A career as a music journalist can be a great fit for someone who enjoys both music and writing. When it comes to working in music journalism, there are numerous options, and the career can be tailored to the interests and passions of the individual journalist. A music journalist, at its most basic level, covers news and information in the music industry.
A music journalist could work for a variety of publications. Although a music magazine or a music trade publication are obvious choices, general interest magazines and newspapers frequently hire music columnists for their entertainment sections. There are also numerous opportunities online, such as on music blogs or other freelance websites. Before joining a publication’s staff, many music journalists work as freelancers for a while.
A reviewer is one of the most common types of music journalists. This type of journalist may be sent new albums or DVD releases before they are available to the general public, and they will review them for publication. He or she might also go to concerts and write concert reviews for local publications. A music critic may also write articles of general interest about music and the entertainment industry, as well as behind-the-scenes information.
Interviewing musicians and producers may be a major focus for other types of music journalists. Of course, not every music journalist belongs to just one of these groups. Many music journalists enjoy writing about all aspects of the business, from reviews to interviews and everything in between. Music journalists cover a wide range of genres and styles of music, from classical music critics to those who cover pop albums that are frequently heard on the radio.
Because music journalism is such a competitive field, anyone interested in becoming a music journalist will almost certainly have to pitch their ideas and articles to several different editors before being published. Building a portfolio of published or unpublished clips to demonstrate writing ability is a good idea. Publishing music reviews on a blog is a great way to get noticed, and this is another way a personal blog could help.
Although a formal education is not required to work as a music journalist, many aspiring writers pursue a four-year degree. Many people study English, communications, or journalism in college. This not only allows one to learn more about the publishing industry, but it also allows one to make valuable contacts in the field.