The Best Youtube Channels for Learning Music

13 min readNov 28, 2023

In the vast, ever-expanding universe of YouTube, where cat videos and meme compilations reign supreme, there exists a melodious corner dedicated to the art of music. This article isn’t about mindlessly scrolling through endless playlists or getting lost in the rabbit hole of recommended videos. Instead, it’s your backstage pass to the most enlightening, engaging, and educational music channels YouTube has to offer.

From the aspiring maestro to the casual music enthusiast, these channels are the hidden gems in YouTube’s vast repertoire, offering a symphony of knowledge about music theory, instrument mastery, and the untold stories behind the greatest hits. Whether you’re looking to strum your first guitar chord, understand the complexities of classical compositions, or simply deepen your appreciation for music, these channels are like a personal tutor, guiding you through the rhythms and harmonies of the music world.

8-Bit Music Theory

youtube.com/@8bitMusicTheory

Embark on a melodious journey with 8-Bit Music Theory, the sanctuary where video game music meets scholarly analysis. 8-Bit Music Theory stands out with its blend of formal music education and extensive self-study, dissecting how and why our favorite video game tunes resonate so deeply. The channel’s videos are a treasure trove of technical music theory and broad musical insights, catering to both neophytes and connoisseurs of the musical world.

12tone

youtube.com/@12tone

12tone offers a unique take on musical theory, making it both accessible and engaging. Videos are fast-paced and dense with information, often focusing on the theoretical aspects of music using specific songs as examples. This approach makes 12tone an ideal resource for those keen to deepen their understanding of music, appealing to both novices and experts. The channel stands out for its ability to blend technical analysis with cultural commentary, making it a compelling destination for anyone fascinated by the intricacies of music theory.

Adam Neely

youtube.com/@AdamNeely

Adam Neely’s channel is a deep dive into the world of music theory, presented through a unique lens of a professional musician. His videos, known for their high-quality editing and wit, cover a wide range of topics from jazz improvisation to music cognition and even delve into the cultural aspects of music. Neely’s approach is educational yet entertaining, often exploring subjects not typically covered in music schools.

Alfo Media

youtube.com/@AlfoMedia

Alfo Media, a channel created by Harrison Renshaw, is a vibrant and insightful platform that delves into the world of music and popular culture. Harrison’s videos primarily discuss indie music, hip hop, and various other topics. His content style is a unique blend of video essay and commentary formats, featuring voiceovers, video clips, transitions, and direct segments of him speaking. This variety and depth in content make Alfo Media an engaging destination for audiences interested in thoughtful, well-crafted discussions on music and culture.

Andrew Huang

youtube.com/@andrewhuang

Andrew Huang has become an internet sensation in the music world. His channel is a hub for a wide range of content, including music production tips, gear reviews, tutorials, and an impressive array of his own music videos. He stands out in the music community for bringing a fresh and innovative approach to music production, making even technical subjects engaging and accessible. His channel is particularly popular among producers and musicians for its insightful and creative content that delves into the intricacies of music-making.

Bandsplaining

youtube.com/@Bandsplaining

Bandsplaining is a channel that offers a deep dive into the world of music, particularly focusing on cult bands and iconic artists. The channel stands out for its approach to exploring and explaining why certain bands and artists are so beloved, using a carefully curated playlist to guide viewers through the unique appeal of these musicians. The content on Bandsplaining is not just informative but also passionate, aiming to help viewers understand the hype and fanfare surrounding these cult favorites. This comprehensive and enthusiastic approach makes Bandsplaining an intriguing destination for music fans looking to explore the deeper aspects of their favorite bands and artists.

Composing Academy

youtube.com/@composingacademy8270

Composing Academy is an ideal starting point for those new to music composition, particularly in the realm of cinematic music. The channel focuses on offering easy-to-follow videos that explain core music theory concepts, tips, and tricks. The channel’s content is praised for its excellent introductory videos, which are explained clearly and concisely, making them highly accessible to beginners.

Simon, the force behind Composing Academy, is recognized for his exceptional teaching skills and a simplified teaching style that resonates with his audience. Viewers consistently acknowledge Composing Academy as a great resource, particularly for its helpfulness in understanding the complexities of composing cinematic music. The channel’s success is attributed to Simon’s ability to engage and educate his audience effectively, making complex concepts in music more approachable and understandable.

David Bennett Piano

youtube.com/@DavidBennettPiano

David Bennett Piano is a channel where the intersection of performance and theory is explored through engaging content. The channel’s creator, a professional pianist and educator, focuses on analyzing popular songs and unraveling the theory behind them. His mini-documentaries exploring song theory are particularly popular, offering binge-worthy content that makes complex music theory topics accessible and exciting.

David’s channel is recognized for its technical explorations of music, with videos explaining various time signatures, scales, chord progressions, and modes, often using examples from well-known artists. His approach to music theory and analysis is not just about the technicalities; it’s about helping viewers appreciate music on a deeper level, understanding the common patterns and unique elements of different songs.

Early Music Sources

youtube.com/@EarlyMusicSources

Early Music Sources is a channel dedicated to exploring the vast and intriguing world of early music. reated by performer and composer Elam Rotem, it features a range of content focused on historical music practices, offering insights into counterpoint techniques, playing methods, and various aspects of early music theory and performance. This channel is particularly valuable for those interested in deepening their understanding of music from historical periods, providing both educational content and an engaging exploration of the musical traditions of the past.

Enjoy Classical Music

youtube.com/@enjoyclassicalmusic6006

Enjoy Classical Music is a channel dedicated to the exploration and appreciation of the classical music genre. With an approachable and engaging style, Enjoy Classical Music makes the world of classical music accessible and enjoyable for all, whether you’re a long-time aficionado or just starting to explore this timeless genre.

Game Score Fanfare

youtube.com/@GameScoreFanfare

Game Score Fanfare is a channel dedicated to celebrating music in video games, a nuanced and often overlooked aspect of gaming. The channel dives deep into how video game scores work seamlessly within the gaming experience, often without the player even realizing it. By examining games through the lens of their scores, Game Score Fanfare uncovers the unique perspectives and roles that music brings to video games. This approach makes Game Score Fanfare an essential resource for gamers and music enthusiasts alike who are interested in the intersection of video game culture and musical composition.

Inside the Score

youtube.com/@InsidetheScore

Inside the Score is a channel that offers a deep dive into classical and art music, making it an essential resource for music enthusiasts. Created by Oscar Osicki, a composer and conductor, the channel aims to strengthen viewers’ understanding and appreciation of music. Its content is not only informative but also accessible, making complex musical concepts understandable to a wider audience. The channel’s focus on long-standing principles and techniques used by the world’s greatest composers provides a systematic approach to elevating composing skills, making it a valuable resource for those looking to advance their musical journey.

Jeffrey Stillwell

youtube.com/@JeffreyStillwell

Jeffrey Stillwell’s YouTube channel is a dynamic platform where he showcases a diverse range of creative content. His unique approach to content creation, combining educational elements with entertainment, sets his channel apart. Stillwell’s work demonstrates his versatility and passion for various aspects of creativity. This variety ensures that there’s something for everyone on his channel, whether you’re looking for a deeper understanding of music or just a good laugh.

Keep It Classical

youtube.com/@KeepitClassical

Keep it Classical is a YouTube channel hosted by Matthew D. Nielsen, focusing on the appreciation, history, and intricacies of Western classical music. The channel’s content includes video essays that cover a broad range of topics, from the nuances of Renaissance music to the evolution of classical music up to the present day.

Keep it Classical is highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about classical music. Its approach to presenting complex topics in an easy-to-understand manner makes it a valuable resource for both beginners and those more familiar with classical music. Through its engaging and informative content, the channel offers a deep dive into the rich world of classical music, providing viewers with a better appreciation and understanding of this timeless genre.

Middle 8

youtube.com/@Middle8

Middle 8, created by Frank Furtado, is a YouTube channel that offers insightful video essays on a wide range of music genres, from pop to indie. Furtado’s approach is notable for incorporating motion graphics, enhancing the visual appeal of his videos. His analytical style makes complex musical concepts accessible and engaging, appealing to a broad audience of music enthusiasts. Middle 8 stands out for its depth of information and the seamless blend of audio-visual elements, making it a go-to channel for those seeking a deeper understanding of various musical styles and trends.

Music Matters

youtube.com/@MusicMattersGB

Music Matters, led by musical directors Gareth Green and Alex Shore, is a YouTube channel dedicated to a comprehensive exploration of music education. It stands out as an invaluable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding and skills in music. Its approach to teaching is well-rounded, focusing not only on the technical aspects of music but also on nurturing creativity and appreciation for the art form.

Music Theory Guy

youtube.com/@musictheoryguy

Music Theory Guy, run by music teacher Stephen Wiles, is a highly regarded YouTube channel for learning music theory. Wiles is known for his ability to explain complex music theory concepts in a simple and understandable manner, indicating his extensive experience as a music tutor. The channel offers a wide range of videos covering all the fundamental topics of music theory. This combination of clarity in teaching and quality presentation makes Music Theory Guy an excellent resource for both beginners and those looking to deepen their understanding of music theory.

Nahre Sol

youtube.com/@NahreSol

Nahre Sol is a classically trained pianist, composer, and YouTube educator. Educated at the prestigious Juilliard School and The Glenn Gould School, Nahre’s expertise is evident in her insightful videos that delve into improvisation, avant-garde, traditional Western forms, jazz, and minimalism. Her channel is a go-to destination for those passionate about learning piano and music theory, combining technical prowess with a contagious enthusiasm for music.

Polyphonic

youtube.com/@Polyphonic

Polyphonic, created by Noah Lefevre, is a distinctive YouTube channel that specializes in short-form video essays combining documentary, academic research, cultural criticism, and motion graphics. The channel has developed a unique niche in online music journalism, focusing on the intricate details of music and its cultural impact.

Noah Lefevre’s goal with Polyphonic is to explore a wide array of music and demonstrate that all music has intrinsic value. The channel is not just about entertainment; it’s a platform for deep appreciation and understanding of music, reflecting the passion and effort artists put into their work. Polyphonic stands as a testament to the power of music journalism in the digital age, offering viewers a unique perspective on the music they love and introducing them to new and intriguing musical stories.

The Pop Song Professor

youtube.com/@ThePopSongProfessor

The Pop Song Professor, created by Clifford Stumme, is a YouTube channel dedicated to exploring and explaining the deeper meanings of pop songs. Stumme, who also teaches English and research classes at a university, uses his expertise in literary analysis to delve into the lyrics of popular music. His approach is educational and engaging, aimed at uncovering the often overlooked themes and messages in pop music. The channel serves as a unique resource for those interested in understanding the nuances and subtleties of pop songwriting.

The Punk Rock MBA

youtube.com/@ThePunkRockMBA

The Punk Rock MBA, created by Finn Mckenty, is a YouTube channel that delves into the world of music and alternative culture. Finn’s approach on the channel is multifaceted, offering a rich blend of music videos and commentary. He explores various aspects of the music industry, often interviewing notable figures and delving into the histories and subcultures of punk, hardcore, metal, and related genres. The channel is categorized as entertainment and stands out for its weekly uploads that keep the content fresh and relevant.

The Punk Rock MBA stands as a unique space on YouTube for those interested in a deeper understanding of music, its culture, and the industry, particularly focusing on the punk and rock genres. Finn’s content is known for its depth, variety, and engaging style, making it a go-to resource for music enthusiasts looking to explore the alternative side of the music world.

Rick Beato

youtube.com/@RickBeato

Rick Beato, a music producer with over 25 years of audio-engineering experience, has found immense success on YouTube, captivating a substantial audience with his insightful content. His channel initially focused on instructional content, leveraging his experience as a music professor and his education from the New England Conservatory of Music. Beato’s approach is deeply educational, aimed at passing on his extensive knowledge in music to a broader audience.

Ryan Leach

youtube.com/@RyanLeach

Ryan Leach’s YouTube channel is a gold mine for anyone interested in the craft of writing music for film, TV, and video games. One of the highlights of his channel is the flagship course “Pillars of Composition,” which delves deep into the principles and techniques of music composition. This course showcases Ryan’s unique approach to teaching music theory and composition. His videos are not just educational but also immensely engaging, making them a go-to resource for both aspiring and experienced composers who want to refine their skills in scoring for visual media.

Sideways

youtube.com/@Sideways440

Sideways is a dynamic and engaging YouTube channel that has captivated a significant following of music lovers. He specializes in delving deep into music theory, particularly within the realm of film scores. His videos provide a comprehensive and insightful look at how music shapes and enhances the cinematic experience. Additionally, Sideways regularly features animated and live-action films in his analysis. His unique approach to music theory and its application in films positions Sideways as a phenomenal source of education and entertainment for music theory enthusiasts and film score aficionados.

Signals Music Studio

youtube.com/@SignalsMusicStudio

Signals Music Studio, led by Jake Lizzio, is a standout YouTube channel for anyone looking to enhance their songwriting and music theory skills, particularly with a focus on guitar. Praised for its accessibility, the channel covers a wide range of topics including scales, modes, chords, and songwriting techniques. Jake’s approach is characterized by his natural communication skills, making even the most complex musical concepts easy to grasp. The channel’s content is well-suited for those with at least a basic understanding of music theory or instrument playing, but it’s also approachable for beginners.

Sound Field

youtube.com/@SoundFieldPBS

Sound Field, a YouTube channel produced by PBS, is a haven for music enthusiasts. Hosted by LA Buckner and Nahre Sol, both accomplished musicians and music teachers, the channel dives deep into the fascinating realms of music theory, production, history, and culture. Their content brilliantly dissects and celebrates our favorite songs and musical styles, making it a treasure trove for anyone keen on understanding the complexities and beauty of music. SoundField’s commitment to engaging and educating its audience makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to deepen their music knowledge and appreciation.

Tantacrul

youtube.com/@Tantacrul

Tantacrul, helmed by the composer Martin Keary, is a unique YouTube channel that blends music, philosophy, design, software, and aesthetics into engaging video essays. He tackles music philosophy with a mix of humor and insight, making complex subjects accessible and entertaining. What sets Tantacrul apart is the combination of professional expertise and a willingness to critique and analyze music and design aspects of technology with an open mind. This blend of serious analysis and humor makes the channel appealing not just to music enthusiasts but also to a broader audience interested in design and technology. The channel is a go-to for modern music composers and anyone intrigued by the intersection of music, technology, and culture.

Trash Theory

youtube.com/@TrashTheory

Trash Theory is a YouTube channel that stands out for its focus on music, particularly rock music, with an affinity for older alt rock and British music. It provides an in-depth exploration of various musical genres and themes, making it a great resource for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of music’s influence across different media. Trash Theory’s approach to music essays makes it an engaging and informative destination for music enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados alike.

Two Minute Music Theory

youtube.com/@twominutemusictheory

For those looking to dive into the world of music theory without the time-consuming lectures, “Two Minute Music Theory” is a gem of a find. This YouTube channel breaks down complex music theory concepts into bite-sized, easily digestible videos. It’s particularly useful for music educators, students, and enthusiasts who are looking for quick yet comprehensive guides on topics like composition, music history, and of course, theory itself. Whether you’re a budding composer or just curious about the intricacies of music, this channel serves as a valuable resource for free video resources in music.