I started listening to this podcast a half year ago and it’s legit. I took music theory in college and picked up this podcast after avoiding music for a while and Matthew and Jeremy make the theory easy and approachable along with other great episodes about musicianship in general. They’re fantastic.

I appreciate the content but could you not make fun of people’s names from other cultures. It’s not respectful and uncomfortable to hear. Specifically in perfect pitch episode if you’re wondering.

This show is very well done. Thanks, dear hosts, for understanding what your audience (or at least I) need and want in an educational/practical podcast like this. A++ Much appreciated!!

I like this podcast and have learned a great deal. But the episodes often take a long time to get going, with lots of chatter about things that aren’t connected to the episode theme. But great overall.

You guys are wonderful. Really enjoying this podcast. ❤️🧡💛

I just discovered this show, and I’m starting from the beginning because I want to learn. I like how the show is structured and how the hosts make very complex information approachable. It is very academic but not dry and lecture like. I still would not survive if I had to rely on my circle of 5ths understanding, but I hope to someday!

I’ve been going through the backlogs of this series and it has been an amazing learning experience. My understanding of music theory and terms has improved immeasurably. Thank you! Y’all rock!!

I’ve mostly been listening on Spotify but I came over to iTunes to rate it here as well. Y’all’s podcast has really helped me enjoy my day more as I have an hour drive to work and also work in the back of a store. Y’all are a joy to listen to and explain things very well. The digressions from sometimes intense music-think help break up the flow into easy to listen to sections. I really appreciate the journey of progressively moving into deeper topics and building upon basic concepts like you would in class. This podcast has really helped me slowly start to understand and apply more to my playing and performing. The biggest help for me has been the ear training tips and listening to how y’all work out the motions. I’m on episode 52 now and can’t wait to catch up.

This podcast make me feel like a child that’s just learned a magic trick… I’m amazed, baffled, excited, and can’t wait to try it on my own! Except after every episode I sit down at a keyboard to try out whatever new “tricks” I’ve learned from Music Student 101. I’m not a music student, but I’ve always loved music. I wanted to learn more and eventually found this podcast. And I have learned so much more… The approach is tried and true in this format: two good friends talking about a subject they love. They stick to an agenda that gets a lesson across, occasionally (admittedly) digressing. But it happens in such an organic way that I find myself taking the journey with them, and laughing out loud at some of the nerdy music jokes. And it always comes back to teaching us the subject, and does so in the clearest of terms. We get to hear examples of what topic talking about. Guest speakers join them for special episodes on a specific instrument or technique. Topics vary from technical to sometimes esoteric. I’m only 48 episodes in and I can’t wait to hear more!! I highly recommend Music Student 101 as a casual but effective way to learn music theory. I have learned more in the past couple of months listening to these guys than a couple years of piano lessons, playing cheat book music for years, watching dozens of YouTube videos, and even trying a subscription to MasterClass. There’s just something about these guys that gets the lesson through! Please keep it coming gentlemen!

This podcast has been the easiest way I have found to gain knowledge on the subject of music theory. I have lugged my way through researching through countless websites and books without mentorship. These two absolutely take the place of a couple cheery mentors who make it exciting to come back to the subject without it feeling like a chore. I imagine many self taught, broke musicians with a burning desire to make quality music and share it with people know the feeling of not having resources such as somebody with the ability to explain an idea like modulation and how to get to different keys smoothly. It feels (although I might be speaking through ignorance due to the lack of experience) like I’m receiving university level knowledge for free and I am thankful these two fellers decided they’d create something like this. It has broadened my musical vocabulary and has already made an incredible impact on the music I have been able to write after practicing ideas they have talked about. It WOULD have to be two bassists that wanted to share this knowledge and educate a mass of people. Thank you both, I like chicken.

I have learned so much from this podcast! The teacher/student format they use works really well. The hosts have good chemistry and make complex ideas both understandable and entertaining. I recommend you begin with the first episode to learn all the music theory you would get in college. The web page is a great supplementary resource with supporting visuals. I am just a hobbyist, but I am becoming a better musician because of this podcast.

Misquoting the opening of Beethoven’s Fifth, and very egregiously? And trouble finding the notes by ear to the opening of Haydn’s “Surorise Shmphony?” And you are TEACHING music? At least do your own homework. Nothing wrong with your ideas.

Matt and Jeremy are the Lennon/McCartney of podcasts. They match to each other’s strengths perfectly and I can listen to them over and over and never tire of them. This is a true labor of love and you can tell there is a lot of work going on. There is so much to learn from these two that, like music, you will never want to hear the end. Fortunately, there is a very deep backlog of their podcasts so you will be able to take those long trips and feel enlightened and slightly smarter when you finish. And no shameless plugs to a book or a paid version. It is all free!

As someone who has found the piano later in life (late 30’s) I’ve found this podcast a fantastic resource in between lessons. Your discussions has sparked in depth discussions with me and my teacher. I enjoy the banter as well. It feels more human and natural rather than other podcasts that can come off dry as week old oatmeal lol. I’ve been taking lessons for 5 years now and I always look forward to the next topic. The episode with the counterpoint specifically on Fux’s book really spoke to me as you guys simplified (as much as you can when talking about counterpoint) very well, and I came out of it with a new understanding and even more questions that I could go back to my teacher. Thanks guys!

Jeremy and Matthew are a pleasure to listen to, and the content is extensive and enjoyable, with very good explanations and examples. There are plenty of other podcasts and YouTube channels that do a good job diving into certain topics, but none are as extensive as this one is. If you listen to and understand all the episodes, you will know a lot about music — probably more than you will ever need to know. Also, the website is very clear and to the point. I do web site development for a living, and it is refreshing to see a site focused on giving you information without bells and whistles that can just get in the way. Great job Jeremy and Matthew, and thank you for all the work you put into this!

you had me at contrapuntal simultaneity! lol

By far the best, most thorough music theory podcast around. They truly cover the equivalent of several college music theory courses. All in bey conversational tone and with numerous examples throughout. A real gem of a podcast. The genuine caring and effort of the hosts to present the information in an understandable way is on full display.

I was in music school intermittently and always went into brain freeze when enrolled in harmony and theory and so quit. I love chords and harmonies but never could connect with the classroom, it always felt like what I loved was being dissected. Probably not the instructors fault, just my own limitations. Now I can listen to this podcast and learn and not freak out. Doing chores with music on the headphones does not really work for me, but listening to good podcasts does work. Music Student 101 has excellent audio quality; I can hear the speakers and the music very well without having to crank the volume up painfully. With headphones with noise cancellation, I can hear everything said and played even with the vacuum cleaner running. Many podcasts have bad audio quality. Music 101 has stellar audio and what is presented is very much worth listening to. Chords make more sense now, in a good way, and I can hear the voice leading in Bach Chorales instead of banging out the chords…I’ve never reviewed a podcast before but felt inspired to review this one.

This podcast is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to improve their knowledge of music theory. Matthew and Jeremy are extremely friendly and knowledgeable hosts who present a broad range of topics with humor, open-mindedness and first and foremost a love and appreciation of music. Highly recommend to musicians and non-musicians of all levels!

One stop shop to everything music theory related. seriously this is like a four year degree's worth of content (maybe more by the time these guys are done lol). If your studying music theory on your own or in a classroom this is the perfect sidekick for your journey. This podcast starts from the very basic building blocks of music, and then expands on these ideas outward into more complex and very interesting concepts. Also the hosts are cool dudes who break this seemingly complex stuff down into language that we can all understand. (if you have ever read a theory textbook you will understand that this isnt always the case lol). So if you want to listen to some funny banter and maybe learn a thing or two, Check it out! PS: keep up the great work Matt and Jeremy!

Sorry Guys. I didn’t think about how that would look. Keep up the great work.

As a long time self taught guitarist, this podcast was perfect when I decided to learn piano and theory. I knew a bunch of scales but did not know how scales, key signatures, circle of 5ths and everything works together in a systematic way. They broke it down perfectly. Episodes after the pandemic started have a bit too much filler banter and a lack of a goal or outcome, but jeez, these dudes put I don’t know how many college courses worth of material in the podcast so, I am a fan!

I am an organist and was trying to prepare for the AGO Colleague exam. My theory background was a bit lacking, and not quite up to the required level. These podcasts were exactly what I needed! I was able to pass the exam with great scores, in large part because of your help. Thank you so much for making it so much fun along the way, too!

Im 36 and just getting into making headbanging dubstep..probably not most of your listening base ;) . I listen to this podcast all day at work, and it helps me not feel so clueless on theory. Most of it is far above what i know but i keep listening and i learn a little more every day. I find it really helpful when they play examples/count out things they are teaching. Keep it up and thanks guys!

This podcast is excellent. I've been looking for something like this for 10 years. I'm a hobbyist musician who hasn't been too music school, so this podcast is the perfect way to learn things similar to what I could learn in school, but at my own pace. Thanks!

I’ve been self teaching myself music for years, I only knew some basic theory and I knew I had to push myself to throughly understand music theory and this podcast has helped so much and you guys are so enjoyable to listen to as well! It’s much appreciated! Feel like you guys are old friends and finally just listening to people speak the language of music is just so wonderful. Also kind of gives me some courage to want to go to college been having cold feet forever.

This is the first time that I listen to this podcast, very entertaining. Keep up the good work.

These guys are incredibly entertaining while also doing a GREAT job at providing comprehensive, high-level information for FREE. I am currently getting my undergrad in music theory and these guys have played a huge part in inspiring me to learn more and more! I simply cannot recommend a better source for early musicians to learn music theory and “developed” musicians to expand upon their knowledge/skill!

Jeremy and Matthew are two brainy witty guys who productively banter their way through all aspects of music theory. I have studied and love theory but i have learned so much from this podcast. Their style is so approachable and i love their humor. Keep it going please! Thank you!

These guys are very generous to give of their time for our musical edification. Systematic, orderly, and engaging. Somehow Matt can teach extremely basic concepts with depth and professionalism, and complicated concepts with simplicity and humility. Jeremy has a congeniality and self-resignation which is disarming to the listener. They seem to assume that their audience is uneducated yet intelligent, which keeps it challenging but not condescending.

This is my 1st ever Podcast. I'm 48 and took up guitar and music theory about a year and a half ago. I went all in from there, keyboard, bass even a trumpet. I'm not good but I try hard. I was looking on Itunes for an ear training download and stumbled across this. I almost didn't start at the beginning because I'm pretty far along on the theory stuff but I'm glad I did, they explained several basic things differently then I was looking at them. Great Podcast will be going thru everthing they have. Thanks Guys

Seriously guys, I cannot think of anything bad to say about your show. I love the banter between you two and the meanderings down flowery paths bedecked with arpeggios and inversions. Your friendship and camaraderie is a huge part of why your show is successful. Keep it up!

I know nothing about music theory... except of what I learned here.

Listening to podcasts on my 45 minute commute, I am near my destination while these guys are still chit chatting about whether the hey Jude ending has a key center , which makes you want to drive into a pole

Great podcast. I appreciate that y’all touch more in depth on somewhat obscure topics such as harmony, scales, etc. just one listen and intervals finally clicked! @dairebarefoot

Music theory can be very intimidating and confusing. Jeremy and Matt do an excellent job of translating centuries-old concepts into a modern conversational dialogue. The podcast is great by itself, but I suggest listening in tandem with a book, using the book layout to structure your listening order. I tend to read a chapter in my music theory book, find myself really confused, and then listen to their episode(s) on the topic to clarify what the book couldn't communicate as well as them. I've listened to most episodes more than once, comprehending more with each subsequent play. Get in the habit of listening to this podcast regularly, and you'll begin to find music theory more fascinating than frightening.

Been listening to you guys for a few months now. I started taking piano lessons towards the end of 2017 and have lately been trying to ramp up the progress. Some of the topics are a bit ahead of me in terms of how I can practically apply the theory into my playing, but I feel these podcast give me a good preview of what I have yet to cement into my head. Thanks for the awesome podcast, guys.

These two make music theory simple. I like listening to the podcast when I’m at work at night. It’s a great learning experience and it definitely helps keep my mind active when school isn’t in session. Great work guys

I just found this podcast a few weeks ago and have greatly enjoyed the review of the theory concepts. It’s been quite some time since I’ve taken my theory courses, so it’s a good review. I use the theory in performance all the time in my job sitting at the organ and piano, but the theory becomes so second nature I forget that exact terms and “official” rules. So thank you for the podcast and jogging of the memory!

... this podcast was around when I took Music Theory in college! The information presented here makes MT approachable and entertaining. My professor, as knowledgeable as he is, just could not get through to me on such dense topics. Matt and Jeremy kill it and keep me coming back for more. I’ve been binge listening for a few weeks and actually look forward to the next lesson.... I think I have attended more Music Student 101 podcasts than my actual Musical Theory classes 🤫

I love this podcast because it reviews many of the basics while at times pushing and exceeding the limits of my theory understanding. I’ve listened to a few episodes repeatedly and recommend your podcast to my music buddies. Been playing music as an amateur for 40 of my 50 years and did take a few music classes in college. This podcast makes me sorta understand what things would be like had I bailed on Engineering and done music instead. Looking forward to all the new episodes. Hope you all keep it up for a long time. Jeff Blacksburg, VA

If you are a music student or just interested in sharpening you’re overall musicianship subscribe to this podcast now. Plus Matt and Jeremy are some pretty entertaining guys.

This podcast has been the source of a number of “ah-ha” moments for me on the road to understanding MT. Matt and Jeremy do a wonderful job of imparting the information in an interesting and more easily understandable way. Keep up the excellent work!

I can’t believe there isn’t more people on your show. I love the way you two present your content. It’s entertaining, deeply informative, and there’s always something new to learn. I’ve listened to the first couple shows multiple times already trying to keep up with all the knowledge you share. Thank you so much Jeremy Burns and Matthew Scott Philips

Very useful and informative

Having just completed Music theory I&II, Aural training I&II, I was delighted to come upon this podcast. It reinforces what I had learned and comes at some things from a little different angle which is great. Overall it corresponded to my classes closely and was at minimum a great review and far beyond that an inspiration, as Matt and Jeremy clearly love music. There is a flavor of Fux’s Gradus ad Parnassum in their Master-Student relationship. It’s not some watered down idle chatter like so many podcasts, but REAL music theory. Thanks!

I think the way Matt and Jeremy cover the material makes it approachable for both students, as well as anyone with a musical background who wants to expand his/her knowledge. Highly recommended!

I just discovered this podcast from a recommendation on another music related show, and being only a few episodes in, it has already clarified several music theory topics that I needed to help round out my knowledge.. Well produced, interesting, and full of information if you are a student of music, or like me, you are learning a new instrument and need someone to explain the holes in your music theory knowledge. Definitely happy that I discovered this show.. I will be binge listening for the next week or so to get through the catalog, and I’m positive that I will be going back through a few favorites to clarify what I didn’t fully grasp the first time around. Excellent work guys... Keep up the great show..

This Podcast has become one in my regular rotation. I binge listened to most of the back episodes when I came across itand found that a lot of the information helpful in reviewing what I learned in my music education as an undergraduate and hadn't considered much in the past 12 years. I also appreciate the way the dialogue with one another and make things easy to understand.

This podcast is very helpful just learning terms and scales for me. I’m not a college student but this is a great source of knowledge for someone who is self taught as well. Thanx 🙏