Are you passionate about music? Do you find yourself analyzing every beat, lyric, and melody in the songs you listen to? If you have an ear for music and an opinion to share, why not turn that passion into a career? Starting a music reviewing career as a college student is a fantastic way to combine your love for music with a flexible side hustle.
Whether you’re into indie, hip hop, rock, pop, or any other genre, there’s a growing demand for music critics and reviewers across blogs, social media, and major publications. Here’s how you can get started as a student, build your portfolio, and potentially earn money while listening to and writing about your favorite tracks!
What is Music Reviewing?
Music reviewing is the process of listening to music, analyzing its elements, and offering an informed opinion about its quality, style, and impact. Music reviewers typically focus on different aspects of a song or album, such as:
- Lyrics: The meaning, structure, and creativity of the words.
- Melody and Harmony: The overall musical arrangement, chord progressions, and instrumentation.
- Vocals: The quality, emotion, and technical skills of the singer(s).
- Production: The technical aspects of how the music was recorded and mixed.
- Genre and Style: The context of the music within its specific genre and how it compares to similar artists or trends.
- Cultural or Social Impact: The relevance of the music in today’s society or its connection to a certain movement or event.
As a music reviewer, you create content that informs, entertains, and offers an opinion to your audience about the music being discussed. You might write for a blog, a magazine, a YouTube channel, or even post reviews on platforms like Spotify, SoundCloud, or Apple Music. Music reviews can be written in various formats, including text reviews, videos, or podcasts, and may cover anything from mainstream pop albums to niche independent music.
Who is a Music Reviewing Career For?
A music reviewing career is ideal for college students who are:
- Passionate About Music:
If music is an essential part of your life, then music reviewing could be a perfect fit. Whether you’re into popular chart-toppers or obscure indie artists, being genuinely passionate about music is crucial for engaging with your audience and crafting insightful reviews. - Analytical and Detail-Oriented:
While being a fan of music is important, a music reviewer must be able to break down and analyze music critically. Being able to look past personal biases and assess different aspects of a song or album—from the lyrics to the production—is key. If you enjoy thinking critically about how and why a piece of music resonates with you, music reviewing could be an excellent outlet. - Creative and Articulate:
Writing or talking about music in an engaging way requires creativity and effective communication skills. If you’re able to express your thoughts clearly and engagingly, whether through writing or speaking, you can create compelling reviews that captivate an audience. - Interested in Writing or Media:
Music reviewing offers a unique blend of both the written word and media. If you’re considering a career in writing, journalism, blogging, or content creation, music reviewing allows you to hone those skills while doing something you love. Whether it’s through blogging, vlogging, or social media, music reviewers get to practice content creation, build an online presence, and attract an audience. - Looking for Flexibility:
Music reviewing can be done on your schedule, making it an ideal option for busy students. Whether you’re working on a part-time basis or looking for something to do in your downtime, reviewing music offers the flexibility to work at your own pace.
Requirements to Become a Music Reviewer
To start a career in music reviewing, there are some skills, tools, and steps to consider:
- Passion and Knowledge of Music:
A deep love for music is the foundation of this career. The more music you listen to, the better you’ll be at understanding different genres, artists, and trends. You don’t need to be a trained musician, but having a strong understanding of how music works and what makes it impactful is essential. - Strong Writing or Communication Skills:
Whether you’re writing a review, recording a podcast, or creating a YouTube video, being able to communicate your thoughts clearly and engagingly is crucial. Music reviews should not only describe but also analyze and critique. Practice writing in an engaging way, offering both praise and constructive criticism. - Critical Listening:
Developing the ability to listen to music analytically is essential. Music reviewers need to listen beyond surface-level enjoyment and break down elements like melody, rhythm, production, and lyrics to offer meaningful insights. - Familiarity with Music Review Platforms:
Music reviewers often publish their work on blogs, social media, or specialized review sites. Familiarize yourself with platforms like Pitchfork, NME, AllMusic, or Metacritic, and understand the types of reviews that succeed on these platforms. Whether you’re posting on your own blog or contributing to a larger publication, knowing where and how to publish your reviews is key. - Online Presence:
Building an online presence through social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok can help you grow your audience. A personal blog or website is also a great way to showcase your writing and establish a portfolio that can attract brands, record labels, or music publications. - Basic Video or Audio Editing Skills (optional):
If you decide to create video or audio content, learning the basics of video editing (using tools like iMovie, Adobe Premiere, or Final Cut Pro) or audio editing (with Audacity or Adobe Audition) will enhance the quality of your content and make it more appealing to your audience.
How Much Can I Make as a Music Reviewer?
The income from music reviewing can vary based on your platform, audience, and experience. Here’s a breakdown of potential earnings:
- Starting Out:
As a beginner, you might not earn much initially. Many music reviewers start out by writing for free, gaining exposure, or working on small blogs or YouTube channels. At this stage, you might earn between $0 and $50 per review if you’re submitting work to smaller publications or doing freelance gigs for content platforms. - Freelance and Paid Opportunities:
As you gain experience and start building your portfolio, you can charge more for your reviews. Freelance music reviewers can earn anywhere from $50 to $300 per article, depending on the platform and the length of the review. For video reviews on YouTube or other social media platforms, you can also monetize your content through ad revenue, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing. - Full-Time Career:
Experienced music reviewers with large followings or those working for major publications can earn more. Full-time music critics working for established magazines or websites can earn $30,000 to $60,000 per year or more, depending on their reputation, readership, and the size of the publication. Some YouTubers and bloggers with large followings can make $5,000 to $10,000 per month through ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise. - Additional Revenue Streams:
As a music reviewer, you can supplement your income by:- Writing sponsored posts for music brands, concerts, or events.
- Collaborating with artists, PR firms, or music companies for paid promotions.
- Offering consultation services for emerging musicians or indie labels.
How to Get Started as a Student
Starting a music reviewing career as a student is easier than ever, thanks to the internet. Here’s how you can begin:
- Choose Your Focus:
Decide what type of music you want to review. Do you have a specific genre or niche you’re passionate about, like indie rock, electronic, or hip hop? Or are you more interested in reviewing mainstream pop or albums by big artists? Defining your niche can help attract a dedicated audience. - Start Writing:
Start by reviewing music in a format that suits you—whether that’s written reviews, YouTube videos, or podcast episodes. You can start with your favorite songs or albums, or review music you find on streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music. - Create a Blog or YouTube Channel:
Build a website or blog using platforms like WordPress or Medium where you can post your reviews. Alternatively, if you prefer video or audio content, create a YouTube channel or start a podcast. Consistency is key—post regularly to build your audience. - Engage with the Music Community:
Follow artists, music reviewers, and industry professionals on social media. Engage with other reviewers, comment on posts, and participate in music-related conversations. Networking can help you stay updated on the latest trends, events, and opportunities. - Pitch Your Reviews to Publications:
As your skills grow, pitch your reviews to well-established publications or websites like Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, or Consequence of Sound. Freelance music writers can earn decent money by contributing to these platforms. - Stay Updated:
Keep up with the latest releases, trends, and news in the music world. Attend concerts, watch live streams, and listen to new albums to stay informed and fresh in your reviews.
Our Thoughts
Starting a music reviewing career as a college student is a fun and rewarding way to express your passion for music, build your writing portfolio, and potentially earn money. Whether you’re writing for blogs, making videos, or starting a podcast, there are endless opportunities to share your thoughts on the music you love.
By building a consistent online presence, honing your skills, and networking with others in the music industry, you can turn your music reviewing hobby into a full-fledged career—both during and after college. So grab your headphones, start reviewing, and let your voice be heard in the world of music!
