Music Recording and Production - GarageBand and Logic Pro X (Ages 13-18)

In this ongoing class, we will cover all basic aspects of how to use GarageBand and/or Logic Pro X to record songs and make music using virtual midi instruments! We will also learn how to use mixing and mastering techniques (effects, eq, panning, etc.) to take our songs to the next level.

Lesson plans will be based on learner’s individual goals and skill level. Some students might have original songs or covers that they want to record, or projects that they’ve already started and just want some help with. Previous projects have ranged from singer-songwriter style recordings with acoustic guitar and vocals to making beats for rap and electronic music!

Each class will consist of a weekly meeting where we will go over the previous week’s work, introduce new material, and assign homework if needed. Each student will receive an online music folder through Google Drive, which also contains a progress sheet that helps learners keep track of homework and contains general info about the lesson. During classes, we will take a hands-on approach to learning! We can work together on a project using screen share and remote control functions of Zoom. 

Although every class will be different, here's an example of what we might cover in the first four weeks:
- Week #1: Introductions, talk about goals, previous experience, software we will be using, make a Google Drive folder and start a 
progress sheet, etc. We might also listen to some songs if we need creative ideas, otherwise we can just start building a project!
- Week #2: Review topics from previous week, go over the functions of GarageBand or Logic as needed (based on experience), cover basics like input level, how to get a clear sound when recording with a microphone, and start using effects as needed. We will take notes on a few things but for the most part just work on the song!
- Week #3: Review topics from previous week, work on project management if needed (cleaning up and consolidating tracks, color coding, marking parts of song such as Intro, Verse, Chorus, etc.) and make more progress on the song! We will most likely add a few more effects or topics. 
- Week #4: Review topics from previous week, depending on how long the project is and how much time you have to work on it, we might be able to start finishing up and do some mastering! In this case, we can talk about the different mastering options available, and use a reference song to get our finished product sounding as good as possible. 

No previous recording experience is required! All skill levels are welcome, from beginning to advanced. However, a basic level of musical knowledge is needed.

Gear Info – GarageBand and Logic are programs that are produced by Apple and can only be used with Apple products! Unfortunately, Windows computers aren’t compatible with this software. 
Students that are insterested in electronic production won’t need any additional gear, but students who want to record actual instruments or vocals will need some sort of microphone! The best way to do this is with an interface and a microphone, but they can use whatever they have on hand, like the built-in laptop mic, USB mic, a headset microphone, etc. 

Feel free to contact me with any questions about scheduling, gear, or the class in general. I look forward to hearing from you!