On The Record: Music Podcasts as Aural Pedagogies

This chapter examines the growing role of music podcasts as both educational resources and research tools within music studies. Drawing on the perspectives of radio producer Dr Sam Coley and podcast host and producer Dr Simon Barber, it explores how podcasts have become sites of knowledge exchange, public
engagement, and scholarly inquiry. As accessible and widely consumed digital media, podcasts enable complex ideas to reach audiences beyond traditional academic contexts while challenging established models of research communication.

The chapter analyses the rise of music podcasts as a form of edutainment and considers their contribution to knowledge production in musicology and cultural studies. Building on Folkestad’s distinction between formal and informal learning, Coley and Barber conceptualise music podcasts as ‘aural pedagogies’, highlighting the reciprocal teaching and learning processes that occur through podcasting. Podcast creators refine pedagogical approaches through production and audience interaction, while listeners develop musical understanding through engaged listening.

Through case studies and qualitative insights from musicians, scholars, and listeners, the chapter explores how music podcasts function as tools for education, public scholarship, and data collection. It argues that podcasts are not only effective vehicles for disseminating