Critical Listening Training Document


In 1980, Peter Cuddy, a salesperson at HIFI Haven in New Brunswick NJ, gave me an education in how to listen as an audiophile. He also gave me a one page, manually typed (on a typewriter!) document full of questions to ask myself while listening to music and gear, as well as to remind me of his lessons for years to come.

It's now 22 years later, and I still have it... somewhere. Luckily, I scanned it a few years back. And now I can share it with you.

After you read it, try the techniques on a piece of good classic jazz, which I find easiest. And please post any guidance you would give to newbie audiophiles that is not covered.

Download the pdf by clicking on this link:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/17725584/Critical%20Listening.

Wherever you are, Peter Cuddy, thanks!

Have fun.
Ag insider logo xs@2xalonski
I just bought that Aaron Copland book on Amazon. Looks like a good read. Thanks for this post and the book recommendation.
I just ordered the book as well. This will be the first book I'll read on my iPad. How times are changing...
I came across a downloadable program or something like that (maybe it was just a recording) that also tries to teach good listening. It is on my old had drive but I will try to dig it up and post a link here once I figure out what it was...
Thanks for sharing, Alonski, and way to honor Mr. Cuddy's positive influence on your listening.

As a gigging bass player, these are the things that are always on my mind when I listen, either live or at home: Find all of the individual pieces, and assess how they're fitting together.
Cymbop,

I know what you mean. I was a drummer for many years, and always looked first to the bass line for integration. I found that when I was in sync with the bassist, the rest fell into place easily and then no one had to think anymore, as the music played us!

I remember being amazed to find out that in high-end audio, the lowest bass octaves, when reproduced accurately, added so much air around instruments and conveyed so much spatial information (often inaudible) about the recording venue or studio, especially with acoustic performances. Having twin REL subs in my system has made this phenomenon really apparent and very enjoyable!