What is the course about?
Learn to use Apple's fabulously simple but powerful GarageBand software to help you realise your musical ideas. Record using a microphone and/or instruments and using a musical MIDI keyboard to play in (notate) musical ideas. Edit your tracks with easy-to-use tools to create a polished final product.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
• Building a track from a variety of instruments and recordings
• Playing in musical ideas using a MIDI keyboard, and GarageBand's realistic software instruments
• MIDI editing to correct mistakes in playing or to create ideas from scratch
• Recording and importing audio
• Basic corrective audio editing
• Basic mixing with attention to sound balance and stereo position.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Build a track from a variety of instruments and recordings
• Play in musical ideas using a MIDI keyboard and GarageBand's realistic software instruments
• Edit this MIDI information to correct mistakes in playing and create ideas from scratch
• Record and import audio into GarageBand
• Perform basic corrective audio editing
• Perform a basic mix with attention to sound balance and stereo position.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You need to be confident with computers and IT, including file management, but otherwise the course is suitable for beginners in music technology.
You will need to be able to follow written and verbal instructions in English, engage in class discussions and take notes in English.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor demonstration and explanation, class discussion, followed by practical work.
Practical work on individual projects. You will present work in progress and receive feedback and support from your tutor and peers.
You will make best progress if you can work on your projects between sessions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You must have a computer running GarageBand, and we recommend you also have headphones, external microphone and a MIDI keyboard. While GarageBand can run on an iPad, some of its features are restricted, so iPad is not recommended.
Visit our Music technology: equipment advice page for more detailed information about hardware and software, so that you can ensure you have everything you need before you enrol. Even for courses that take place at City Lit, we recommend you have your own equipment at home so that you can continue to develop your music after your course has finished.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Music production with Logic: level 1 (leads to level 2 and advanced courses); Sampling, beat-making and synth programming; Ableton Live
Visit our Music technology courses: overview blog to see the wide range of courses on offer, from music production and home recording to live electronics and sound art. If you already know what you are looking for, go straight to the listing of currently available course dates and times.
For further advice email the Music office .
Music also offers a wide range of instrumental, singing, ensemble, music theory, musicianship, songwriting and composition courses.
