The Best Colleges for Music Journalism
Music journalism entails criticizing music and albums on a freelance basis or as an attachment to a magazine or newspaper. A career in music journalism can be very rewarding for the individual who not only loves music, but also loves to write. While a degree in neither music or journalism is necessary, both can be helpful in order for you to criticize music with a certain amount of authority and polished tone of voice. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a music journalism major in the United States, but there are several wonderful journalism schools in the United States, while the United Kingdom boasts several music journalism schools.
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Journalism School
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If the idea of studying in a foreign country for several years does not appeal to you, you can begin your career by studying at a world-renowned journalism school in the U.S. For esteemed journalism programs, try looking at Columbia University in New York City, University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, or Indiana State University in Bloomington, Indiana. All three schools have a well-respected reputation within the journalism world and can help set you up with great internships during your time at school.
Staffordshire University
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Staffordshire University in Staffordshire, England, prepares you for a three-year degree (equivalent to the U.S. four-year bachelor's degree) in music journalism. In addition to learning to write about music, you will also learn about radio broadcasting and how to host a radio show in which to voice your opinions on the live airwaves.
University of Creative Arts
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Located in Canterbury in Kent, England, the University of Creative Arts is a school dedicated to educating students exclusively about art. In the three-year bachelor's degree program, you will learn how to interview musicians, how to express your views in a live format as well as using your words to try and make your reader feel as if they were at the live shows you are reporting on.
Southampton Solent University
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Located in Southampton, UK, Southampton Solent University provides a three-year bachelor's degree equivalent in music journalism. Throughout your three years in the program, you will take several classes on reporting music as well as classes in the histories of popular music, subcultures in popular music and geographics of popular music. You will also have the opportunity to be placed in world-class internships and attend music festivals in order to practice your reporting skills.
University of Huddersfield
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Located in Queensgate, England, the University of Huddersfield offers a three-year bachelor's degree program in music journalism and media. The school is located within easy reach of Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield, all places that frequently host performances and music festivals. In addition to learning about music history and writing styles, you will also be able to learn about unique subjects such as media law and ethics and audience research. In your final year, you get to create a music-based project for an outside client, creating a portfolio to use for future employment as well as honing in on your skills.
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