Rob Hochschild

Associate Professor

Affiliated Departments

617-747-6773

For media inquiries, please contact Media Relations

Veteran writer, editor, and radio producer Rob Hochschild taught his first Berklee writing course in 2011. Born near Philadelphia, Hochschild began his journalism career as a news reporter for a Massachusetts radio station before becoming news director of a country music station in Pennsylvania. For more than 20 years he worked as an administrator at Berklee, primarily in the External Affairs area, as a writer, website editor, podcast host, and director of communications. He has interviewed public figures ranging from national politicians to Grammy winners such as Willie Nelson, Pat Metheny, Esperanza Spalding, and Jimmy Page.

Courses Taught (2)

Introduction to College Writing

LENG-111

Professional Development Seminar

LHUM-400

Career Highlights

Nonfiction and journalism has appeared in the Boston Globe, Downbeat, Making Music magazine, and the Portsmouth Herald, among other outlets.
Has done on-air radio work for several commercial or public radio outlets, including NPR affiliates, WGBH, and WBUR.
Has taught writing in Massachusetts prisons.
Co-launched two podcasts for the college: Inside Berklee and Sounds of Berklee.
Host of music shows on radio stations KSFR (Santa Fe, NM) and WUMB (Boston, MA).
Has studied guitar with Steve Fekete, saxophone with Joe Viola, and improvisation with Phil Wilson.

In Their Own Words

My hope is that my writing students will improve in all aspects of the process: brainstorming and focusing ideas, researching, drafting, revising, and receiving and giving feedback. My writing classes are designed to also help students develop into critical readers, creative thinkers, and better all-around communicators. I require students in these classes to give presentations in class and speak up frequently. I also work hard to create a sense of community in the classroom, regardless of one's background.

In my career-related classes, I guide students through a series of creative and practical exercises to help them determine and design an arts career that ultimately is as fulfilling as it is profitable. Students leave these classes with a better understanding of their strengths and value in an ever-changing marketplace.

Having worked in a range of professional environments—from music and media to healthcare and technology—I have a diversity of experience that comes into play every day in the classroom. My professional life not only informs how I teach the mechanics of writing and career planning, but also helps me guide students on a path where they are better prepared to succeed as individuals, as collaborators, and as leaders.