1.  Science of Sound

In-school workshops exploring the science of sound and its many uses throughout the world from the sound design of electric cars and film effects, to extinguishing fires and designing buildings.

We cover how sounds are made (vibration, frequency, amplitude), how they travel (longitudinal/pressure waves, medium), and where they end up (hearing, absorption, reflection, energy).

We bring a range of equipment for students to play and experiment on including Chladni plates (patterns in sand caused by vibration), theremin, omnichord, telegraph key, tuning forks, model of a human ear, and fruits and vegetables that will trigger musical sounds when touched.

The workshops can help to kick-start a topic on sound or consolidate learning afterwards. It is suitable for students studying sound, as part of an enrichment lesson, or a STEM / STEAM activity.

2.  Graphic Scores & Sound Drawings

Graphic Scores – Explore the variety of ways musical direction can be written down. Graphic scores allow the composer to be creative in deciding how they’d like their score to look and how they’d like it to be performed.

Perhaps a score uses the roll of a dice to create chance directions? Or uses a map to take the performer on a journey? Some scores might have precise rules to follow, while others may simply be random scribbles on the page with no instructions leaving it entirely up to the performer to improvise and interpret.

Sound Drawings – a fun and creative way of expressing yourself and the noises you can hear through mark making. During the activity, different sounds are played for students to listen to. The sounds may include musical pieces, nature (water, wind, thunder), animals, or the sound of different objects etc.

Participants are encouraged to draw what they can hear. Interpretations will differ from person to person. There is no wrong way to create a sound drawing!

3.  Foley

Discover the hidden world of Foley sound design for film and TV. Often using an unusual assortment of items, Foley sounds recreate the movements of characters and objects seen on screen.

Think coconut shells for horses hooves, tin foil and bubble wrap for the crackling of fire, and the crunching cornstarch for walking on snow.

This fun, creative workshop offers an opportunity to use listening skills to match the right sounds, and record the Foley to fit with the moving images on screen.

4.  A-Z of Sound Talk

An A-Z talk about sound. Suitable for ages 5+, this talk takes audiences through the alphabet introducing one interesting fact, instrument, or demonstration for each letter.

From Acoustic Dispersion (laser sounds from a metal slinky), Borborygmus (rumbling sound from the stomach) and Clapping, to X-Ray bone records, Yodelling and the Zadar Sea Organ, this whistle-stop tour through sound offers something interesting for all ages.