How to be a music journalist with Tim Jonze

Join Guardian music editor Tim Jonze for the ultimate introduction to writing about music

Writing about music may look like the easiest job in the world, but the truth is it's just one of the most fun. Music journalism requires a suite of skills to master, from wringing quotes from truculent frontmen to distilling a three-day festival into a coherent two-page narrative. Led by Guardian music editor Tim Jonze, this intensive evening course includes tutorials in all the key skills a music writer needs, including interview technique, reviewing and previewing methods for live events and albums, as well as tips on dealing with the music industry.

With practical exercises to develop your abilities, this masterclass will help you find your voice and show you how to write about music for both online and print audiences.

This course is for you if…

• You're a music blogger who wants to improve the quality and authority of your writing
• You're an aspiring music journalist and want to improve your skills, and learn how to engage with the industry

Course description

This evening course offers proven, practical tips on all the essential skills for professional music journalists, from reviewing and interviewing techniques to the best ways to engage with the industry and pitch to editors. This course also provides attendees with the opportunity to get invaluable feedback on their writing through practical exercises. Topics covered include:

• Spinning the news: spotting stories and finding shareable angles
• Interview technique: what to ask, and how to ask it
• How to tell a compelling story through a record review
• How to pitch reviews and features to editors
• Establishing a distinctive personal style

Tutor profiles

Tim Jonze is the music editor of guardian.co.uk and has worked as a music journalist for over a decade, covering festivals for the NME and the Guardian since 2003. He has interviewed everyone from Lily Allen to Oasis and has done more vox pops in the mud with strangers than he cares to remember.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website