Music Student 101
- Episodes
- 164
- Released
- monthly
- Latest episode
- Oct 30, 2026
About the podcast
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 164
161-Polytonality Pt.2
We now continue our discussion on polytonality, superpositions, pitch collections, pitch classes and T class transpositions...whew! We will expand on the framework of polytonality with some more concepts …
Show notes
We now continue our discussion on polytonality, superpositions, pitch collections, pitch classes and T class transpositions...whew! We will expand on the framework of polytonality with some more concepts, published by our own Dr.Phillips, such as controlling pitch class collections and sub center collections. We will hear some examples and we may find ourselves in more keys than one! Join us!
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 …
Show notes
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!
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 …
Show notes
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!
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! …
Show notes
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!
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!
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!
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 …
Show notes
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 themselves!
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 …
Show notes
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 about the instruments: flutes, clarinets, oboes and saxophones!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 …
Show notes
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 considered. So tune up and tune in!
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!
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 …
Show notes
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 Lemon (Possum Creek Ramblers), Steve From An Undisclosed Subterranean Location, Joshua Ansley (Least of Thieves), Jacob Winiecki (Weather For Lovers) Keith Andrews, Edward Bender and Matt Lemon (Lemongrass).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 …
Show notes
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 you all for your support and for the community we are building. Join us as we stroll down our musical memory lane!
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 …
Show notes
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 will see how the rise in use of instrumental music also carried with it fugues, dance suites and a new appreciation for virtuosic performance!
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 …
Show notes
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 period. We will also cover motets, madrigals, instrumental music and global perspectives.
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 …
Show notes
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!
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 …
Show notes
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 for your support and for the community we are building. Help us celebrate our time together by enjoying some fond memories with us!
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 …
Show notes
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!
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 …
Show notes
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), begining in the 15th century.
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 …
Show notes
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 thank you all for your support and for the community we are building. Help us celebrate our time together by enjoying some fond memories with us!
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!
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 …
Show notes
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.
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 …
Show notes
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!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 …
Show notes
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.
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 …
Show notes
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 stricken with grief and we will look at ways to use music to help with the healing process.
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 …
Show notes
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!
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 …
Show notes
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!
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 …
Show notes
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. Let's listen!
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 …
Show notes
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 music use chant in their own music. Let's go back a bit, shall we?
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 …
Show notes
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!
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 …
Show notes
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!
These are the latest 40 of 164 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
Similar podcasts
More Education podcasts
Is this your podcast?
Confirm it with an entry in your feed: you get a code here, add it as podcast:txt to the channel of your feed, and we check it. Your podcast is then shown as “verified” on SoundNode.