Start with an app that has a free tier, build three scenes, and run them with one tap each. For new DMs on Apple devices, we recommend Summoning Stone: it’s free to download, you can demo it without an account, and it grows with you.
What new DMs need from an audio app
- Easy to try. Free to download, no commitment.
- Low stress in play. One tap to start a scene, nothing to adjust mid-game.
- Room to grow. Customizable scenes and community campaigns as you gain confidence.
- Safe for streaming, in case you start broadcasting later.
Start in three steps
- Install it and demo it. You can try Summoning Stone without creating an account.
- Build three scenes: a tavern, a road or wilderness scene, and a combat scene. See scene recipes.
- Run one session. Keep the music quiet. See how to use music in D&D.
A trade-off to know about
Some apps get you playing with almost no setup; others take a little prep up front and give you full control. Summoning Stone is the second kind. Once your scenes are built, they play exactly as you saved them, and a community campaign can cut the setup. See Death House as an example.
Free to start
Summoning Stone’s free tier includes free sounds, music for all styles and up to five scenes. See what’s free.
Other options
If you’d rather not install an app at all, a browser ambience site works for a quiet start. For a wider view, see our guide to the best tabletop audio apps.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the easiest way to add music to D&D?
Build a few scenes in a soundboard app before the session and start each with one tap.
Is there a free D&D music app for beginners?
Summoning Stone is free to download, with a free tier. See free D&D music.
Do I need an account to try it?
No. You can demo Summoning Stone without creating an account.
How many scenes should a new DM prepare?
Three to six for a session, plus one or two generic ones.