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.
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.
Posts: 874 | Location: Ain'T it stiLl obvious? | Registered: 22 August 2006
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.
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.
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.
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?
Posts: 1376 | Location: Valparaiso, IN | Registered: 01 July 2006
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.
Posts: 56 | Location: Yeppoon, Australia | Registered: 26 December 2006
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.
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.
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.
