Author Date

2025-08-01

Degree Name

Department

Music

College

Fine Arts and Communications

Defense Date

2025-07-03

Publication Date

2025-08-01

First Faculty Advisor

Nathan Haines

First Faculty Reader

Jihea Hong-Park

Second Faculty Reader

Rob Dunn

Honors Coordinator

Neil Thornock

Keywords

Utah Valley, Community Engagement, Children, Classical Music, Community Music

Abstract

ABSTRACT

FULL HALLS, FULL HEARTS: INCREASING PERSONAL CONNECTION AND ENGAGEMENT AMONG CLASSICAL MUSIC AUDIENCES

Kate Christensen

Music Department

Bachelor of Music

Over the past several decades, it has been noted that numbers and attendance at classical music concerts is decreasing. Assumptions on why this is occurring point to a lack of connection and engagement between the audience and the music. This thesis seeks to find correlation between interactive techniques implemented in concert set up and audiences feeling connected to and having personal experiences with the music played. Interactive techniques, or engagement activities, are relatively recent additions to concerts, growing in popularity over the last 50 years. These Interactive techniques include things such as highlighting dynamic contrast in music, providing context and storytelling to programs, and showcasing different instruments and their timbres. By providing opportunities to educate the public in this way, the hope is to grow current classical music audiences and create pathways to keep this sacred art alive.

Colour Quintet will lead a series of five concerts in Utah County, using interactive techniques to engage audiences and shape the overall concert experience. These concerts are primarily tailored towards children and families, as an appreciation for classical music is dependent on early exposure to positive musical experiences. With consistent and early exposure to classical music, these concerts can foster a lifelong appreciation for classical music and increase future concert attendance. Data will be collected through a survey preceding the concert, asking questions that will measure various levels of engagement and notable personal connections made during the duration of a concert. By utilizing the data collected through this experiment, adjustments and changes will be applied to BYU’s family concerts series.