writing Program Notes

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Essential Body Information:

*The questions posed below are merely things to think about and should not necessarily be a "means to an end" when writing your program notes

1. Paragraph 1 - Biographical Information About the Composer

• Where was the compser born?
• Some relevant facts about their life (Don't just write a biography)
• Facts about the composer's life/family that might have influenced their music?
• Why are they known/not known for their composition?
• What was happening in the composer's life when the piece was written?

2. Paragraph 2 - Scholarly Information About the Piece

• Is the piece significant to the life of the composer in some way?
• Contextualization! What else was going on in the world when the piece was composed? Historical/political/economic influences on the composer and/or piece?
• Are there interesting quotes by noted authors or musicians that support the information gathered?

3. Paragraph 3 - Your Interpretation of the Piece

• How is the piece challenging for the player?
• If performed with a pianist, how do the voices interact with each other?
• How is the overall mood conveyed by the different voices?
• Does the piece modulate and/or change mood? Where, how and why?
• How is the melody/harmony/rhythm characteristic of the time period and/or composer's style? Is it different, and how?

Things to note:

• Don't just use one source! Branch out and see what new and interesting information you can find! Check out:

• The Music Reference collection on the main floor of the library-we've got dozens of books that can help
• The Music Databases and Subject Guides webpage for electronic resources like periodical indexes and full-text databases.
• The CD collection on the ground floor of the library. CD jackets are great sources of information.

For more help, see a librarian at the Reference Desk on the main floor of the library, or schedule a research project consultation with Music Librarian Tim Sestrick: tsestric@gettysburg.edu, 337-7045

• All information must be footnoted if it is not your original voiceSee: Dr. Robertson's Guide to Footnotes and The Gettysburg College Honor Code

• All text must be justified to the right and left margins for a more uniform look*Remember your audience - students, faculty, administration, community members, etc. Make sure they can understand what you are talking about!

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Essential Information for Junior Recital Programs:

1. Include the who, what, where, and when in the heading
2. Center all text

Example:

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Links:

Examples of Student Program Notes:

• Katie Farrer Senior Recital(Word Document)
• Smith/Nocton Senior Recital (Word Document)
• Candace Pfefferkorn Junior Recital (Word Document)

Citation Guides: How to cite print and online materials

Sydney Conservatorium Program Notes Guide

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