Last updated on Jul 6, 2024

Here's how you can support the music director's artistic vision through effective feedback.

In the world of theatrical production, the music director plays a pivotal role in shaping the auditory landscape of a show. Their artistic vision is crucial to the overall performance, and supporting that vision through effective feedback is key to a successful collaboration. Whether you're a performer, fellow creative, or part of the production team, understanding how to communicate your thoughts constructively can make all the difference. Your input can help refine the musical elements, ensuring they complement the narrative and elevate the audience's experience. Here's how you can engage with your music director to enhance the production while respecting their artistic direction.

1 Understand Vision

Before offering feedback, it's essential to fully grasp the music director's vision for the production. Take time to discuss their conceptual approach and the emotions they intend to evoke through the musical score. This understanding forms the foundation for any feedback you provide, ensuring it aligns with the director's overall objectives. By appreciating the director's creative goals, your suggestions will be more targeted and meaningful, ultimately supporting a cohesive and harmonious production.

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Kevin Gutches

Artist/Actor/FOH Tour Manager | Theater Performance and Management
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Before providing any feedback, arrange a detailed conversation with the musical director. This talk should cover the director's conceptual approach, including the themes, storylines, and emotional arcs they aim to highlight through the musical score. Ask probing questions to uncover the nuances of their vision. For example, inquire about specific emotions they want to elicit in certain scenes or how they envision the music enhancing character development.

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Miriam Gilbert

Regidora en Mercat de les Flors
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En las primeras sesiones de encuentro con el director y el resto de integrantes de la produccion es muy importante captar los conceptos y el contexto que el director quiere transmitir. Es muy importante hacer anotaciones y despues mantener una reunion con el director para acabar de exponer cualquier duda o detalle que al mismo se le haya escapado. Hay que tener en cuenta que una buena base de comunicación es esencial entre el director y el equipo de producción para poder adelantarse a cualquier imprevisto o cambio e incluso sea más fluido el proceso creativo.

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2 Be Specific

When giving feedback, specificity is your best ally. Instead of vague comments, pinpoint exactly what you think might need adjustment, whether it's the tempo of a particular number, the harmonization of a chorus, or the dynamics within a musical piece. This level of detail not only shows that you've been paying close attention but also gives the music director a clear starting point for considering your feedback. It's far more helpful to say, "The bridge in song X could use more crescendo to emphasize the emotional climax," rather than, "Make it more dramatic."

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Ray DeForest

Executive producer/Professional, International Diversity Speaker
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Theater is a collaboration and you must understand that means you will be giving feedback between artists involved. Always come with respect for each persons artistry and always be grateful

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3 Positive Tone

Feedback should always be delivered with a positive and respectful tone. Remember, your goal is to support and enhance the music director's vision, not to undermine it. Begin with what you appreciate about their work before moving on to areas you believe could be improved. This approach not only fosters a supportive environment but also encourages open-mindedness and receptivity from the music director, making them more likely to consider your input constructively.

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Miriam Gilbert

Regidora en Mercat de les Flors
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Sea la situación que sea en la que uno se encuentre el tono con el que transmite la información o las indicaciones es parte importante del mensaje. No dejes que el ser detallado o específico en los detalles a matizar se interprete de forma incorrecta por el uso lógico y frío. Recuerda que estás trabajando en un equipo humano lleno de mentes creativas y sensibles, las ideas se comparten y no se imponen. Mantener la serenidad y la positividad ayudara que tus ideas tengan más aceptación.

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4 Offer Solutions

While identifying areas for improvement is important, offering potential solutions can be even more beneficial. If you suggest a change, try to provide an alternative or an idea for how it could be implemented. For example, if a certain piece isn't resonating as intended, you might recommend exploring a different key or instrumentation. By contributing solutions, you demonstrate a collaborative spirit and a commitment to the production's success.

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Kevin Gutches

Artist/Actor/FOH Tour Manager | Theater Performance and Management
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When you are ready to provide feedback, frame your suggestions within the context of the director's established goals. For example, if the director's vision includes creating a sense of tension in a particular scene, your feedback should focus on how the musical arrangement can be adjusted to heighten that tension. This might involve recommending changes in tempo, dynamics, or instrumentation that align with the desired emotional effect.

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Miriam Gilbert

Regidora en Mercat de les Flors
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Es casi tan importante detectar los problemas como ofrecer soluciones a los mismos. Una actitud proactiva ante una situación que puede entrañar un escollo en el camino lleno de momentos de estrés ayudará a que dicho momento se vea como una oportunidad de ser resolutivos y efectivos. Esto puede ayudar a la confianza entre tu y el director. Si sabe que cuando detectas un problema lo compartes junto a distintas soluciones creará un perfecto puente de comunicación y confianza

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5 Respect Expertise

Acknowledge and respect the music director's expertise and experience. They have been entrusted with the musical aspects of the production for a reason. When providing feedback, do so with humility and the understanding that your perspective is one of many. Trust in their ability to weigh your suggestions against their knowledge and make decisions that serve the best interest of the show.

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6 Follow Up

After providing feedback, it's important to follow up. This doesn't mean pestering the music director for updates but rather staying engaged in the process and offering further assistance if needed. Follow-up conversations can provide clarity on how your feedback was received and whether it will influence any changes. These discussions can also be an opportunity to continue supporting the music director's vision as it evolves throughout rehearsals and performances.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Kevin Gutches

Artist/Actor/FOH Tour Manager | Theater Performance and Management
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Maintain ongoing communication with the musical director throughout the production process. Regular check-ins can help you stay aligned with any evolving aspects of their vision and provide timely, relevant feedback. This continuous alignment ensures that your contributions consistently support the director's overarching objectives.

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Here's how you can support the music director's artistic vision through effective feedback.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Vision

2 Be Specific

3 Positive Tone

4 Offer Solutions

5 Respect Expertise

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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Here's how you can support the music director's artistic vision through effective feedback.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Vision

2 Be Specific

3 Positive Tone

4 Offer Solutions

5 Respect Expertise

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

Rate this article

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