Music Student 101

155-Orchestration-Woodwinds Pt.2

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 154, we began a discussion on orchestration for the woodwinds section and it's instruments: the flute, the oboe, the clarinet, the saxophon...

154-Orchestration-Woodwinds Pt.1

29 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Orchestration is the art of choosing the right instruments, and the proper balance thereof, for a composition. Different considerations go into conve...

153-Tips For A Gigging Musician Pt.1

28 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

152-Polytonality Pt.1

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 so...

151-Listener Compositions Pt.9

31 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This, our 9th listener compositions episode, is all about our talented listeners and their ever growing writing skills. We are calling this "The Reuni...

150-The Big Recap Pt.5

29 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 epi...

149-The Baroque Period (Early)

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

148-Renaissance Music Pt.2 (Late)

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

147-Shenkerian Analysis Pt.3

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We will now further our discussion of Shankerian analysis with linear intervalic progressions, compound melodies, transition between voices, more on t...

146-The Big Recap Pt.4

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ep...

145-Music Apps 2025

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, rhyth...

144-Renaissance Music Pt.1 (Early-Mid)

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 comp...

143-The Big Recap Pt.3

27 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

142-Melodic Dictation Pt.8-Locrian Mode

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 focu...

141-The Blues Pt.3-Piedmont and Texas Blues

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Piedm...

140-Listener Compositions Pt.8

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

139-Harmonic Sequences Pt.1

29 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Melodic sequences occur frequently in music. They are often accompanied by harmonic sequences. Certain harmonic sequence patterns are constructed to p...

138-Music and Grief

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 duri...

137-Schenkerian Analysis Pt.2

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

136-Instrument Care Pt.5-Percussion

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 r...

135-Harmonic Progression Pt.12-Non Chord Tones

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 mor...

134-Middle Ages Music Pt.2

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 di...

133-Animals and Music Pt.2

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

132-Schenkerian Analysis Pt.1

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 coun...

131-Melodic Dictation Pt.7-Phrygian Mode

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 focu...

130-Listener Compositions Pt.7

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Fre...

129-Perfect Pitch

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 discus...

128-Form and Analysis Pt.5-Baroque Forms

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

127-Harmonic Progression Pt.11-Neapolitan Chord

29 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

126-Native American Music Pt.1

29 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today there are hundreds of Native American communities on the continents of North and South America. With each, their own cultures, cuisines, languag...

125-Altered Chords Pt.4

27 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing from episode 112 (Altered Chords Pt.3), we will top off our discussion of altered chords. Ready your theory brain for coloristic chord succ...

124-Instrument Care Pt.4-Woodwinds

29 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 instr...

123-Melodic Dictation Pt.6-Lydian Mode

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 focu...

122-Sound Engineering (feat. Raymond Calhoun)

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

121-Harmonic Rhythm

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 l...

120-Listener Compositions Pt.6

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

119-Animals and Music Pt.1

29 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

118-Harmonic Progression Pt. 10 (Augmented 6th Chords)

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, we will dig deeper into augmented sixth (+6) chords. We will discuss the difference between these chords and the standard augmented t...

117-Melodic Organization and Thematic Development

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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, tran...

116-What Makes Scary Music Scary?

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

115-Music and Productivity

30 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

114-Form and Analysis Pt. 4-Rondo

28 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

113-Melodic Dictation Pt.5-Aeolian Mode

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 focu...

112-Altered Chords Pt.3

28 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 wi...

111-Music and War

28 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Musical instruments, compositions and techniques have served many purposes. Some were for communication, some for support and some for intimidation an...

110-Listener Compositions Pt.5

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Once again, the students become the teachers! There's so much talent among our listeners, we simply must feature it. So, get ready to listen and discu...

109-Harmonic Progression Pt.9 (vii/IV, vii/iv, vii/VII)

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing where episode 98 left off, we will top off our ear training for secondary seven chords.  We will listen how to tonicize the IV chord (in m...

108-Reading Music Pt.2

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Resuming from the previous episode, it's time to top off our discussion on reading music. We're going to take it back to the basics with the clefs, th...

107-Reading Music Pt.1

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Reading music is a complex but essential skill for one who wants to learn and reproduce new melodies or songs. On this episode, we will discuss some t...

106-Altered Chords Pt.2

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing our discussion from episode 88, we will dig deeper into extended tertian harmonies from a theory perspective with the 9th, 11th and 13th ch...

105-Melodic Dictation Pt.4-Dorian Mode

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 focu...

104-Studio Effects Pt.1

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you love to play music, you probably love the idea of recording. Once you plug in, or approach the microphone, you may find some of these effects t...

103-Temperament

30 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today's most widely used tuning system is equal temperament. It sounds great to our ears. But it is a compromise! Musicians and mathematicians have al...

102-Enharmonic Reinterpretation

27 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Follow along as we delve into enharmonic spellings and reinterpretation and the various reasons why they are necessary. We will also demonstrate some ...

101-Listener Compositions Pt.4

28 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It is time for us to give a listener to another round of fantastic listener compositions! They work hard, that we may listen hard! So let's listen! T...

100-Episode 100

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is truly a celebration of how far we've come on the show and how far you've come in the theory sequence! We will discuss songs we've writ...

99-The Fully Diminished 7th Chord

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We've almost said everything we can about the fully diminished 7th chord. ALMOST! In this episode we will explore this versatile chord and its many po...

98-Harmonic Progression Pt.8 (viiº/III, viiº/VI)

27 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing where episode 73 left off, this episode will review our previous discussions on diatonic chords and secondary functions. We will now add th...

97-Women in Music Pt.2

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to further our discussion of women composers! Continuing where we left of on episode 81, we will now cover several influential female compos...

96-Orchestration-Strings Pt.2

28 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 95, we began a discussion on orchestration for the string section and it's instruments: the bass, the cello, the viola and the violin. We w...

95-Orchestration-Strings Pt.1

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Orchestration is the art of choosing the right instruments, and the proper balance thereof, for a composition. Different considerations go into convey...

94-Instrument Care Pt.3-Brass

29 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We don't show enough love to our good horn section and other brass players! We're going to start making that right with a discussion on the general ca...

93-Form and Analysis Pt.3-Sonata

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We've familiarized ourselves with the building blocks of a form, such as motives, phrases and periods. We have delved into small forms, such as binary...

92-Creativity During Difficult Times

29 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are going to take a moment to address an issue that many of us must reckon with: staying creative during difficult times. We are g...

91-Listener Compositions Pt. 3

22 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Once more, our listeners have bared their souls and shared their own original music. Let us listen! This episode will feature the original music of: B...

90C-Music Students' Q&A Pt.3

09 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we will be meeting more new listeners and discussing more music topics! We're going to give a little tease of an up and coming episod...

90B-Music Students' Q&A Pt.2

11 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing our "shelter in place video series", the content of this 2nd video is now available for our good podcast listeners. We will find some good ...

90A-Music Students' Q&A Pt.1

14 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In efforts to keep this show going, while sheltering in place, we have decided to launch a mini series of videos to share on social media and other vi...

90-Meet The Area 47 Band

23 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's time we had a chat with some more musicians! Most of our bumper tracks for this show have really come together thanks to the efforts and talents ...

89-The Blues Pt.2-Country and Delta Blues

08 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Having covered the origins of the blues, in Pt.1 of this series, it's time to dig in to the genres that emerged from these origins during the early st...

88-Altered Chords Pt.1

25 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dive with us, face first, into chromaticism with this discussion on extended and altered chords. We will make sure we're well acquainted with the conc...

87-Substance Abuse and Music Pt.1

11 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For some reason, creative types are often drawn to mind altering substances. Musicians have been no exception. In this episode we will discuss the lur...

86-Syncopation

27 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to get a little out of step with time! Syncopation is a technique that can add more color and interest to your rhythms. In this episode, we ...

85-Augmented Sixth (+6) Chords Pt.2

13 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 65, we discussed the Italian, French and German augmented sixth (+6) chords and their main functions. In this episode, we'll dig a little d...

84-Harmonizing A Melody

23 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When you learn or write a melody, you may want to add some harmonic textures to it. In this episode, we will learn a melody. We will write harmonies t...

83-Practice! Practice! Practice!

08 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We talk a good bit about theory, ear training and history. But let's talk about you and your craft. The only way to get better at playing your instrum...

82-Melodic Dictation Pt.3-Mixolydian Mode

25 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Melodic dictation, the act of transcribing and notating a melody by ear, is an important skill for a musician to cultivate. In this episode, we will f...

81-Women in Music Pt.1

10 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Our discussion on the significance of women in music history is well overdue! Join us on this series as we highlight some of the notable female compos...

80-Listener Compositions Pt.2

23 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone enjoyed our last listener compositions episode so much, we decided to make this a regular thing. Our listeners have bared their souls. Let's ...

79-Modulation To Distantly Related Keys Pt.2

06 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

78-Melodic Dictation Pt.2-Major

16 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Melodic dictation, the act of transcribing and notating a melody by ear, is an important skill for a musician to cultivate. In this episode, we will s...

77-Transcribing a Song Pt.2

02 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In part 1 of this series, we heard an original song (by one of our own listeners) for the first time. By the end of that episode, we put "Dewey and Do...

76-Transcribing a Song Pt.1

19 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to talk about transcription. This is the process of translating what you can hear to something you, or another musician, can read. In part o...

75-Middle Ages Music Pt.1

04 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Middle Ages music occurred roughly between the dates of 500-1400 CE. In this episode, we will mainly talk about monophony. We will discuss plain chant...

74-Solfege

21 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Solfege has been used for centuries to help vocalists and music students acquaint vowel sounds with certain notes. In this episode, we will discuss so...

73-Harmonic Progression Pt.7 (viiº/V, viiº/ii)

07 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing where episode 63 left off, this episode will review our previous discussions on diatonic chords and secondary functions. We will now add th...

72-The Schumann Resonance

17 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to try something different, though "music-adjacent"! The Schumann resonances are the vibrations of the Earth's atmosphere. Some believe that...

71-Modulation To Distantly Related Keys Pt.1

03 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Picking up from where we left off on episode 69, we will now learn how to modulate to distantly related keys using chords that are diatonic, or chroma...

70-Listener Compositions Pt.1

19 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We've long dreamed of having an episode dedicated entirely to showcasing the composing and songwriting talents of our listeners. Finally, the dream i...

69-Modulation To Closely Related Keys Pt.2

05 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Picking up from where we left off on episode 50, we will continue our discussion on modulation to closely related keys. We will talk about modulating ...

68-Film Composition (feat. Craig Brandwein)

21 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When we compose for film or television, we have many considerations at hand. We want to accent the mood and the emotions involved in the picture. We w...

67-Hexatonic Scales

07 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The hexatonic scales are six note scales. In many cases we are simply adding a note to a pentatonic scale or deleting one from one of the seven modes....

66-Instrument Care Pt.2-Your Voice

18 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Just like any instrument, your voice needs a great amount of care and attention in order to perform at it's peak potential. If you're a singer, a publ...

65-Augmented 6th (+6) Chords Pt.1

04 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The augmented 6th (+6) chord is a very tense predominant chord. Like most chromatic chords, it can add motion and color to your chord progressions. In...

64-The Blues Pt.1-Roots

18 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It's about time to have a discussion about the blues! This can't be done, properly, in one episode. This episode will be the first of a few on the his...

63-Harmonic Progression Pt.6 (V/III, V/VI)

04 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing where episode 56 left off, this episode will review our previous discussions on diatonic chords and secondary dominants. We will now add th...

62-Children and Music

20 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Playing an instrument and listening to music can have a variety of positive effects on children and adults alike. It can rewire your brain to better a...

61-The Neapolitan Chord

06 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Neapolitan chord and the Neapolitan Sixth chord add a very distinctive sound to a progression. You've heard it many times and you probably LOVED ...

60-More About Us

16 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We wanted to end the year by letting us all get to know each other better. We're going to share some more of your stories and then a few of our own. W...

59-Composition 101

02 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Composition is the art of simply creating music out of nowhere, from within, and organizing it into a finished piece. It can be an expression of what ...