Resource: Audio University
As someone who has spent my career at the intersection of music, education, and technology, I’m always looking for resources that can help students better understand the mechanics of sound, recording, and audio production. The Audio University YouTube channel and its accompanying online learning community have become one of those rare gems that combine clarity, accessibility, and relevance. For music educators searching for engaging supplemental content - especially for music technology course - it’s a resource well worth exploring. Created and hosted by Kyle Mathias, the Audio University YouTube channel is dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of audio in a clear, approachable way. The channel covers topics like mixing, mastering, microphone placement, acoustics, signal flow, audio gear reviews, and more. Kyle’s mission is simple: to make learning about audio “quick, easy-to-understand, and practical.”
One of the reasons that I really like this channel (aside from the fact that there are hundreds of free and useful videos on it) is that the videos are straightforward explanations and useful demonstrations on a wide variety of audio topics. I’ve used this channel with some of my college courses that I’ve taught, and I always felt like my students were learning from a knowledgeable teacher rather than just a content creator. Beyond the free videos, Audio University also offers a separate online membership community where learners can submit mixes, ask questions, and receive feedback. My students really liked the videos because Kyle’s explanations don’t assume advanced prior knowledge, but they also don’t condescend. This makes the content equally suitable for high school students beginning their journey with recording technology and for college-level students exploring advanced audio concepts.
The videos on the channel are always concise and focused, often addressing one question at a time — “How does a compressor work?” or “What does EQ actually do?” — which makes them ideal for classroom integration. Students who might feel intimidated by textbooks or dense manuals often find Kyle’s clear, step-by-step breakdowns refreshing and approachable.
Here are a few ways music educators can incorporate it into their curriculum, as well as use it for their own professional development:
Introduction to Recording Projects
If your students are beginning a project involving recording or mixing, showing an Audio University video at the start can provide a shared foundation. For example, before asking students to mic an ensemble, you might play a video on microphone polar patterns or placement. This ensures everyone begins with a clear, practical understanding.
Flipped Classroom Approach
Assigning short Audio University videos as homework can be an effective way to flip the classroom. Students arrive already familiar with the basic concepts, freeing up class time for hands-on practice. Watching a video on EQ at home, then applying that knowledge in the school’s recording studio, reinforces both the theory and practice.
Independent Learning and Differentiation
Not all students in a music program share the same interests. Some are performers, while others are fascinated by the technical side. By pointing students to specific playlists or videos, teachers can give them autonomy to pursue the areas that inspire them most. For a student who dreams of becoming a sound engineer, Audio University could become a personalized learning pathway.
Professional Development for Teachers
Music educators themselves can benefit from Audio University as a form of ongoing professional learning. Even if you are not a recording expert, watching these videos can boost your confidence when integrating technology into your teaching. They can also help you make informed decisions about equipment purchases for your program.
If you’re a music teacher looking to bring more technology into your curriculum, or if you simply want to demystify audio for your students, I highly recommend giving Audio University a look. I also recommend checking out the paid resources on its companion learning site. Both can be really useful for any music teacher who teaches a music technology course, or needs to set up audio equipment for use in assemblies, school musicals, and other events.