For live music captioners, “be prepared” is more than a motto; it’s the opening note to a successful show. In their session held at the 2025 NCRA Conference & Expo in Minneapolis, Minn., last month, “Captioning Live Events: Concerts,” presenters Kim Falgiani, RDR, CRC, CRR; Denise Munguia, RDR, CRR, CRC; and Anna Cillo gave an informative review of the aspects of live music that any captioner should consider when they take on such assignments.
From how to research the artists to managing scripts to dealing with the unexpected, the lively session left attendees with a good working foundation on how to be a success at any live music event.
Their session started with an overview of the information to gather about the job, for example: On site or remote? Open or closed captions or a closed streaming platform? What about sound delivery? Main artist, include opening act(s)?
Research the band or artist to get a feel for their music and to familiarize yourself with what is ahead, they said. The presenters also stressed the importance of getting the set list in advance. This is an essential step in preparation as it will give the captioner a good sense of the show’s flow and structure. Other things to consider include getting band member names correct, researching information about the tour and tour sponsorships.
A key tip they provided for conducting that research is to use lyrics database websites like genius.com or lyrics.com. They have proven essential for Falgiani in familiarizing herself with the artist’s music library, she said.
The session included guidance on script management including how to present music notes, script preparation, dealing with background singers, and how to manage foreign lyrics. The portion on foreign lyrics was especially critical as Falgiani highlighted the importance of captioning despite not knowing the language. Falgiani said she tries as much as possible to avoid writing “singing in foreign language.” To assist, she will pull up a translator service online and have it readily available to access. Of course, the presenters admitted there will be times when it’s just not possible to provide the translation. But this should be a last resort.
Captioning live music events is more than just lyrics, they emphasized. Be sure to include items like [cheers and applause], [laughter], [non-lyrical vocals]. These are key to caption readers to provide them with a full sense of the event.
The final portion of the session centered on how to prepare for the venue. Here Falgiani and Cillo offered up the tools and equipment they take with them on these assignments. These include items like computer(s) and a portable table, a portable monitor, a surge strip, certain chargers and power cords, a mouse and mouse pad, connectors, and audio adapters for a soundboard. Familiarity with the venue is an imperative, Falgiani stressed.
The packed room and questions attendees had for the presenters is further evidence of captioning’s growing prominence at live music events. Just ask folks like Isaiah Roberts, RPR, a court reporter and captioner from Chicago, Ill., and Cody Knacke, RMR, CRC, a freelance court reporter and captioner from Ontario, Calif. Both have carved out a successful niche providing captioning for events like Coachella and Formula One racing.
NCRA is proud to provide platforms like the annual Conference to ensure our members are at the forefront of the latest trends shaping the profession today. This session was one of 50-plus at our 2025 event. If you weren’t ablet to join us in Minneapolis, start planning now to join us in Bellevue, Wash., in 2026!
Special thanks to Falgiani, Munguia, and Cillo for their fabulous session. And catch up on our full coverage of the 2025 NCRA Conference & Expo.
Kim Falgiani RDR, CRR, CRC, is an official reporter from Warren, Ohio. She can be reached at kfalgiani@gmail.com. Denise Munguia, RDR, CRR, CRC, is a freelancer from North Olmsted, Ohio, and she can be reached at denise@munguiareporting.com. Anna Cillo is a CART captioner from Pittsburgh, Pa., and she can be reached at annacillo@yahoo.com.
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