GarageBand for Laptops: More than just a Tool for Creating Songs
In this blog post I will introduce GarageBand and explain how it used by musicians for creating songs. But there is so much more that GarageBand can do! I will also illustrate various other educational uses for GarageBand that you can incorporate into your curriculum! such as creating podcasts, adding sound or music to video, creating a loop-based jingle for the opening/closing of a webisode, and creating soundscapes for various purposes such as exhibits or animations.
GarageBand is one of my favourite music software programs for creating music. I've used it over the years to write over a hundred songs with learners of all ages. Here is a screenshot video of a GarageBand session from a song I created collaboratively a group of students at Grandview Elementary in East Vancouver. Created as part of a commissioned collaboration by the Vancouver Biennale, this song explores the kelp forests in the ocean. Lyrics were written by the students and I, and the vocals were performed by the students.
There is so much more that you can create in GarageBand besides sassy pop songs! Here are some ideas that you could explore with your students.
1. Make a soundtrack for your video
GarageBand allows you to add a Quicktime video to your session. Then you can add loops, sound effects, and music tracks. You can even record your voice using the built in microphone or an external microphone, This is a perfect way to customize a documentary, and video assignment, or a film project! |
2. Create a podcast with your class
Using the computer's internal microphone or and external USB microphone, you can write, record and edit your own podcast. Add a simple musical background or sound effects using the loops provided by GarageBand. You could even create the opening and closing theme song or jingle for your podcast right in GarageBand. |
3. Create a creepy soundscape
GarageBand is also a great tool for making creepy soundscapes for a variety of purposes, but my favourite of all is Halloween soundscapes! Using the sound effects found in GarageBand, and the recording capabilities of GarageBand, you can alter or redesign the sounds by adding reverb, echo, pitch changer, overdrive, filters, and a variety of other sound design tools in the editing tool to make spooky and otherworldly soundscapes that are perfect to broadcast from your front door at home or the office. |
Learning Resources for GarageBand
Aside from the hundreds of YouTube videos exploring GarageBand, I do have a favourite online learning resource.
Lynda.com
OK, if you haven't heard of Lynda.com yet then let me be the first to introduce you to this powerful online learning platform containing video-based tutorials on thousands of topics. The GarageBand Essential Training is my favourite of all the Lynda.com GarageBand tutorials.
How does one access this resource? Many universities provide access to students and staff, and most public libraries have accounts that you can access through their online homepage portals.
OK, if you haven't heard of Lynda.com yet then let me be the first to introduce you to this powerful online learning platform containing video-based tutorials on thousands of topics. The GarageBand Essential Training is my favourite of all the Lynda.com GarageBand tutorials.
How does one access this resource? Many universities provide access to students and staff, and most public libraries have accounts that you can access through their online homepage portals.
Cobb House Studio YouTube Page
This is a playlist on my Youtube page dedicated to GarageBand class demonstrations from the Music Technology classes I teach at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Most of these videos are recorded live in the classroom so come and check out all of the sass and hilarity that transpires from week to week! |
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