Improving Your Feedback Skills: Constructive Criticism for Musicians
Are you giving crappy feedback? In this weeks post we lay out how to give constructive criticism to musicians you know when their share their music with you.
As musicians, we often find ourselves in the position of providing feedback on our peers' works-in-progress, finished music productions, or musical ideas. Additionally, we seek feedback from others to gain fresh perspectives on our own work. In this article, I will present five essential points to enhance your ability to constructively criticize both the works of others and your own.
1. Maintain Focus
When giving feedback, it is crucial to avoid being overly general. Offering vague criticisms does not benefit anyone involved. Instead, focus on specific elements that you can critique. Consider the following musical aspects:
- Form: Can you comprehend the different sections of the song? If not, what improvements could be made?
- Harmony: How does the chord progression contribute to the overall narrative and impact of the song? Are there specific chords that could be altered to create tension and resolution?
- Dynamics: Does the music flow smoothly from start to finish? How could the ebb and flow of the song be improved through instruments or mixing techniques?
- Melody: Arguably the most important aspect of a song, is the melody interesting and engaging throughout? Are there any parts where it feels forced or out of place?
2. Act Swiftly
While it is commonly said that "slow and steady wins the race," when it comes to providing feedback on music, the opposite is true. Listening to music evokes an emotional response, and we often react instinctively. Trust your initial gut reactions and refrain from spending too much time crafting your feedback. Take note of your observations upon first hearing a track, and then confirm them upon subsequent listens.
3. Embrace Objectivity
Music is highly subjective, and we all have our personal preferences when it comes to genres and styles. Acknowledge any biases you may have and communicate them to the producer. Aim to separate your feedback into objective industry practices and personal opinions.
4. Avoid Overwhelming
In the realm of feedback, less can often be more. A lengthy page of critiques is not particularly helpful, especially for independent producers. Even professionals may not have enough time to thoroughly review an exhaustive list of feedback. Prioritize the critiques that will be most beneficial to the producer, focusing on significant issues that, when resolved, may also address smaller, less pressing problems.
5. Offer Constructive Solutions
Constructive criticism is only fruitful if it provides actionable guidance. Instead of simply stating your dislike for something, strive to make concrete recommendations for improvement. Here are a few hypothetical examples:
- "The tone of the bass and its placement in the mix are commendable. However, try introducing more variation to the bass rhythm in the chorus to better align with the drums."
- "The side-chain pumping effect you've incorporated during the chorus sounds good, but consider reducing the intensity by adjusting the compressor threshold for an even better outcome."
- "As a fan of hard rock, I appreciate how you've processed the guitars in the mix. However, in the chorus, the guitars overpower the vocals. Experiment with lowering the guitar volume by a couple of decibels to create a better balance."
Want to Find Someone to Give You Feedback?
If you aim to refine your constructive criticism skills, a great starting point is to make a new connection on the Aux guide, where there are thousands of Aux members looking to connect.