Melanie Said:

What's the difference between English (with Creative Writing) and English Lit. (with Creative Writing)?

We Answered:

English Lit. is described as reading books and talking about them in a prospectus I have... well, it's written in a bit more detail, but that is the jist I hear. You'll also do a bit of creative writing as well, which is like stories/advise/persuade/inform etc.

Whereas the first one will be just like your English class from high school, but more advanced. You'll have to read books and talk about them still, but probably not as much.

For more respected... I'd say it depends on what you want to be.

Jackie Said:

How can an English/Creative Writing Major get into Music journalism, criticism, or...?

We Answered:

This may not be the answer you want, but the best answer is to start small. Does your college have a newspaper? Get involved there, writing reviews, doing interviews, providing photos, that sorta thing. See if the local newspaper needs any freelancers. You may not be able to get the prime gigs, so to speak this way, but you're first priority is to get your foot in the door. Volunteer to cover anything and everything, not just shows you want to see. Then, if you do a good job, providing material of value, you'll rise in the ranks, ie the estimation and appreciation of those giving assignments, and may get offered first chance at some of the more desired shows.

It goes without saying, too, that your photos and writing -- and, yes, it gets you a few brownie points if you're able to provide your own photos -- are of top quality. If every story, note I said EVERY story isn't the best you can offer, you're unlikely to be asked back or even given future consideration. Smaller outlets, like your local paper (well, unless you're in NYC or Chicago, say) are your best bet, but there is competition there, too. Cover a few shows on your own, in fact, and offer them the material free, which is about all you'll get for awhile anyway. It gets your foot in the door.

I'm betting there is some sort of local entertainment or music publication, too. Find the contact info, send in free material (seriously, about the best you can usually expect in the early days is the chance to get free tickets), and in general become a known entity for them. And, remember, quality, quality, quality.

Good luck!