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Planning a school concert can feel like a huge undertaking, especially when you're trying to think about music, rehearsals, costumes, equipment, communication, and a hundred other details all at once!
One of the best ways to make concert planning more manageable is to start with the big decisions first. Before choosing every song or planning every detail, take some time to think through what your concert actually needs to look like.
This week, we're sharing some of our favourite tips to help you get started with concert planning and make the process a little more manageable.
Before you choose your music, think about the big picture:
Take some time early in the planning process to think through exactly where your concert will take place and what you'll need to make it work.
Start with your venue. Will the concert take place at your school or at another location? Check the venue capacity and fire code, determine how many chairs you'll need, and find out whether a stage and risers are available or will need to be rented.
Measure your performance space! Know exactly how much room your students will have on stage. One of my favourite tricks is to mark out the dimensions of the stage in the music room so students can rehearse within the actual space they'll have on concert day.
Think through your equipment needs. Does your school or venue have a sound system that will work for your concert? Will you need microphones, speakers, monitors, or additional equipment for instruments? Consider whether you'll need lighting, and decide what you'll use for a backdrop. A backdrop doesn't have to be elaborate—it could be digital, or you could ask parents, teachers, or students to help create something.
A school concert is a school event, not just the music teacher's big show!
Connect with your administration early to discuss expectations, staff responsibilities, concert dates, rehearsals, and what concert week will look like. Communicate important dates and schedules with staff as early as possible so everyone knows what to expect and how they can help.
Once your concert date is set, work backwards and decide when the major pieces need to be completed. Add those deadlines to your calendar so you're not trying to tackle everything at once as concert day approaches.
From booking your venue and choosing music to preparing choreography, organizing props, setting up equipment, and printing programs, breaking the process into smaller tasks can make a big production feel much more manageable.
If we're stressed, this won't be a positive experience for our students!
A little organization up front can make concert season much more manageable. Use our editable Concert Planning Guides to assign responsibilities, set deadlines, and keep track of everything that needs to happen before, during, and after your concert.
Find all this plus many more resources in the Concert Planning Unit on MusicplayOnline!
NEW! Musicals and Revues for Fall 2026!
Wednesday, October 7th, 2026 @ 4:30-5:30 MST (60 Minutes)
A recorded version will be available if you are unable to watch live.
Join John Jacobson for our webinar on winter performance ideas and choral reading! Explore the choral resources on MusicplayOnline to get your students prepared for your winter performances and celebrate the holiday season!
We wanted to take the opportunity to share some updates from the team: