Tip 1: Start by closing your eyes…always

Initially, I had minor issues with ear training exercises because I would default to my visual side more. Even though I was improving on these exercises, I soon realized that I would reference the visual aspect first and begin to anchor to it, therefore relying on that more heavily over what I heard. Recognizing this flaw, I quickly pivoted. Why? Even though we're talking about milliseconds and seconds with screen and audio transitions, this can negatively condition anyone to rely on the visual sense first and not optimally connect their hearing sense as strongly. Ear training is neither visual nor should it be from the starting point. It should always be what we hear first if we can control it. The caveat with all the exercises is that they introduce visuals first or simultaneously with the visual part— not in tandem, as it should be. Instead of reporting or complaining about this minor issue, I close my eyes once I click Start. Take a moment to listen, then look. It will only help if you haven't tapped into this subtlety. And it can significantly impact the development of what you hear, either negatively or positively— it's up to you.