After having seen several concerts where audience members showing poor classical concert etiquette (and it’s NOT usually the young classical music fans, but rather, typically older adults who are familiar with some pieces but likely have not studied an instrument seriously), I am writing this guide on etiquette as classical concerts. So here are my notes (pun intended!):

1. Arrive  at the venue 15-20 min early. Slightly longer if it’s a big-name artist and unreserved seating.
2. Set all electronic devices to silent; better yet, turn them off. Especially cellphones.
3. In a multi-movement work, do not clap between movements. In large ensembles, watch the conductor put down the arms fully; in chamber music the performers will take longer to put down their instruments.
4. If you’re sick, STAY HOME! I’ve been to symphony concerts where there were several people that were clearly ill just in the section my husband and I were sitting.
5. Be silent and LISTEN to the music. (No talking during the concert, not even briefly!)
6. Listen to the pieces that you will see performed when possible, either via audio recordings or videos. (Unless it’s a brand-new work, there is almost no excuse not to familiarize yourself with the pieces you will see performed.) It also helps you to get to know how the pieces end so you know when to clap, especially in chamber music pieces.
7. Dress nicely. Something you might wear to a wedding is a good guide.