I have been a music technology/production teacher for around ten years now, and I can honestly say the reality of delivering the subject is a mix of great fun and constant challenges. Sitting a pupil in front of Soundtrap and asking them to create something like a video game soundtrack is usually a rewarding experience with minimal hurdles. However, getting students to grasp more complex concepts like dynamic control or frequency identification can be trickier. One week you think they have cracked it, but when you check their learning, they struggle to explain the difference between compression and limiting.
Classroom acoustics and monitoring setups can further complicate tasks like identifying panning or reverb. For example, a poorly treated classroom can turn a detailed mix into an indistinct wall of sound, making critical listening tasks much harder. Furthermore, it is rarely practical to ask a group of 20 students to keep putting headphones on and off as you issue instructions. And realistically, what classroom has a full set of working headphones that are not hooked up to splitters or tangled wires? These obstacles can turn what should be an engaging lesson into a frustrating experience for both teacher and student.
I must also admit that no matter how hard I try to keep lessons dynamic and engaging, they can sometimes feel monotonous and linear. This is where SoundGym has really made a difference to my students’ learning. It really has been a gamechanger, introducing an interactive and effective way to teach essential audio skills via an online platform.
How SoundGym helps sharpen the ear
When you first log onto SoundGym, the platform's user-friendly design is immediately noticeable. After a brief registration process, you are ready to dive into training exercises. There is no overly complex setup or steep learning curve; the dashboard guides you to various games that aim to improve specific aspects of your listening and mixing abilities.
One of SoundGym's strengths is its flexibility. Whether you want to focus on one area, such as EQ or panning, or aim to improve your ear in general, the platform conveniently organises all tools and resources in one place. SoundGym also encourages consistent use by tracking progress through performance statistics, which help users monitor their development over time.
Training modules
SoundGym offers a range of training programmes targeting key areas. The modules, listed below, are gamified and highly effective, providing a structured yet enjoyable way to improve auditory skills.
EQ training
Equalisation (EQ) is one of the most important tools in mixing. Regular practice with frequency boosts and cuts helps users quickly recognise the subtle differences each adjustment makes. This skill is crucial for identifying muddiness, harshness, or missing frequencies in a mix.
Dynamic range training
Dynamic range refers to the difference between the loudest and softest parts of a sound. This module sharpens the ability to detect subtle changes in volume, an essential skill when working with compressors and limiters.
Panning and stereo awareness
Panning places sounds within the stereo field, creating a sense of space in a mix. This concept can be difficult to grasp through theory alone, but SoundGym's approach makes it accessible and intuitive. The exercises are especially effective when paired with good headphones.
Pitch and harmonics
This module focuses on recognising pitch variations, harmonic intervals, and tuning discrepancies. These skills are invaluable for both composition and detailed listening assessments.
Rhythm and timing
Modules in this category cover beat matching, BPM detection, and recognising swing percentages in rhythms. These exercises are perfect for students learning about sequencing or working with MIDI in DAWs.
Users can customise their training schedule, focusing on areas where they feel weakest. This adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of learners, from beginners to advanced students.
Learn more with SoundGym
SoundGym also includes a ‘Learn’ section, offering categorised video tutorials. These are a lifesaver when you need additional resources or have not had time to thoroughly plan a lesson (never happened to me!). That said, some of the videos are quite advanced and lengthy, so I recommend watching them first to isolate the most relevant sections for your students.
A guaranteed winner is to pay a visit to the ‘ear doctor’ on the website; you can then ask your students to find out the highest frequency they can hear in each ear and compare results with each other. I love this kind of ‘sneaky’ teaching, where pupils will learn multiple things without it being too overt. In this case we have range of human hearing, sine waves, critical listening and units of measurement for sound.
Are you not entertained?
SoundGym offers a free membership that includes access to a selection of ear training games (limited to three per day) and curated tutorials in their Audio School. For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, the Pro membership unlocks additional features, such as extra games, personalised training programmes, and in-depth performance statistics. Discounts are available for students and educators upon verification of their educational status.
While SoundGym is an excellent tool, I am not a fan of its in-house ‘SoundCoins’ reward system. As a parent, I have seen similar mechanics in apps like Roblox and websites like TT Rockstars, and they can feel unnecessary. That said, this is a minor gripe compared to the platform's overall benefits. It is worth noting that, at the time of writing, SoundGym is web-based, with no dedicated app available. To get the most out of the platform, a controlled listening environment or a good pair of headphones is essential; it doesn't really work properly via a phone or tablet, as the audio on these devices is usually delivered via a narrow stereo field and lacking frequency response.
For schools with limited funding, I have found a cost-effective approach is for the teacher to have a Pro account for whole-class delivery, while students use free accounts at home. This works particularly well for A Level students, helping them with listening exams and providing a deeper understanding for coursework.
If you enjoy SoundGym and want to explore similar tools, you might also consider ToneGym, which focuses on traditional ear training, or GuitarGym, both available from the same platform.
- Class/personalised training
- Student performance stats
- Educational plans and pricing
