I don’t know about you but I love listening to podcasts. I probably have about 20 shows that I listen to weekly and am always looking for recommendations of new ones to check out. Podcasts can be a great way of learning about something new whether you’re looking for a broad overview or a deep, in-depth description to nerd out on a certain topic. Music theory is no exception and there are some great podcasts covering all things music.
In this post, I’ve rounded up a few of what I think are the best music theory podcasts along with some others that talk about learning music more generally. Let me know if you have any others that I should check out.
1. Music Student 101
My most recommended podcast for those looking to learn about music theory is Music Student 101.
At the time of writing, it has over 100 episodes with each one covering a specific topic.
Starting at the beginning you’ll learn about the fundamentals of music theory with concepts of melody, harmony, and rhythm.
It then progressively gets more complex, covering cadences, figured bass, voice leading all the way to hexatonic scales, and altered chords.
A great resource and well worth a listen if you like to learn with podcasts.
2. Musicality Now
I was a bit late to the game with discovering this podcast but Musicality Now is well worth a listen to.
It covers all sorts of topics within music and the format is usually an interview with an expert on that specific subject.
Everything from scales and intervals to training your ears and composing.
If you’re learning a musical instrument, then I’d say this is a must-listen.
3. Song Appeal
Up next we have an interesting podcast called Song Appeal.
It has a different take from the podcasts above as it talks more about why it is that we like music and tries to break it down.
Each episode looks at a famous song (everything from Ed Sheeran to the Jaws theme music) and talks through what makes scary music scary or sad music sad.
A very thought-provoking listen and highly recommended from me.
4. Switched On Pop
If you’re into your pop music and want to understand what’s going on behind the latest hits then you might want to have a listen to Switched On Pop.
It’s a podcast by Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding and they discuss songwriting and composing and what makes pop music so popular.
You’ll find lots of music theory in an accessible and funny format.
5. Guitar Music Theory
If you’re learning the guitar and want to learn some of the theory behind it all then check out the Guitar Music Theory podcast.
It’s essentially lots of mini guitar lessons in audio form covering everything from the fretboard, scales, chords, and more.
Definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a specific guitar theory podcast.
6. Hack Music Theory
The last one for now that I’d recommend checking out is Hack Music Theory.
It’s pretty varied in what it covers and has episodes on everything from writing bass lines, transitioning between sections in song to looking at the music theory of Slipknot.
If you’re into songwriting then it’ll be worth your time to check out.
Anyway, I hope that gives you some good ideas for new podcasts.
