This paper develops a new pedagogical approach to the study of harmonic intervals at the college and university levels. Mechanisms responsible for the perception of harmonic intervals, in particular the perception of tone, the ability to segregate notes played simultaneously, perception of beating and harmonicity, are first reviewed. Based on the perceptual learning mechanisms of Goldstone and Byrge (2015), different strategies to isolate, stimulate and reinforce the perception of the main sound attributes necessary for the auditory recognition of harmonic intervals are discussed. Lastly, an integrated approach to the teaching of harmonic intervals is suggested for the classroom.