Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool
Teaching children about the science of sound through music and technology
Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool (DBSS), our hallmark educational project, is an innovative, experiential, 10-week curriculum teaching second-graders the science of sound. We use electronic musical instruments including the theremin and even Minimoog synthesizers, as well as technological tools like oscilloscopes, plus a custom curriculum developed by the BMF educational team.
Through Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, students learn about:
Kids learning the science of sound!
Additional Information
Efficacy of Dr. Bob's SoundSchool
Assessments from pilot programs show that students who complete the Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool curriculum demonstrate a stronger ability to adapt their knowledge of the basic physics of sound in novel situations than those students who participated in the standard course of study, indicating that DBSS achieves its goal of inspiring creative thinkers of tomorrow. To learn more about the assessment, see this excellent report from our DBSS Curriculum Research Coordinator, Dr. Jonna Kwiatkowski.
Program growth
We piloted Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool in eight classrooms in Asheville City Schools during the 2011-2012 academic year with great success.
The following academic year, we increased the students served four-fold, and expanded into neighboring Buncombe County Schools.
Despite the continued effects of the pandemic in 2022, we inspired 3,000 kids. We have now served 25,000 learners total over the life of the program.
Be part of our work! Donate today to help us achieve that important goal!
Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool curriculum objectives
Educate students about the science of sound in an inspirational way using a new and creative paradigm which is simple, effective, accurate, and fun.
Adhere to regional and national standards for science curriculum.
Ignite the innovative spirit in students through the pioneering work and legacy of Bob Moog to encourage thinkers able to solve tomorrow’s problems.
Inspire and empower teachers to understand and teach the physics of sounds for years to come.
Hear Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool students, teachers, administrators and curriculum creators talk about the fantastic impact of this curriculum in the video below.