The term “music editor” has several different definitions. A music editor’s job in journalism entails reviewing various musical compositions and writing a review or commentary. A music editor has typically received formal music education or training at a college or university level. A music editor’s job duties may include reviewing music for a music publishing company, magazine, or website, as well as composing new music.
A music editor’s primary responsibilities fall into three categories: attending musical performances, writing articles and reviews, and providing consulting services. Depending on the local music scene, a music editor can expect to attend many different types of musical performances. Many music editors cover a large city or region, and they may be writing about musical theater, classical music, jazz, or the local band scene. The ability to review such a diverse range of genres necessitates a combination of objectivity and an open mind. Technical and performance-related elements are present in all music genres and provide the listener with enjoyment. The editor must be aware of these key elements, be able to identify them, and assign a rating to them.
The music editor may work as part of a larger music and performing arts review department or as the sole music writer for a larger newspaper or magazine. In a large department, the music editor may be in charge of two or three writers who are present at the musical performances. He or she is then primarily concerned with assigning tasks, editing the writers’ submissions, double-checking facts, and ensuring that the published work has a consistent voice. Smaller publications’ music editors may be in charge of writing all of the articles and reviews.
After several years of working as an editor, music editors frequently expand their roles into consulting. He or she may specialize in a particular genre of music or in performance or stage presence. The ability to provide professional advice to performers on stage presence, technique, and the audience’s experience is enhanced the skill set required to become a music editor.
To be considered for a job as a music editor, a candidate should have a portfolio of work or a list of professional musicians with whom he or she has collaborated. This work need not be as a music editor, but it could be in the music publishing industry or a related field. This is not an entry-level position; rather, it necessitates a minimum of five years of experience in a related field.
The music editor’s job in film and television is to put together and edit the music for a production soundtrack. He or she is also in charge of creating the temporary score, also known as a “temp track,” which can help set the mood during the shoot. The music is also synced to the final image the editor.