Introduction to Sequencing using GarageBand

James Moyer
moyerj@lafayette.edu
Lafayette College

TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:

Music Production

Level:

High School

Class:

Music Technology

Equipment:

Mac Mini, eMac or iMac with GarageBand

Duration:

40 Minutes

Prior Knowledge and Skills:

Basic knowledge of Mac OSX

MENC Standards Addressed:

MENC 3: Improvising melodies, harmonies, and accompaniments.
MENC 4: Composing and Arranging Music within specified guidelines.
MENC 6: Listening to, analyzing and describing music.

Materials:

Garage Band 2 – Mary Plummer – Peachpit Press

Objectives:

Students will be able to enter basic sequence using MIDI keyboard and loops

Procedures:

Introduce bass and drum loop into tracks by selecting the Loop browser – 10 minutes
Have students audition a number of loops and select one bass and drum loop for their “favorites” – 10 minutes
Improvise a short melody via the keyboard over the loop tracks – 20 minutes

Evaluation:

Students understand how to audition and select loops, drag them into a new track.
Understand the difference between real and software loops and tracks
Students can select appropriate style loops that work well together and compose a simple melody on a midi keyboard over top

Follow Up:

Editing regions, extending loops, changing instruments for software solo

Items to Purchase:

Small lab of Macs with iMac, Mini or eMacs with GB 2 installed

When budget should be submitted:

1-2 years in advance or per school guideline.