Garageband
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| (2012, Nov 1) Garageband Logo Image [Online image] Retrieved from, http://www.mio.co.za/article/garageband-tutorial-2010-09-10 |
What is Garageband???
Garageband is a sound editing program which is available free on all apple computers, ipads, ipod touches and iphones. It allows users to manipulate various audio instrument tracks in order to create royalty free music which can be exported and used for video/audio projects. Users have the option of using ready made music loops, manipulating sound effects and digital instruments to create tracks, and/or recording their own voice. All of these elements can be manipulated and pieced together in the editing timeline to create unique and personal music tracks.
The process of creating soundtracks in garageband is fun and user friendly, making it a tool that can be easily picked up and manipulated by students. Having the program readily available (free!) and available on most apple products means it’s an accessible and portable process that students can keep up with at home. A downside to the program would be that it is not available to Microsoft window users (although virtually identical program options do exist for pc computers). Also, some time needs to be spent familiarizing students with the interface of editing software before they can effectively use the program. This requires that teachers take up some class time to teach a tutorial on the program. Spending this time upfront with your students means that they will have access to a valuable tool, which will likely serve future projects that they will undertake during their school career.
Having students learn to use editing software encourages their creative processing skills, storytelling ability, appreciation for musical tone and accompaniment, planning and organizing skills and multitasking abilities. The program itself can serve as a learning tool, and the products that students create as a result of using the tool (their audio tracks) can be used to enhance a variety of projects and demonstrate their musical sense and creativity!
For a more detailed description of Garageband's features and functions check out this video:
For general user tutorials:
So...How Do I Use it in The Classroom???
Check it out-14 Ways to Use Garageband in the Classroom http://edapps.ca/2012/05/14-ways-to-use-garageband-in-the-classroom/
As far as curriculum connections go, here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Math
It has often been thought that there is a correlation between math and music.
“Without having a basis in math you wont be able to use any of the programs [that are used to make music]”This quote was pulled from the following video which proposes a Math/Music challenge that could provide very useful in your classroom.
Check it out here (start the video at 3mins in if you want to cut straight to the math connection)
Students can use garageband to create beats that will serve
as a backdrop to a math song or movie.
Garageband can be used to teach about tempo (beats/minute) and
students can be lead through “challenges” like the one mentioned in the above
video to locate a song’s beats per minute.
Social Studies
Videos, and video interviews can be a great tool through
which students explore the faces and places of history in their Social Studies
class. Garageband can be employed to
record and edit a students’ voice in order to create a voiceover track that can
then be added into their video project.
Language Arts
Media Literacy involves considering various forms of text;
music being one of them. Students can
use garageband to create unique beats that they could then add poetry or lyrics
to, thereby exploring the construction of rap and creating a media text of
their own.
Science
Podcasts are often used in the world of science to convey
facts and information. Students could
use garageband to record and publish their own podcasts surrounding a
scientific and/or environmental issue pertaining to their lives. The podcasts could then be published to their
school website/youtube channel while still protecting the privacy of students
(voice only- no video)
And of course, last but certainly not least…
Music
Musical instrument of choice instantly at the students’
fingertips…Need I say more?
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