PODCAST · music
Music Student 101
by Jeremy Burns, Matthew Scott Phillips
We are musicians, composers, engineers, teachers and students alike. The path of a musician can be challenging and uncertain but it can also be enriching and great fun! This is the path we chose and we are here as your resource. Explore theory, history, ear training, technique, special topics and overall musicianship.
Episodes
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160-Listener Compositions Pt.10
This, our 10th listener compositions episode, is dedicated to sharing the talents and music of our ever growning listening community. And some amazing talent it is! This episode will feature: Cindy Castevens, Jeffery Panther, Edward Thomas Bender, Grant Schultz, Nico Rizzuto and Alex Turnbull!
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159-Intro To 20th Century Music
Almost all of the music theory we've discussed at this point, in Western music, has been based on tonal music. In the 20th century, atonal music and a host of other styles and techniques are born. Let's get a preview of some of what this era will bring!
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158-10 Year Anniversary
This episode will be a celebration of the 10 years we've been doing this show! Let's talk about where we've been, where we are and where we're going. We will also have a little pop in from a surprise guest! Feel the nostalgia. Look towards the future. Hear the out takes!
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157-Harmonic Progression Pt.13 (All 7th Chords)
This ear training episode will be like many others. The difference? All chords (except the tonic) will be full 7th chords! Will these additions muddy up our analysis? Let's find out!
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156-Women In Music Pt.3
Continuing where we left off on episode 97, we will now cover several influential female composers from the Romantic Period!
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155-Orchestration-Woodwinds Pt.2
On episode 154, we began a discussion on orchestration for the woodwinds section and it's instruments: the flute, the oboe, the clarinet, the saxophone and the bassoon. We will now continue this discussion with a focus on suggested ratios for arrangement, ranges and more detail on the instruments...
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154-Orchestration-Woodwinds Pt.1
Orchestration is the art of choosing the right instruments, and the proper balance thereof, for a composition. Different considerations go into conveying different moods and emotions to better tell the story. Continuing our discussion, we move on to the ever versatile woodwind section. Let's talk...
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153-Tips For A Gigging Musician Pt.1
It's time to discuss playing a live show for money (a.k.a. "gigging")! We hope most musicians will experience this at some point. In this episode, we will focus on practice strategies, essential gear, load in/load out, performance and maybe some etiquette considerations you may not have…
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152-Polytonality Pt.1
What is polytonality? Can a piece of music be in more than one key at a time? Where do atonality and polytonality differ? What does this music even sound like? If you have any of these questions in mind, join us!
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151-Listener Compositions Pt.9
This, our 9th listener compositions episode, is all about our talented listeners and their ever growing writing skills. We are calling this "The Reunion" because we have a majority of returning composers! Let's hear what they've been up to! This episode will feature the original music of: Chris...
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150-The Big Recap Pt.5
It is again time to reminisce on some of the topics we've covered in past episodes. This, part 5 of our recaps, will cover episodes 101-130. These episodes cover a lot of ear training and extended advanced theory topics as well as some cool history and other things music adjacent. We humbly thank...
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149-The Baroque Period (Early)
Departing from episode 148, Renaissance Music Pt.2 (Late), we now arrive at the Early Baroque period! Up for discussion will be some pioneer composers of this period such as Gabrieli, Monteverdi, Frescobaldi and Strozzi! We will also talk about the dawn of opera, the aria and the recitative. We...
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148-Renaissance Music Pt.2 (Late)
Continuing from episode 144, Renaissance Music Pt.1 (Early-Mid), we will now get into the late Renaissance period! In this episode, we will cover the composition techniques and musical stylings of composers, such as Thomas Weekles and Giovanni Palestrina, and how their music influenced this…
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147-Shenkerian Analysis Pt.3
We will now further our discussion of Shankerian analysis with linear intervalic progressions, compound melodies, transition between voices, more on the neighbor note and a continued effort to galvanize our understanding of the 3 main layers involved in Shenkerian analysis!
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146-The Big Recap Pt.4
It is time to dedicate another episode to the purpose of reviewing some of the topics we've covered. This episode, part 4 of our recaps, will cover episodes 71-100. By episode 100, we have covered the equivelent of a "theory 4" level education, by most academic standards. We humbly thank you all...
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145-Music Apps 2025
We've touched on music apps in past episodes. But we thought it might be nice to dedicate an episode to some great apps that cover ear training, rhythm, notation and practice. We will also share some of our own ear training tips that we've picked up over the years!
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144-Renaissance Music Pt.1 (Early-Mid)
Continuing from episode 134, Middle Ages Music Pt.2, we will now get into the early to mid Renaissance period. In this episode, we will cover the composition techniques and musical stylings of composers, such as Guillaume Dufay and Josquin Des Prez (within the church and outside the chuch),...
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143-The Big Recap Pt.3
We decided to dedicate another episode to the purpose of reviewing some of the topics we've covered up to a certain point. This episode, part 3 of our recaps, will cover episodes 40-70! By episode 70, we have covered the equivelent of a "theory 3" level education, in academic circles. We humbly...
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142-Melodic Dictation Pt.8-Locrian Mode
Melodic dictation, the act of transcribing and notating a melody by ear, is a crucial skill for a musician to cultivate. In this episode, we will focus on the ever elusive Locrian mode. Let's listen!
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141-The Blues Pt.3-Piedmont and Texas Blues
In episodes 64 and 89, we discussed the roots of blues and country and delta blues. Now we spread out from these genres to cover Texas blues and Piedmont blues. We will discuss how the sounds from these regions stand apart and a few of the main artists that influeced these styles.
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140-Listener Compositions Pt.8
This, our 8th Listener Compositions episode, is all about our fine listeners and their fine talents. Let's hear what they've been up to! This episode will feature the original music of Soren Thomsen (Current Maso), Edward Bender, Thomas Czarples, Emily Zhang and Keith Andrews!
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139-Harmonic Sequences Pt.1
Melodic sequences occur frequently in music. They are often accompanied by harmonic sequences. Certain harmonic sequence patterns are constructed to preserve good voice leading without breaking the pattern. In this episode, we will focus on the descending circle of fifths sequence.
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138-Music and Grief
Grief, and the emotions that come with it, can often effect how we listen to music and how we write music. However, music can be a good companion during the healing process. In this episode we will share our experiences and those of some fellow musicians. We will discuss composers that have been...
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137-Schenkerian Analysis Pt.2
In episode 132, we merely scratched the surface of Schenkerian analysis. We will now continue our discussion of prolongation and listen to a few more examples of horizontalization. We will then discuss how Schenker looks at dominant and predominant functions. Ready your theory brains!
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136-Instrument Care Pt.5-Percussion
Percussion instruments are known to take a beating. Still, it's important to keep them safe, clean and properly maintained. In this episode, we will review the instruments of the percussion family and share some tips we found to keep them sounding and looking their best!
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135-Harmonic Progression Pt.12-Non Chord Tones
Passing tones, appoggiaturas, pedal tones and suspensions are just a few of the non chord tones we discussed in Ep. 28. Now we will take a little more time training our ears to recognize them. After all that, we will play examples and test our ability to identify them in a chord progression.…
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134-Middle Ages Music Pt.2
Continuing from episode 75, Middle Ages Music Pt.1, we will now get into the later part of this era. Polyphony is now becoming commonplace. We will discuss composition tools such as oraganum, chant, the motet and the hocket. We will also discuss how other cultures beyond the world of Western…
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133-Animals and Music Pt.2
We, at Music Student 101, believe that music is truly a common language! We wonder how it effects our animal friends. We wonder if some form of music exists among our animal friends. Join us as we discuss elephants, rodents, bats, crocodiles and mosquitoes!
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132-Schenkerian Analysis Pt.1
Schenkerian analysis is a deeper dive into the sea of theory discussions we've had so far. In this episode, we will merely dip our toes into this counterpoint based system. Get ready for another perspective of how classical music works!
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131-Melodic Dictation Pt.7-Phrygian Mode
Melodic dictation, the act of transcribing and notating a melody by ear, is a crucial skill for a musician to cultivate. In this episode, we will focus on the ever exotic Phrygian mode. Let's listen!
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130-Listener Compositions Pt.7
It is time for our 7th Listener Compositions episode. So let's enjoy the talents of our listeners! This episode will feature the original music of Fred Lancia, Mark Christie, Evan Bjork, Tom Richardson, Nikita Menkov and Devin Montes.
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129-Perfect Pitch
One out of every 10,000 people have absolute pitch (a.k.a perfect pitch). Many more, epecially musicians, wish they could have it. It's time to discuss this phenomenon and how it differs from relative pitch!
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128-Form and Analysis Pt.5-Baroque Forms
Continuing our discussion from Ep.114, we will now focus on some of the more widely known forms of the Baroque period (1600-1750 CE). We will discuss the church and chamber sonatas, the French overture, the dance suites and the fugue, just to name a few.
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127-Harmonic Progression Pt.11-Neapolitan Chord
The Neapolitan chord is a great tool for modulation and for adding intrigue to any chord progression. In this episode, we will talk about it. We will listen to it. We will test our ears and their ability to identify it!
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126-Native American Music Pt.1
Today there are hundreds of Native American communities on the continents of North and South America. With each, their own cultures, cuisines, languages and rituals. But at the heart of all of these communities are dance and music. Let's learn about the sounds and origins of their music! This...
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125-Altered Chords Pt.4
Continuing from episode 112 (Altered Chords Pt.3), we will top off our discussion of altered chords. Ready your theory brain for coloristic chord successions, chromatic sequences and non sequential linear processes!
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124-Instrument Care Pt.4-Woodwinds
To keep your woodwinds sounding their best, it's important to keep them safe, clean and properly maintained. In this episode, we will review the instruments of the wood wind family: the oboe, clarinet, saxophone, flute and bassoon. We will also discuss the many parts involved and how to properly...
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123-Melodic Dictation Pt.6-Lydian Mode
Melodic dictation, the act of transcribing and notating a melody by ear, is a crucial skill for a musician to cultivate. In this episode, we will focus on the Lydian mode. Let's listen!
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122-Sound Engineering (feat. Raymond Calhoun)
The sound engineer is the driving force behind a good listening experience at any live concert. If you enjoy the tech end of the music world, you will enjoy what our special guest, Raymond Calhoun, has to say. This career path can lead to some awesome places and some amazing people. So let's get...
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121-Harmonic Rhythm
Harmonic rhythm addresses the rate in which chord changes occur within a piece of music. On the surface, it seems like a simple concept. On a deeper level there's so much more to discuss. So let's discuss!
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120-Listener Compositions Pt.6
It is time to add yet more listeners to our composing community! They work hard, that we may listen hard! So let us listen! This episode will feature the original music of: Visa Oscar, Alex Turnbull, Aubriel, Lemongrass, Neal Malley and Steve From an Undisclosed Subterranean Location.
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119-Animals and Music Pt.1
Do animals appreciate music? Do they create their own music? Could they benefit from exposure to the right kind of music? The field of zoomusicology attempts to address some of these questions. In this episode, we will revisit some scientific studies involving primates, pets and some of our...
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118-Harmonic Progression Pt. 10 (Augmented 6th Chords)
On this episode, we will dig deeper into augmented sixth (+6) chords. We will discuss the difference between these chords and the standard augmented triad. We will discuss the three types: Italian, French and German. Then we will test our ears to see if we can identify them in a chord progression.
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117-Melodic Organization and Thematic Development
Once you've written a theme, or a main melody, there are a number of ways you can develop it and organize it into your overall piece. Repetition, transposition, expansion, contraction, augmentation, diminution, fragmentation, variation and melodic sequences are just a few of the many ways this…
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116-What Makes Scary Music Scary?
What makes scary music scary? We can only SPOOKULATE! Join us as we examine some well known scary scores in the classic music and cinematic genres. We will discuss some reoccurring themes, such as the dreaded "Dies Irae". We will discuss reoccurring intervals, such as the minor 2nd and the…
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115-Music and Productivity
Does listening to music make you more productive? Does it elevate your mood and help you get through your chores. Many have asked this question. Many have researched the answer. Let us discuss!
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114-Form and Analysis Pt. 4-Rondo
Moving forward in our discussion of form and analysis, we will dig deep into the rondo form. We will listen to a popular example, Fur Elise, and yap about the form in real time. Ready your theory brains!
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113-Melodic Dictation Pt.5-Aeolian Mode
Melodic dictation, the act of transcribing and notating a melody by ear, is a crucial skill for a musician to cultivate. In this episode, we will focus on the Aeolian mode (a.k.a. the natural minor scale). Tune in and tune your ears!
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112-Altered Chords Pt.3
Continuing our discussion from episode 106, we will find yet more ways to alter chords. We will listen to non-dominant, extended tertian chords. We will marvel at the common tone diminished chord. We will revisit linear chromaticism and reckon with the appoggiatura chord. Finally, we will ponder…
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111-Music and War
Musical instruments, compositions and techniques have served many purposes. Some were for communication, some for support and some for intimidation and the extraction of information. On this episode, we discuss music and war, from some of the earliest accounts to the modern era!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
We are musicians, composers, engineers, teachers and students alike. The path of a musician can be challenging and uncertain but it can also be enriching and great fun! This is the path we chose and we are here as your resource. Explore theory, history, ear training, technique, special topics and overall musicianship.
HOSTED BY
Jeremy Burns, Matthew Scott Phillips
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Music Student 101 have?
Music Student 101 currently has 163 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Music Student 101 about?
We are musicians, composers, engineers, teachers and students alike. The path of a musician can be challenging and uncertain but it can also be enriching and great fun! This is the path we chose and we are here as your resource. Explore theory, history, ear training, technique, special topics and...
How often does Music Student 101 release new episodes?
Music Student 101 publishes regularly with 163 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Music Student 101?
You can listen to Music Student 101 on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Music Student 101?
Music Student 101 is created and hosted by Jeremy Burns, Matthew Scott Phillips.
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