GarageBand for Mac: Song Production from Start to Finish on a Mac

**NOTE: This class is ONLY for Mac-based GarageBand production, and NOT iOS (iPad, iPhone) devices. There are significant differences between the Mac-based and the iOS-based versions of GarageBand and it is too confusing to try to teach to all the platforms in the same class.

Also, note that this class is also offered as a flex class! https://outschool.com/classes/garageband-for-mac-song-production-from-start-to-finish-on-a-mac-lkTmlcXn?sectionUid=3ae3db68-0531-40a3-95fe-310220668816&usid=f3k7LPSf&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

In this class, we will start from the very beginning of getting familiar with GarageBand and proceed over the six weeks to build a song, learning about each element of the production process along the way.

Week 1: Intro to GarageBand and create drum tracks using GarageBand's built-in drummers
Week 2: Learn about software instruments and MIDI editing within GarageBand
Week 3: Learn about using live instruments and vocals, as well as loops and one-shot sound effects within GarageBand
Week 4: Learn about effects (FX) and automation of various elements of the sound
Week 5: Learn about mixing and exporting the final product to audio file
Week 6: Share our projects with each other and final Q & A

To get the most out of this class, a learner should already be familiar with:  key signatures, time signatures, note values, etc.

While it is possible to use GarageBand without any kind of MIDI keyboard hooked up, it's definitely easier if you have one to use. We will not cover details of connecting MIDI instruments as that is more related to MacOS in general and not GarageBand in specific. However, you can reach out to me for assistance via messaging if you have questions.

Likewise with any live instruments (guitar, bass, etc.) or microphones. These are helpful (especially for the work in Week 3), but not entirely necessary. Learners can use the computer's built-in microphone if that's all they have available to use.

In each class, I will demonstrate the concepts, allow time for learners to try things on their own, and have open dialog for Q & A as we work together. The learners can choose whether or not to work on their actual project during the class time or learn the concepts and build a separate project outside of class to share at the end.