What is the course about?
Use Apple's fabulously simple but powerful Garageband software to help you realise your musical ideas. Record using a microphone and/or instruments. Edit your tracks with easy-to-use tools in order to create a polished final product.
What will we cover?
- Building a track from a variety of instruments and recordings
- Playing in musical ideas (ideally 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 into Garageband
- 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 (ideally 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?
This course is for anyone who wishes to learn how to put this exciting technology to creative use, and is suitable for complete beginners in music technology. The software is availble for PC platform as well as Macs.
Some familiarity with computers is useful.
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?
Classes will generally begin with a demonstration and discussion followed by practical work.
You will work on your own computer to practise set themes, techniques and skills, applying these to your developing ideas and material
You will present your work in progress regularly to the group and receive feedback, support and encouragement from your tutor throughout the course.
This course will be delivered online, and will involve tutor presentation and class discussion. Student preparation and homework outside class times is strongly encouraged. To fully participate in this online class you will need:
- An email address
- A reliable internet connection
- A computer/laptop/tablet with a fully updated browser (preferably google chrome). Your device will need a microphone, and preferably a camera.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Desktop / laptop computer or iPad/iPhone with GarageBand installed, and preferably a small MIDI keyboard that can connect to your device. GarageBand is now available for the PC platform and for iPads as well as Mac desktop computers. It is not yet avaiable for Anroid tablets
Apple: GarageBand for Mac/iPad/iPhone [external website]
Windows: GarageBand for PC [external website].
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may wish to move on to:
- Apple's Logic software, the professional 'big brother' to GarageBand
- develop further your skills in Mixing, music production and mastering
- get into live electronics through Ableton Live, Sonic Arts, Max/MSP, BBC Radiophonic workshop, or Arduino workshops
- develop specialist skills through Vocal Recording Techniques, Create a home vocal recording booth, Sampling, beat-making and synth programming
Go to the Music Technology and Digital Audio Production page to see the full range of courses. For advice email the Music Department
The Music department also offers a wide range of instrumental, singing, ensemble and musicianship courses.
