How to Make Beats Using GarageBand

Learn to Make Music with GarageBand on iMac

This course empowers you to autonomously create music using GarageBand on your iMac, regardless of your musical background. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a complete beginner, you'll discover the tools to bring your musical ideas to life. Sing, play an instrument, or create entirely within the digital audio workstation (DAW). This course is perfect for beginners to recording and those looking to expand their musical skills.

The course focuses on crafting music in GarageBand using both audio and MIDI techniques, with a foundational understanding of music theory.

Section 1: Audio Manipulation & Mashups

• Importing and Tempo Alignment: Learn to import audio files and precisely align them with the desired tempo.
• Tempo & Pitch Adjustment: Master techniques to change the tempo and pitch of existing audio.
• Mashups & Sampling: Challenge yourself to create unique mashups by combining two audio pieces or sampling audio from various sources. You'll use your own MP3s (recommended) and can utilize free online metronome tools. A metronome app is recommended for accuracy.

Section 2: MIDI Recording & Composition

• MIDI Recording Basics: Discover how to record MIDI data, with options for using a MIDI keyboard (recommended) or directly within GarageBand using your mouse.
• Music Theory Fundamentals: Explore music theory concepts, including keys and key signatures, and learn to compose melodies that adhere to these principles.
• Sound Design & Editing: Change the instrument sound of your recorded MIDI performance and refine the timing, duration, velocity, and pitch of individual notes.
• Melody & Chord Relationships: Apply learned music theory to create melodies from existing MIDI chords and vice versa.

Section 3: Music Structure

• Arrangement Techniques: Learn to structure your music effectively using audio editing techniques. Utilize provided samples or bring your own audio pieces.

Section 4: GarageBand Features – Drummer & Loops

• Automated Drum Tracks: Explore the built-in automated drummer feature in GarageBand to add rhythmic complexity.
• Loop Library Integration: Discover how to effectively use the loops library to enhance your compositions.

Section 5: Post-Production Essentials

• Volume, Pan & Automation: Master essential post-production techniques including adjusting volume, pan, and using automation.
• EQ & Effects: Learn to shape your sound using equalization (EQ) and apply creative effects like reverb.

Section 6: Advanced Audio Recording

• Audio Recording Setup: Gain an in-depth understanding of proper audio recording setup.
• Composite Takes: Learn techniques to create composite audio takes in a track. This section requires the ability to record using an audio interface or microphone (including the built-in computer microphone).