About
The School of Noise runs workshops for children, young people and adults encouraging the exploration of music and the science of sound. Our aim is to provide creative and imaginative activities using sound in accessible, fun and educational ways.
Introduction
Using a wide variety of analogue and digital machines our activities include; learning about the science of sound, playing on rare instruments such as a waterphone and theremin, composing experimental sound art, Foley sound design, field recording, conducting orchestras of fruit and vegetables, soundwalks, learning about acoustic ecology plus more.
There is no need to have experience playing music or using any of our equipment to take part in the workshops, and they are open to people of all abilities.
To date we have delivered workshops in a wide variety of locations including primary schools, WOMAD, End Of The Road, Green Man and Latitude festivals, British Library, BAFTA, Barbican Centre, Southbank Centre, Museum of Childhood, Museum of London, Cheltenham Science Festival, National Media Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Great Ormond Street Hospital School and travelled to the Netherlands, China, Czech Republic, United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Schools
Our school workshops last between 1-2hrs and can be used in conjunction with the National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2 in Music and Science.
During each workshop the class will learn about sampling noise, explore the science of sound, have hands-on opportunity to use a range of musical and scientific equipment, and discover the world of Foley sound design.
Science
Sound waves
- Frequencies of sound waves, measured in hertz (Hz); echoes, reflection and absorption of sound.
- Sound needs a medium to travel, the speed of sound in air, in water, in solids.
- Sound produced by vibrations of objects, in loudspeakers, detected by their effects on microphone diaphragm and the ear drum; sound waves are longitudinal.
- The auditory range of humans and animals.
