"Legacy isn't Kept. It's Given."
This Academy exists because something rare was given — and what is rare must be passed forward.
Robert “Bobby” Brooks was mentored in environments that no longer exist — shaped by masters who invested time, discipline, correction, and belief into a young person who had no roadmap and no connections. That investment changed the trajectory of his life.
This Academy exists to do the same for others.
Our mission is to provide direct mentorship, real-world standards, and professional-level guidance to young creators — especially those who may never otherwise gain access to high-level industry experience.
We are committed to helping students:
• See possibility where they once saw limitation
• Build discipline alongside creativity
• Develop technical skill alongside imagination
• Understand both the freedom and the responsibility of craft
• Walk into professional rooms prepared — not intimidated
We believe talent is everywhere. Access is not.
Through structured mentorship, hands-on instruction, and cultural stewardship, the Academy works to close that gap — particularly for underserved communities and HBCU institutions where brilliance often exists without proximity to industry networks.
This nonprofit also exists to remove financial barriers.
When a school or community organization cannot afford to bring high-level industry mentorship to their students, the Academy seeks to raise funds so that access is not determined by budget.
We do this not out of charity — but out of responsibility.
Mentorship is not a moment. It is continuous.
Touch a Knob Make a Sound Academy exists to ensure that the standards, integrity, discipline, and cultural respect passed down by those who built modern music do not disappear with them.
We turn “Maybe I can” into “I will.”
Not through hype.
Through guidance.
Through accountability.
Through belief.
Through excellence.
And through the understanding that giving back is not optional — it is required.
Education is a commitment to excellence in Learning.
Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits. Educational methods include teaching, training, storytelling, discussion and directed research. Education frequently takes place under the guidance of educators, however learners can also educate themselves.
You make a life by what you give
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time. They just have the heart. The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.