How to Become a Music Journalist

Writing experience is important in journalism.

As the journalism landscape changes, newspapers shrink and disappear, but the field of journalism blossoms. Journalists in specialized fields can expect great employment opportunities. A career as a music journalist can lead you to work covering local bands and entertainment, or interviewing chart-topping singers for broadcast or print media. A career as a music journalist involves training or education, professional networking and the ability to meet deadlines and adapt to new situations. You may also work long or irregular hours.

Things You'll Need

• Writing Clips
• Work Examples

Instructions

How to Become a Music Journalist

1. Enroll in a community college or university to take coursework in writing, film or radio. Coursework in music is also important for a music journalist. All journalists should be able to write stories for both print and broadcast media. The coursework you complete can be used for a professional portfolio when you begin your job search. If lecturers or professors give you the opportunity, edit your work and resubmit it. College can expose you to professionals in the field who can give you constructive criticism that may improve your writing.

2. Create a network of professionals. Journalism is a field of communication, and communicating with other professionals and peers can improve your chances of becoming a music journalist. Ask others to keep you in mind when they hear of journalism opportunities and do the same in return. You can start this network by developing relationships with your professors and other journalism staff at your school, as well as by submitting story ideas or tips to local newspaper and magazine staff members.

3. Intern at local newspapers, magazines or news stations to gain practical journalism experience. Local newspapers may give you a better opportunity for covering entertainment stories. Convey your interest in music journalism to your internship mentors. The reporter responsible for covering entertainment or music may be able to give you advice on how to approach writing about music.

   Hold onto the work samples that you complete and place them in your professional portfolio. Remember to find out if you can use mentors from your internship as references and find out if they are willing to write a letter of recommendation for you. These will be valuable in your job search.

4. Participate in school organizations related to journalism. Many high schools and college campuses have a school newspaper, radio station or broadcast news station. These organizations may give you broad experience in the field of journalism, and you may work in a variety of roles, including reporter and editor. Talk to those who currently cover music or entertainment to learn more about the field. Attend interviews with other reporters to learn the skills necessary for the job.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: "News Analysts, Reporters, and Correspondents"