You Call This Fun? Reactions of Young First-time Attendees to a Classical Concert 

Bonita M. Kolb

Long Island University

Abstract

Rather than rely on anecdotal or secondary information, primary research was conducted on how classical music concerts could be made more attractive to young people. Three groups of London students who had never attended were taken to a classical music concert. A focus group was held before the concert on preconceptions and after the concert on their impressions. It was found that most students enjoyed the music but not the experience. They expect to be entertained and enjoy all aspects of the experience including the staff, décor, food and ambience. The traditional form of the classical music concert needs to change as young people growing up in a multi-media world want concerts that appeal to all the senses.

Keywords: classical music, concert experience, audience development, concert attendance, young people, focus group research

Kolb, Bonita M. “You Call This Fun? Reactions of Young First-time Attendees to a Classical Concert." Journal of the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association 1, no. 1 (2020): 13-28. https://doi.org/10.25101/0.1

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