An improved user interface and related control subsystem for a recorder/player for use in flexible-practice pronunciation training is described. The interface/control subsystem lets the user activate a single switch to initiate and complete any of the following activities any number of times and in any order: select the next sample sound; listen to the currently selected sample sound; listen to the currently selected sample sound then record the user version of that sound; listen to the currently selected sample sound followed by the user version of that sound. Provision is also made for obtaining sample sounds from plug-in modules or by active recording with a means that is protected from inadvertent activation.