How to Become a Music Columnist

You'll meet all sorts of musicians as a music columnist.

For the music lover with outstanding writing skills, the job of a music columnist can sound like a dream occupation. However, opportunities are limited if you wish it to be a paid position. Anyone can start a blog to write about his favorite music, and some will even be able to monetize it. For others, though, the road to credibility and a wide audience is to become a music columnist for an established publication, whether it be a newspaper, magazine or online source.

Instructions

1. Learn about all types of music. Research all genres thoroughly, so you know the trends, major names, history and origins. Learn about the entire industry, so even if you choose to specialize in a particular type of genre, you'll be able to write intelligently about cross-genre influences and recognize how trends in one area affect another. Develop your expertise in the topic so your future column can be a credible source of information for other music lovers.

2. Research arts and entertainment publications. Read other music columnists so you understand their voices, niches and what makes them successful. Make a list of publications that cover music that do not currently have a column. Jot down notes about the types of publications you would like to write for, and become familiar with their writing styles and focus areas.

3. Make contacts in the music industry in the market you wish to cover. Attend conferences and concerts. Talk to agents about setting up interviews and introducing you to their clients. Focus on a particular market, whether it is a genre or geographic location. Create a database of contact names, phone numbers and emails of people who can be your sources.

4. Begin by writing music reviews and news stories. Send query letters to the publications you wish to write for. Sell ideas for reviews of concerts, DVDs or single releases. Find unique angles on musicians from the contacts you made within the industry. Write compelling stories. Work well with the editors by always meeting your deadlines, providing exactly what you promised and being cooperative about rewrites or supplying additional information. Develop relationships with the editors and those who assign stories.

5. Propose a column to your target publication. Write a sample column to accompany your column proposal. Present the proposal via email, in a private meeting or in a letter. Include a topic budget that lists several months' worth of topics that you would cover in a column. Make sure your proposal aligns with the needs of the publication. Explain specifically how your column could increase the readership of the publication. Share any competitive analysis you have done, and describe how your column would fill a niche that the publication currently doesn't cover.

Tips & Warnings

• Build your brand as a writer by constantly writing high-quality articles across many different mediums. Develop yourself as an expert that readers will trust.

References

• Schools in the USA: Columnist
• State University: Columnist Job Description

Resources

• Arts Editor: Home
• "Arts Journal"; Flyover; Jennifer A. Smith