How to Collect and Use Post-Event Feedback

A guide for collecting feedback after Make Music Vermont events to improve future years and demonstrate impact.

Why Collect Feedback?

Post-event feedback helps you:

• Improve — Learn what worked and what didn't
• Demonstrate impact — Quantify success for sponsors and grants
• Retain participants — Show musicians and venues you value their input
• Plan better — Make data-driven decisions for next year
• Tell your story — Collect quotes and testimonials

Who to Survey

Primary Audiences

1. Musicians/Performers — The heart of Make Music Day
2. Venue Hosts — Partners who provided space
3. Volunteers — Your day-of team
4. Attendees — The community you served

Survey Timing

Musician Feedback Survey

Sample Questions

Logistics:

1. How would you rate your overall experience performing at Make Music [Town]? (1-5 scale)
2. How satisfied were you with communication from organizers? (1-5 scale)
3. Did you receive adequate information about your venue before the event? (Yes/No/Somewhat)
4. How was your experience with your venue host? (1-5 scale)

The Performance:

1. Approximately how many people attended your performance?
2. Did you have the equipment/setup you needed? (Yes/No — if no, what was missing?)
3. Did your performance start and end on time? (Yes/No)

Impact:

1. Was this your first time performing at Make Music Day? (Yes/No)
2. Did you make any new connections (fans, other musicians, venues)? (Yes/No)
3. Would you participate again next year? (Definitely / Probably / Unsure / Probably not / Definitely not)

Open-ended:

1. What was the best part of your Make Music Day experience?
2. What could we improve for next year?
3. Any other comments or suggestions?

Optional:

1. May we use your feedback (anonymously) in our reports? (Yes/No)
2. May we contact you about participating next year? (Yes/No + email)

Venue Host Feedback Survey

Sample Questions

Logistics:

1. How would you rate your overall experience hosting a Make Music Day event? (1-5 scale)
2. How satisfied were you with communication from organizers? (1-5 scale)
3. Was the musician/performer well-prepared? (1-5 scale)
4. Did you receive adequate materials (banners, signs, schedules)? (Yes/No)

The Event:

1. Approximately how many people visited your location during the performance?
2. Did the performance start and end on time? (Yes/No)
3. Were there any issues with noise, crowds, or logistics? (Yes/No — if yes, describe)

Impact:

1. Was this your first time hosting a Make Music Day event? (Yes/No)
2. Did hosting bring new visitors to your location? (Yes/No/Unsure)
3. Would you host again next year? (Definitely / Probably / Unsure / Probably not / Definitely not)

Open-ended:

1. What was the best part of hosting?
2. What could we improve for venues next year?
3. Any other comments or suggestions?

Volunteer Feedback Survey

Sample Questions

1. How would you rate your overall volunteer experience? (1-5 scale)
2. Did you feel adequately prepared for your role? (Yes/No/Somewhat)
3. Was communication clear throughout the day? (1-5 scale)
4. Did you have the materials/support you needed? (Yes/No)
5. How was the length of your shift? (Too short / Just right / Too long)
6. Would you volunteer again next year? (Definitely / Probably / Unsure / Probably not / Definitely not)
7. What was the best part of volunteering?
8. What could we improve for volunteers next year?
9. Would you be interested in a larger role next year (e.g., committee member)? (Yes/No/Maybe)

Attendee Feedback

Collection Methods

Day-of collection (recommended):

• QR code on printed schedules linking to short survey
• Volunteers with tablets at high-traffic locations
• Email sign-up sheets that include survey link in follow-up email

Post-event:

• Social media posts asking for feedback
• Email to anyone who signed up for updates

Sample Questions (Keep It Short!)

1. How did you hear about Make Music Vermont? (Social media / Friend / Newspaper / Radio / Saw it happening / Other)
2. How many performances did you attend today? (1 / 2-3 / 4-5 / 6+)
3. What was your favorite part?
4. Would you attend again next year? (Yes / No / Maybe)
5. Any suggestions for next year?

Survey Best Practices

Keep It Short

• 5-10 questions maximum for most audiences
• Longer surveys = lower completion rates
• Respect people's time — they just gave you their day!

Use the Right Format

• Multiple choice — Easy to analyze, quick to answer
• Rating scales — Good for measuring satisfaction
• Open-ended — Limit to 1-3 questions; great for quotes

Increase Response Rates

• Send within 24-48 hours while experience is fresh
• Personalize the ask ("Hi [Name], thank you for performing...")
• Keep it short and mobile-friendly
• Offer an incentive if possible (raffle for local gift card)
• Send one reminder after 5-7 days

Tools

• Google Forms — Free, easy, integrates with Sheets
• Typeform — More polished look, free tier available
• SurveyMonkey — Robust features, free tier available
• Airtable — Good if you're already using it for planning

Analyzing Feedback

Quantitative Data

• Calculate averages for rating scales
• Track percentages (e.g., "85% would participate again")
• Compare year-over-year if you have historical data
• Look for patterns in lower ratings

Qualitative Data

• Read all open-ended responses
• Look for themes (what comes up repeatedly?)
• Pull out standout quotes for reports
• Note specific actionable suggestions

Key Metrics to Track

Using Feedback

For Planning Next Year

• Create a "lessons learned" document
• Prioritize improvements based on frequency and impact
• Share findings with your planning committee
• Set specific goals based on feedback

For Reporting

• Include key stats in your annual report
• Use quotes in sponsor thank-you materials
• Share highlights on social media
• Reference data in grant applications

For Retention

• Follow up personally with anyone who had a poor experience
• Thank people who gave positive feedback
• Invite "would participate again" respondents to next year early

Sample Follow-Up Email

Subject: Thank you for being part of Make Music [Town]! Quick survey inside

Hi [Name],

Thank you so much for [performing as part of / hosting / volunteering for] Make Music Vermont this year! You helped make the day magical.

We'd love to hear about your experience so we can make next year even better. Would you take 3 minutes to share your feedback?

[TAKE THE SURVEY button/link]

Your input directly shapes how we plan for 2027.

Thank you again — we hope to see you next June 21!

Warmly,

[Your name]

Make Music Vermont

Feedback Calendar

Feedback is a gift. Collect it thoughtfully, analyze it honestly, and use it to make Make Music Vermont better every year!