What is it?

• Some people go to concerts and musical events just occasionally, either as a special treat or when a particular group or programme takes their fancy.  

• For others, concert going is a regular habit, part of their general interest in one or more types of music (see also music interest, playing musical instruments, singing, music composing).  

• The range of possible musical events that you can attend is very wide, from pop to classical, and from jazz to different ethnic traditions.  The performers can be similarly varied, including individual singers and instrumentalist, as well large orchestras and choral groups.

• There is a significant overlap with this type of musical interest and other types of live performance such as visits to theatre, opera and ballet. 

Find out more

Organisations

British Music Information Centre www.bmic.co.uk/

Magazines

We have not managed to identify any magazines dealing specially with going to concert and other musical performances.  But the general music magazines contain relevant information and most concert venues have their own programmes/magazines.  Many also have their own web sites

Getting started

• Find a local group or club which covers the types of music that interest you (see organisations above).

• Take a class or course at your local adult education centre or see if there are special music programmes at your local concert hall or theatre .

• Consult books or magazines on different types of music.

• Check in your local library/paper, music shop, concert hall or education centre for more information.

What you need

Skills and people

• Anyone can go to a concert or other musical event, and the composition of the audience is usually very varied, though some pop concerts mainly attract the younger age groups. 

• You can easily go to a concert or musical event on your own, but many people like to go with an informal groups of family or friends. 

• In some case there are more organised groups of people with particular musical interests who go to concerts together on a more or less regular basis.

Equipment or clothing

• As a concert goer you don't need any special equipment, except sometimes a cushion or something to sit on if it is an open air event.  

• These days any kind of formal clothing is seldom required, even for classical concerts, unless it is a special gala or fund raising performance.  

A place or facilities

• Concerts and musical events take place in all sorts of venues, ranging from concert halls to school gyms, and from pubs and clubs to parks and other open spaces.