The first step to learning functional music theory is key signatures and scales. These are the foundations to the rest of music theory, yet so many people don’t understand them. We make it simple for you!

Mat and Tommy share their experiences of learning key signatures, scales, and how to use them. In this episode you’ll learn some tricks to learn key signatures faster. You will also learn how to turn those into scales. We will even tell you about a few “bonus” scales that you’ll be able to use to spice up your playing.

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We get it, music theory can be boring. Learning sets of rules can be dry. Why even bother with it? We'll tell you! Music theory is incredibly important to a career as a successful musician. Are you only a hobbyist? That's okay! Knowing music theory will do 4 big things to unlock your playing.

1. It is foundational to the rest of music

2. It is necessary for proper communication during rehearsals and on the band stand

3. It is a great tool for personal expression

4. It is incredibly practical

Maybe you won't get as excited about music theory as we do, and that's okay. If the world was full of nerds like us it would probably be a scary place. We hope that we have inspired you to at least learn your bassics of music theory. Let us know what you thought!

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Got G.A.S.? We all know what that's like! Gear Acquisition Syndrome is common amongst musicians. Some of us are better than others and don't succumb to it. Mat and Tommy are not like that... Listen to their stories of their favorite gear and what they recommend you try to find for yourself!

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The 1930s was an incredible era for jazz – it was the beginning of the big band era and the height of tin pan alley. The amount of amazing music that was written in this time period rivals any other era of music. What are the highlights? Listen to find out!

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Every era of music has some amazing music that it produces. We shared 6 of our favorites from the 1920s! These are not the 6 best tunes or even necessarily our favorites, but they are tunes that we think everyone, musician or not, should take a listen to.

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We still think music doesn't have to be complicated, so we decided to break it down to be even simpler. Many scholars and musicologists and even casual listeners break music down in to so many different genres and categories that it is impossible to wrap your head around them all. What if we told you that you can break them all down into just FOUR categories?? Don't believe me? Click the link below!

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There are three foundational minor scales that make up music: Natural, harmonic, and melodic. What’s the difference? Mat and Tommy talk about what separates them from each other and how you can use them in your playing.

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The Blues Scale is fundamental to American Popular Music. Everyone has heard it whether they realize it or not. But what is it? How do you use it? Mat and Tommy dive into this topic head-first.

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Here it is! Number 1 from yesterday's list. Our top ten film scores can't be top ten without this one here. So what is our number one favorite film score? Listen in to find out

In honor of the Oscars we present our top 10 film scores of all time. Film scoring is a new frontier for music that is continuing to evolve. Every year there are better films and better scores released. As a result, the boundaries are pushed and music becomes more than it ever could have been before. Mat and Tommy talk about how film has helped classical symphonic music and have some fun discussing some of their favorites.

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