MMS 172 Final Output

MMS 172 Final Project Walkthrough: Indigenous Instruments in Modern Music Podcast

Introduction

For my final project in MMS 172, I chose to create a podcast episode instead of a musical performance. The main reason was simple — I don’t have much talent in singing, but I’ve always found podcasting interesting because it allows me to tell stories, share knowledge, and explore culture in a creative way.

My topic was inspired by my roots in Rizal. I wanted to highlight indigenous instruments and how they are blended into modern music, showing that tradition can live on even in contemporary settings. This walkthrough details my entire production process — from planning, recording, and mixing, all the way to exporting and publishing.

Step 1: Planning the Project

In my pre-production plan, I stated that my podcast would include:

• Narration (my voice as host)

• Interview snippets

• Music samples of indigenous instruments

At first, I planned to use GarageBand from the start. But when I tried opening it for the first time, I found it too complicated. Out of frustration, I switched to Canva’s audio editor to quickly finish the podcast. However, when I saw my professor’s announcement that using Canva would result in a 5-point deduction, I decided to go back and challenge myself to learn GarageBand properly.

This change of plan became a turning point. I watched several YouTube tutorials, practiced with short test projects, and slowly got used to the interface. By the time I started my actual project, I had enough confidence to proceed.

Step 2: Recording Narration

For the narration:

• I used my laptop and iPhone 15 Pro Max  (built-in mic)  with GarageBand.

• I recorded in my bedroom, where I could minimize background noise.

• To reduce noise, I record at night and make sure the electric fan is off. 

In GarageBand, I created a new track for my voice recording and recorded each segment separately (intro, body, interviews, outro). Recording in chunks made it easier to edit mistakes instead of re-doing the entire script.

Step 3: Adding the Interview

Instead of simulating interviews, I decided to ask my brother to be my interviewee. I prepared a few short questions about indigenous instruments and modern music, and recorded his answers using the same microphone.

This made the podcast feel more genuine and natural because I was interacting with someone I knew personally.  His voice was recorded on a separate track in GarageBand so I could adjust the volume independently.

Step 4: Music Samples and Background Music

To highlight indigenous sounds, I included short music samples:

• Bamboo percussion loops

• Gong-inspired rhythms

• Simple flute melodies

In GarageBand, I layered the music onto separate tracks. I also added background music beds (soft instrumental loops) under my narration.

Step 5: Mixing and Editing

Once all the narration, interview, and music were in place, I worked on mixing:

• Volume balance: Adjusted each track so narration and my brother’s interview were always clear.

• Fades: Added fade-in and fade-out transitions between segments.

• EQ adjustments: I slightly boosted mid-range frequencies on my voice track to make it sound clearer.

• Noise control: I trimmed silences and cut background hiss where possible.

This stage was the most time-consuming but also the most rewarding, because I could hear the project coming together.

Step 6: Exporting and Publishing

When I was satisfied with the mix:

1. I exported the project from GarageBand as an MP3 file.

2. I uploaded the final audio to SoundCloud.

3. I embedded the SoundCloud link in my ePortfolio under MMS 172.

Reflection

Looking back, this project was more than just a technical exercise — it was a lesson in patience, adaptability, and creativity.

I learned that audio production is not easy, but with tutorials, experimentation, and persistence, it becomes manageable. Switching from Canva to GarageBand was a big challenge, but I am proud that I did not settle for the easier option.

Having my brother as my interviewee also made the podcast more personal and engaging. His perspective added authenticity and helped me feel like I wasn’t just recording alone.

This podcast also deepened my appreciation for our culture. Indigenous instruments are not just relics of the past — they can live on in today’s music, inspiring pride and creativity.

In the end, my project stayed true to my original concept but grew in execution thanks to what I learned along the way.