GarageBand Training

GarageBand is a fantastic resource for any music teacher and has hundreds of possibilities for curriculum integration.

From arranging and composing with loops and recording your own original material, to making backing tracks or scoring films, GarageBand does (almost!) everything.

Basic GarageBand skills covered:

learn how to navigate the loop browser
create your own original loops and add them to your content library
add new tracks
change instruments
record from a MIDI keyboard
edit MIDI sounds
learn tips for recording voice, guitar or sound effects
import audio and MIDI files
edit audio tracks
transpose music
add effects
edit and mix your song
share your music

Using these skills, learn how to put together one or more of the following student class projects:

Film Scores and Jingles

Learn all about synchronising sound to visuals. Using short films, create your own movie soundtracks by adding sound effects, mood music and character themes. Learn about hit points/time markers, cues and cue sheets, time code, scrubbing and synching and discover a step-by-step approach to teaching film composition or jingle writing with your students.

12 Bar Blues

Arrange or compose a 12 bar blues backing with bass, drums, guitar and keyboard. Record yourself playing or singing an improvisation over the top.

Remixing

Remix a set of existing loops and transform a song by altering tempo, timbre, dynamics, key and more. Add your own original loops or record an improvised solo.

Podcasting

Research a music topic and present your findings as a podcast. Podcasting is an excellent group activity and allows students to take on a range of tasks: researching, scripting, narration, creating or finding background music.