Technical ear training: Tools and practical methods

Abstract

Broadly defined, technical ear training seeks to make associations between aural impressions of sound quality and quantifiable characteristics of audio signal processing and acoustical measurements. Technical ear training typically focuses on attributes of sound such as spectral balance (e.g., filtering and parametric equalization); dynamic range of musical signals (including artifacts produced by dynamics processing); reverberation, delay, and early reflections (from real acoustic spaces or generated artificially); and spatial extent (width and depth). These elements of recorded sound can be broken down into graduated levels of audibility for the development of critical listening skills. With repeated and regular practice of carefully chosen exercises, listeners can gain increased sensitivity to subtle details of sound, as well as efficiency and accuracy in identifying specific parameters of signal processing by ear. With applications primarily in sound recording and production, technical ear training is also highly relevant to the evaluation of acoustical spaces as a complement to objective measurements. This presentation will review a selection of software modules developed by the author to teach critical listening skills to undergraduate students. The author will also discuss some practical methods and exercises used for teaching technical ear training and critical listening. © 2013 Acoustical Society of America.