Composer Quest: A Songwriting and Music Composition Podcast
Charlie McCarronJoin the quest! Learn how composers and songwriters create music in this podcast hosted by Minneapolis composer Charlie McCarron. Whether you’re a music composition grad or simply an occasional noodler on a guitar, each guest has a new perspective for you on the creative process of composing and songwriting, along with some concrete ideas to apply to your own music.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 166 | Founded | 13 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | MusicPerforming ArtsArts | ||||
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Latest Episodes
It’s finally here. Four years and 166 episodes later, we’ve arrived at the finale of the Composer Quest podcast. Before I get too sappy about it, I want to let you know what you’ll be in for in this monster episode. It rounds out the end of my world ... more
Ever since I heard music psychologist Dr. Diana Deutsch on Radiolab, I’ve been fascinated by musical illusions. In this penultimate episode of Composer Quest, I got to visit Diana in person! Join me on a trip that starts at a Halloween organ concert ... more
This episode marks my return to the US after my trip to Australia and Asia. Despite the jet lag, I was able to get 5 interviews in for this Composer Quest episode. Also, Jeff Goldblum?! And you’ll just have to listen for yourself to find out why this... more
The second act of my Taiwan adventure features more interviews with music makers in Taipei, plus an interview with me about interviewing. We also discuss the jingles heard everywhere in Taipei, from the train stations to the 7-Elevens to the garbage ... more
Join me on a musical tour through Taiwan in today's episode of Composer Quest. I stumbled into a music festival celebrating Hakka culture, and I got to record a bunch of interesting ensembles, including the Taiwanese jazz group Sizhukong. Plenty of o... more
Australia has been my dream vacation spot since I was about six years old. In today’s episode of the Composer Quest World Tour, you’ll get an audio peek into my adventures staying with musical families in Melbourne and Poatina Village, Tasmania.
If you've ever thought about moving to Los Angeles to pursue a creative career, today's episode will give you a glimpse into that world. I talk with six creators about what it takes to turn art into your job, while staying motivated and creatively fu... more
Take a peek behind the scenes of the Composer Quest Olympics in today's episode. I also talk with video game composers in Chicago about career advice, rhythmic composing tips, and silly six-second Vine melodies.
Key Facts
Reviews
really great podcast!! I wish I'd discovered it back when it was being produced.
Podcast Addict52 years agoroccoHarris- Very well done
Very informative. The producer does a great job of asking the right questions to make the interviews both informative and listenable.
Apple Podcasts5Wmk465
United States6 years ago - Great podcast, but the metal episode lacks
This is a great podcast that really tackles theories and practical skills that are inherent to good songwriting. They examine themes and methods, as well as, real world examples of what makes for intelligible craft. That being said, I listened to the one episode where they interview a modern heavy metal musician, and while I appreciate his stream of consciousness, the interview did very little to address the methodology behind song construction. I’m not trying to be a hater, but the gentleman be... more
Apple Podcasts5DragonneverUnited States7 years ago - Composer Quest Review
A really fantastic podcast that will help nearly any musician become more successful. It really is packed with great ideas and interviews. Podcasts do not have to be listened to in order, but I would suggest listening to all of them. I actually found myself taking notes! Great job Charlie and thank you for all you do!
Apple Podcasts5MathewSomersUnited States9 years ago - Best Podcast in Town!
Hands down my favorite podcast! I love how frequently Charlie updates his content. There are so many dynamic composers offering very different ideas on how to create music. I am so inspired by each of his guests that I often find myself listening to certain episodes multiple times. Way to go Charlie!
-Jp October
Apple Podcasts5Joseph PKUnited States10 years ago - The Only Podcast I Pay For
Really one-of-a kind. It’s one of the only places to get this kind of information, and I became a patron of it to ensure it would continue. I am not a patron of any other show, even though there are many others I listen to! Keep up the good work, Charlie!
Apple Podcasts5odinson9United States10 years ago - Favorite Podcast!
Fascinating, fun, and constantly evolving, Composer Quest will not only expand your mind as a creative person, but it will put a smile on your face while doing it.
It’s like discovering a smorgasbord of tasty musical treats, and finding out it’s good for you too! = )
Apple Podcasts5Peter Van SiclenUnited States10 years ago - Very Inspiring
Interesting and diverse interviews. Charlie is genuine and seems a bit awkward at times (in a good and amusing way). Highly recommended to producers, composers, songwriters and fans of music.
Apple Podcasts5D. JedidiahUnited States10 years ago - Informative and Inspiring
Great podcast. The host Charlie is a huge theory geek, but he's never smug about it. You can really tell he's just a big fan of the art of songwriting and it makes this show very enjoyable to listen to.
The guests are interesting and often have some great words of wisdom and/or tricks for songwriting.
I'm a music teacher and musician and write songs in my spare time for fun, and this podcast has been very inspiring. Keep up the good work!
Apple Podcasts5Flappy McBappyUnited States10 years ago - The Top Composer Podcast
This podcast broadened my view of music composition. With a limitless variety of musicians, sound designers and engineers. It has something to offer you no matter who you are.
Apple Podcasts5James Kolonga
Australia11 years ago - Don't Pass This Up
I'll admit, I wasn't expecting this to be very serious or in depth with the title and image, but this show is on par with the great Meet the Composer and Song Exploder. Serious but lighthearted with a lot of great insight and information.
Apple Podcasts5AsystoleJPUnited States11 years ago - Super!
Ein toller Podcast. Interessante Gäste und ein hervorragender Interviewer!
Apple Podcasts5_rumo
Germany11 years ago - As good as it gets. And then some.
An amazing number of guests and one great Charlie. No two episodes are the same and each teaches new and interesting information. <3
Apple Podcasts5Chris KuklaUnited States11 years ago - Very Pleasing and Educational
I'm on this quest..
Apple Podcasts5annegresloonUnited States11 years ago - nicely done
Great show! a wide variety of interesting guests and an easy-going interview style.
Apple Podcasts5kurtbatUnited States11 years ago
Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #100 |  Sweden/Music |
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Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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this podcast launched 13 years ago and published 166 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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