I want some pointers and advice from knowledgable sources on how I would get my foot in the door in the Music Criticism world.

I just started college, so I feel that I'm getting close to the time when I'll need to start working on this goal. I feel that music criticism is for me because I love music and I love writing. Where else would I go with that?!

Feel free to move this to general music discussion if it's a more appropriate place.

quote:

Originally posted by b0arder753:
I want some pointers and advice from knowledgable sources on how I would get my foot in the door in the Music Criticism world.

I just started college, so I feel that I'm getting close to the time when I'll need to start working on this goal. I feel that music criticism is for me because I love music and I love writing. Where else would I go with that?!

Feel free to move this to general music discussion if it's a more appropriate place.

Just a suggestion, but these days you may want to think about starting your own blog. The web should be a great tool for making your "portfolio". That way, you'll actually have tons of writing samples, and you'll be able to learn how to write better.

Haha, I just created my blog yesterday but I have yet to write anything (because I've been drinking too much) in it. I thought it'd be a good place to start.

Would a journalism degree be useful?
A lot of newspapers, radio, websites etc would look favourably on a degree I guess....

From what I understand, they don't pay anything, but CMG is always accepting applications

Yeah, I saw that a couple days ago.

I really want to apply but I'm so caught up in school, trying to find a job, I lack any writing samples that are record reviews, and I'm really unsure about my musical critiquing ability.

Shit. I need to grow some balls haha.

I'm a bit of an armchair critic - I just post here for fun, but I do know people who write for publications.

They all started by submitting reviews to popular websites, usually run by some of their friends. If a site gets popular enough, you'll get industry people popping in every now and then to check it out (I remember a BBC radio presenter used to post on one of the forums). After that, it's just a case of networking your way to a good position.

A blog sounds like a great start, but if you have a good enough idea you could start your own website. As someone said earlier, it's also great for building a portfolio.

i'm in the same boat as you, boarder... i'm in my second year at university, and as i'm sure is the same with you, i've spent many a confused night contemplating my future.

my main beef: is this a wise career choice? of course i am passionate about music, but is there a likelihood that i will be writing my reviews out of a cardboard box? like you, i love music and i enjoy writing, but perhaps this would make a better hobby than a career.

for this reason, i decided that i would rather critique film over music. i think there is more opportunity for an actual career on the film side of things. although i'm not quite as well-versed in film, i'm always learning... i sometimes daydream about locking myself in my room for a year and become a major film buff.

quote:

Originally posted by Fitz:
i sometimes daydream about locking myself in my room for a year and become a major film buff.

That would be fun... talk to monkey_boy about "the den".

quote:

like you, i love music and i enjoy writing, but perhaps this would make a better hobby than a career.

I think this is the best advice I'd give, b0oarder. Not very many people have careers being music critics, and most of those people probably didn't start it as a career. Do it as a side-project until you're portfolio becomes more impressive - then you could start searching for a career position. I'd study something that's going to give you enough free time to devote a lot of time to critique. Perhaps education?

A lot of the english teachers I've had were writers who needed to "support" themselves (teaching keep you financially stable? Hah!), but I could totally see myself teaching.

Interesting comment about writers needing to support themselves by becoming teachers. I initially got into teaching because I thought this would give me the spare time to write. It's a little embarrassing to admit, but I haven't written a worthwhile thing in 14 years. Don't fall for the old 'teachers work short days, have long holidays' thing. It's a fallacy for 95% of teachers.

One thing I can say about working with students is that you see the ebb and tide of music up real close. It's great to watch the fads spread through a school and then that fad be washed over by the next big thing. Some big phases at the schools I worked were Korn followed by Marilyn Manson, the whole Blink and friends; one school I worked at went crazy for Jack Johnson, now emo has struck like the black plague at the school I'm currently at. Interestingly, Nirvana has been in vogue now for a good 10 years.

Alright, in case you guys were wondering or concerned or just bored, I've decided what I'm going to do. I have a guarenteed job as a firefighter; the hours are good, the pay is good, and firefighters have a huge network (you have no idea how many firefighters know just the right people). So, I've decided that I'm going to become a firefighter. It allows me plenty of time to listen to music and to write and it allows me to be financially stable.

Sounds like a plan.

quote:

Originally posted by b0arder753:
Alright, in case you guys were wondering or concerned or just bored, I've decided what I'm going to do. I have a guarenteed job as a firefighter; the hours are good, the pay is good, and firefighters have a huge network (you have no idea how many firefighters know just the right people). So, I've decided that I'm going to become a firefighter. It allows me plenty of time to listen to music and to write and it allows me to be financially stable.

Sounds like a plan.

10 bucks says this changes 37 times in the next year.

...if you're anything like me.

Haha, I hope not. I have only chenged my mind on professions twice (but I'm only 17..)

But it seems like the best oppurtunity for me to do what I love while being stable and not in a shitty environment. And, I know a lot of people in the Department (I grew up with them) and it's just a really good place to work.

Idk. If it changes again I wouldn't be surprised but oh well. That's my latest update.

you just write out your feelings freely,and please dont care other people.
you is yourself and the feelings of your own.

I started my blog and I'd say the first entry is quality. Please check it out!

Fight Test:
thetestisover.blogspot.com

I've been checking it JG, but I'm far too lazy to register so I can post comments.

Great name for it too, my favorite Lips song.

Idc about the comments, if they're constructive you can post 'em in here. Those would be appreciated.

Cool site man, keep it up. I agree with that Matthew Dear track, Deserter. My fav from that album.

Is there a new Liars album coming out this year? I'm stoked!