GarageBand/Getting Started
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Getting Started With GarageBandGarageBand is very simple yet it produces professional quality sound. Best of all, GarageBand feels comfortable to use.
Because GarageBand is so simple, some of the tools are hidden. You have to search a little to find all the tools that you need to create film scores. Software InstrumentsTo get started with GarageBand, we will concentrate on creating moods made with the virtual "software instruments" which live inside your computer. 1. Start by selecting a new track and select "Software Instruments". Then select "Musical Typing" in the menu and learn how to create musical notes. 2. Then try recording your musical keystrokes by clicking on the record button. Turn off the metronome if it annoys you. 3. Finally, try playing back your music by clicking on the rewind and then the play buttons. Jam Pack:Symphony Orchestra/Boldt PackagesBy itself, GarageBand is great fun! But GarageBand can do a whole lot more if it has the musical instruments of a symphony orchestra. It is Jam Pack:Symphony Orchestra and the Boldt Packages which makes GarageBand useful for filmmakers to create simple but effective film scores for their motion pictures. That is what you need!!!! |
Keep it simple!When you start with GarageBand, you will quickly want to use all the wonderful features of this fantastic program. DON'T!
GarageBand comes with pre-recorded sound files called "Apple Loops". You can access the Apple Loops in the Loop Browser. Apple's audio Loops are wonderful for creating songs and for creating background music for multimedia and event video. But Apple audio Loops are not good for filmmakers who want to score dramatic productions. For now, never use Apple audio Loops.
GarageBand allows you to record audio using a microphone. Therefore, you can record someone playing real musical instruments while watching the movie. However, for filmmakers, the virtual software instruments are easier to use. Therefore, I recommend that you start by using the software instruments rather than real musical instruments that must be with a professional microphone in a very quiet room.
GarageBand has many of the basic tools of musicians. However, you do not need them to create musical sound effects. If you want, you can ignore the Tempo, the Time Signature, or the Key. Learn about them later.
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The "Musical Typing" Keyboard
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Velocity vs. Volume
When you increase the velocity, the sound gets louder. When you decrease the velocity, the sound gets softer. Therefore, people assume that velocity and volume are the same. In Jam Pack:Symphony Orchestra, they are not! In Jam Pack:Symphony Orchestra, when you increase the velocity, not only does the sound get louder, the sound has a much stronger sound. The best example of this is the software instrument for Guitar.
Here is a Guitar sound at velocity of 70. As you would expect, the sound is faint.
Here is a Guitar sound at velocity of 100. As you would expect, it is stronger.
Here is a Guitar sound at velocity of 127. At this velocity, the sound is very different. The sound is not just louder but now the guitar sounds like the string is being rubbed (slapped) as well as plucked. Note: The musical instruments in the Boldt Packages have only one kind of sound at all velocities.
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Adding one musical notes
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Working with computer programs
When you first begin working with a computer program like GarageBand, it never seems to work the way you want it to. Even though GarageBand is easy to use, it sometimes works in strange ways. The solution is to learn how the programmers prefer to work. When you get lost, just ask yourself, "What would a computer nerd do in this situation?" Once you understand how the programmers think, GarageBand becomes very easy to use. I think you will really enjoy this program. |
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