Garage Band Unit

Before you start the projects, create a folder on your desktop:

• On your desktop, two-finger click
• choose New Folder
• change the new folder's name from Untitled Folder to "Music Class: (first initial last name)"

Project #1- Loops

• Create a track that is 32 measures long.
• You must have at least 1 bass loop, 1 drum loop, and 1 piano/organ/synth loop.
• Loops should be layered on different lines.
• Save in your desktop folder as a garage band file FILE/SAVE AS: (first initial last name) Project 1
• Also, save in your folder as an MP3 file SHARE/EXPORT SONG TO DISK:.
• Save BOTH files to the Google Classroom assignment.

Project #2- Fade Out Tool

• Create (at least) a 12 measure track using the fade out tool.
• Use at least three loops (you may re-use the loops from Project 1; just save it as Project 2).
• You should use the master track fade out
  • Click mix, click fade out, and then drag the pivot points to adjust them
• Save in your desktop folder as a garage band file FILE/SAVE AS: (first initial last name) Project 2
• Also, save in your folder as an MP3 file SHARE/EXPORT SONG TO DISK:.
• Save BOTH files to the Google Classroom assignment.

Project #3- Drum Track

• Create a 16 measure drum track by using the midi keyboard.
• Use your ears and your creativity (as well as the metronome; MUST BE A STEADY BEAT).
• Click add new track, click software instrument, click drum kit OR drum machine.
• Record at least three different drum sounds ON THREE SEPARATE TRACKS! (record each instrument one at a time, not all at once).
  • You can not have multiple instruments recorded in the same track. Only one instrument may be recorded in each track.
• Save in your desktop folder as a garage band file FILE/SAVE AS: (first initial last name) Project 3
• Also, save in your folder as an MP3 file SHARE/EXPORT SONG TO DISK:.
• Save BOTH files to the Google Classroom assignment.

Project #4 - Sampling

OBJECTIVE: To compose a song using samples & rhythms

• Students will take samples of different sounds around them (record sounds into a mic track)
• Record at least 10 different samples on 10 different mic tracks
• Use at least 5 sounds & mute the others
• Add at least one drum loop or make a drum beat
• At least 30 seconds long (seconds; NOT measures)
• Save in your desktop folder as a garage band file FILE/SAVE AS: (first initial last name) Project 4
• Also, save in your folder as an MP3 file SHARE/EXPORT SONG TO DISK:.
• Save BOTH files to the Google Classroom assignment.

Project #5- More Sampling

Notes:

• Copyright issues
• Performers who perform in the sampled work
• What is the difference between a cover and a sampled song?
• What is the difference between a loop and a sample?

Your objective for this project is to create an original song using a sample of previously composed song.

• Your sample must be recognizable from the original song, but it shouldn't be the complete song. It can be just the drumbeat, a guitar lick, a chorus, etc.
• Your new material must flow seamlessly with your sample.
• You may use more than one sample.
• You will need to use the keyboard (some kind of track with note sounds; not drums)
• Should sound like a REAL song (melody, bass line, drum beats, form, etc.)
• Save in your desktop folder as a garage band file FILE/SAVE AS: (first initial last name) Project 5
• Also, save in your folder as an MP3 file SHARE/EXPORT SONG TO DISK:.
• Save BOTH files to the Google Classroom assignment.

Project #6- Movie Soundtrack (Score)

Your objective for this project is to create an ORIGINAL score (soundtrack) to go with a movie clip.

• *Choose one of the movie samples; download it into your laptop
• Insert movie sample into GarageBand
• Compose original music for the sample
• Use at least 3 tracks (only one can be drum sounds)
• Absolutely NO LOOPS (use the piano to play in the tracks)
• For guidance, consider the elements of music: melody, harmony, rhythm, tone, dynamics, tempo & form
• Consider making a leitmotif (a recurring melody, associated with a particular person, idea, or situation)
• Consider changing volume (fade in/fade out) & changing speed (don't use metronome)
• Save in your desktop folder as a garage band file: (first initial last name) Project 6
• Once you are completely done (in GarageBand) hit FILE/MOVIE/EXPORT AUDIO TO MOVIE (make sure you're sending it to the usual file folder)...THIS is the file you want to turn in!

​​Project #7 - Melody

​First Part:

OBJECTIVE: To compose an original melody. You may compose on Garageband.

• Your melody should include motive(s) and development of the motive(s).
• Your melody should be at least 16 measures (64 beats in 4/4) long (longer if you like).
• Your melody should have a clear home tone and should be "singable" (not too many leaps).
• Your melody should be interesting to listen to (not too many steps).
• Your melody should include repetition, variation, and contrast.
• Save in your desktop folder as a garage band file: (first initial last name) Project 4
• Once you are completely done, export it as an mp3 file, and save in your desktop folder.

This project will include turning in a First Draft, revising your draft, turning in a Second Draft, then adding another element (harmony, countermelody, drum beat) to your melody before submitting it as a Final Draft AUDIO FILE.​

-Save final as a garage band file and an mp3

• Save in your desktop folder as a garage band file: (first initial last name) Project 4
• Once you are completely done, export it as an mp3 file, and save in your desktop folder.

Project #8- Unit Final

• OBJECTIVE: Using all of the Garageband techniques you have learned in this class to create a new project, or redo one of your old projects.
• Your project must be at least 32 measures long.
• This project should be something that you are proud of. Pretend you will be getting it published by a music producer, and that it will be played on your favorite radio station.
• You must use:
  • At least 3 different loops (in different tracks)
  • Master Track Fade Out
  • Individual Track Fade Out
  • The MIDI keyboard (to add a drum track or a melody)
  • A sample from a previously composed song (must be recognizable from the song, but cannot be more than 10% of the song)
• This should be your most interesting project. You should spend a considerable amount of time on this. You will be sharing this with the rest of the class.
• Save in your desktop folder as a garage band file: (first initial last name) Project 6
• Once you are completely done, export it as an mp3 file, and save in your desktop folder.