SoundGym Hero: Henry Do

A passionate music lover turned dedicated sound enthusiast, blending his early pop-rock inspirations with a deep curiosity for audio technology and ear training. From dreaming of becoming a guitarist like Slash to pursuing live sound engineering with relentless focus, he’s now shaping his journey through self-study, SoundGym practice, and hands-on work. Henry Do is this month's SoundGym Hero!

How did you first find your way into music appreciation and ear training?

When I was around 13, I used to listen to music on my uncle’s cassette player. It could play CDs and radio. I remember the instrumental CD tracks that awakened the love for music in me, they were Secret Garden’s songs. At night, I used to listen to music on the FM radio. It played international top hits at that time like Avril Lavigne, Linkin Park, Justin Timberlake… And I was eager every night to listen to those pop tunes. It was a wonderful experience and that’s how I started to love music.

When I was 17, I received a gift that changed my life. It was an acoustic guitar from my uncle. I was passionate about practicing with self-study videos online. Even though I wasn’t good at playing, there was a time when I dreamed of becoming a cool guitarist like the lead guitarist - Slash of Guns N' Roses. Music is like breathing, I cannot live without music, it gave me passion and has also guided me through dark times without life’s direction.

Now, I have been working at an audio store for a year and also a part-time amateur "Soundman" for a local restaurant. Starting to learn to become a Soundman at the age of 30, I realize that I have a good ear after practicing with the trial version of SoundGym even though I am not good at playing instruments. I knew about SoundGym from a colleague, he’s a good guy and has guided me a lot. Thanks to the introduction, I have started practicing ear-training seriously since September 2024. Feeling more and more progress gives me more motivation to continue pursuing this new path. 

What do you enjoy most about listening to music?

I listen to many genres like pop, rock, jazz, and classical as long as I enjoy it. Discovering new things in music always excites me. It opens up another dimension when I immerse myself in it. The vibrations bring deep emotions and help me discover more about myself.

These days music spreads easily. I think artists who create their own music play an important role. Some types of music help people feel relaxed, happy, or peaceful. But there are also types that can overwhelm or confuse the mind. That’s why artists should think carefully before releasing their work to fans.

What’s something you're surprisingly good at that has nothing to do with music?

I still can’t think of anything else I’m good at besides music. When I’m not working, I enjoy being in nature. I like to sit and observe things or go swimming in the sea. I think I’m good at spending time alone, haha.

If you could attend a live concert by any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

If I could, I would attend a Pink Floyd concert when all four members were still together. David Gilmour, Richard Wright, Nick Mason, and Roger Waters. The first time I heard them was through the song "Wish You Were Here." From that moment, David Gilmour became my idol. Their music is fresh and strange in a special way, and very emotional. They played live really well too. Even though their songs were written more than 50 years ago, they still feel timeless and surprise me every time I listen.

What piece of audio gear do you use most often, and what makes it special to you?

The Behringer DT 770 Pro headphone is incredible and I use it most often. The frequency response range is quite wide and flat, wearing it is very comfortable so I could listen to music or training hours, except one thing - it quite big so I can’t wrap it around my neck.  I remember when the first time I listened, I was able to locate and hear the instruments played in the song easily and quite detailed.

I also use a pair of Edifier MR3 monitors. Although the bass is not deep enough, the mid and treble are quite clear, detailed and worth the investment considering the price.

What daily or weekly habits help you stay consistent with your ear training?

I usually practice ear training after work. Normally, start with the basic exercises, then move on to EQ Training, SoundGym Olympics, and finally Beat Race. Sometimes the order changes, but the 5 basic SoundGym exercises are my top priority. I don't think I have any special habits, I just open my laptop and start practicing, that's it.

What keeps you motivated to keep learning and improving your listening skills?

The ears are the best tool I have, so I’ll practice more to keep improving my listening skills. It helps me a lot to achieve the goal of becoming a Live Sound Engineer. Besides, I also want to try mixing and mastering music in the future if I have more time. Listening to those artists on SoundGym also inspires me a lot. Especially the song “Catch Me If You Can” from Femke de Wolf, what an interesting and catchy song. It is the motivation for me to strive every day. “Be patient, practice the most basic things regularly and don't expect too much - time will be the answer for the efforts” are things I always remind myself.

What song would you choose as the soundtrack of your life?

No doubt, it is “Echoes” – PinkFloyd.

What's your favorite feature on SoundGym, and how has it helped you in your journey as a music lover?

Peak Master, DB King and Pangirl are 3 exercises that I find very useful for me.

- Peak Master helps me identify boosted frequencies. Over time, it is the foundation to be able to hear cut frequencies well, which is much more difficult.

- DB King helps me identify the depth of the instrument and form the ability to feel the sensitivity every time the volume is boosted or cut.

- Pangirl helps me identify instruments in the wide space from left to right of the mix. The instrument runs from the left ear to the right ear is a great effect to me.

In addition, EQ Cheetah is my favorite game. It trains reflection to find boosted frequencies, especially useful for live events when I need to cut excess frequencies quickly. Practicing with many instruments is very exciting too, especially bass guitar and kick bass which are very difficult to detect changes in these instruments. By the way, the Learning Corners of SoundGym are great too. They’re organized information about sound, audio equipment, tips, mixing and mastering… Very helpful for newbies or even advanced level.

What’s something you're excited about or looking forward to - musically or otherwise?

I aspire to become a Live Sound Engineer although I started this path a bit late. In my country, there are not many formal audio schools that educate to become an engineer. With the development of technology, as well as SoundGym and other platforms, it has opened up opportunities for me to learn and develop skills. I’m so grateful for that.

I believe in the mystery and magic of music. Music is the path I have chosen and it will always be like that. Hope you guys will find your own way and keep working on, especially those beginners like me. That is my journey to music and SoundGym. Thank you to the SoundGym team and other members who help to grow this community. It is an honour to do this interview and share my experience.

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