3B: Digital Audio Creation
3B Lingos
Loops
Pre-recorded audio files of a sound. This sound can be a single instrument or group, natural sound, sound effect, etc. These sounds can be repeated if desired.
Software Instruments
Virtual music programs that allow users to play instruments on the digital device.
Tracks
The different sounds that make up a piece of music. In Garageband, it can be loops, software instruments, voice, recordings from instruments hooked up to the computer, etc.
Master Track
Name for all the tracks that are put together to make a musical piece or sound compilation in a music application.
Ringtones
A sound made by a phone when a incoming call or other form of communication is coming into a phone. Sometimes also referred to as an alert sound.
Mix
In terms of audio file creation, this refers to the combining of tracks of sound to create a more complex audio file project.
Pre-recorded audio files of a sound. This sound can be a single instrument or group, natural sound, sound effect, etc. These sounds can be repeated if desired.
Software Instruments
Virtual music programs that allow users to play instruments on the digital device.
Tracks
The different sounds that make up a piece of music. In Garageband, it can be loops, software instruments, voice, recordings from instruments hooked up to the computer, etc.
Master Track
Name for all the tracks that are put together to make a musical piece or sound compilation in a music application.
Ringtones
A sound made by a phone when a incoming call or other form of communication is coming into a phone. Sometimes also referred to as an alert sound.
Mix
In terms of audio file creation, this refers to the combining of tracks of sound to create a more complex audio file project.
3B Learning Activities
We are going to be using a application installed on your workstation called Garageband. You may have heard of this program before, it is very popular among folks that enjoy making their own music digitally! Take a look at this intro video below on how to get started with Garageband. Please skip to the 1:19 mark of the video, which is almost half way. The first part no longer applies to our workstations:
Lets take a look at how Garageband works. Take a look at these beginner level tutorials on how to get started with Garageband. Watch them carefully, and try to create your own music mix!
Here are some Garageband Tutorials that help with some file saving issues and managing your Garageband creations:
- Garageband Tutorial: How To Get Started(Beginner)
- Garageband Tutorial: Apple Loops (Beginner)
- Garageband Tutorial: More Loops & Strings Intro (Intermediate)
- Garageband Tutorial: Loops & Audio Editting (Intermediate)
- Garageband Tutorial: Smart Controls & Master Track (Intermediate)
- Official Garageband Help Page - Apple
Here are some Garageband Tutorials that help with some file saving issues and managing your Garageband creations:
3B Performance Task
SUMMARY: Use Garageband to create a music track between 30-60 seconds long and involving at least 4 different sound sources. When you have met these requirements, save your creation AS A MP3 FILE and turn in to Google Classroom. Be sure to name your MP3 file as follows: s1_ylnD2LVL4
Here is a breakdown of steps to follow to complete this activity:
Here is a breakdown of steps to follow to complete this activity:
- Be sure to save your complete MP3 version of your creation in Google Drive! (Level 3 Score).
- Follow the Garageband tutorials BELOW to learn how to use Garageband. Be sure to try what you learn!
- Compose a song with at least 4 sound sources in your creation. These can be any combinations of loops and recorded digital instrument sounds.
- The sources can overlap (play at the same time) or be linear. The song needs to be 30-60 seconds long.
- Turn in your finished work by attaching the file to the D2 Level 4 Activity in Google Classroom.
3B Visual Content Development
3B Check for Understanding Assessment
Please take the A4 Quiz in Google Classroom. Remember, you need to score a 70% or better to show proficiency for this Learning Target.
Tech 3B Scoring Rubric
3B Focus Skills & Questions (FSQs)
- Name 3 ways can you create musical sounds in Garageband.
- What is a loop?
- What audio file format can most digital devices use, or "play"?
- Name 3 audio file formats that Garageband can export its music to.
- Name 2 online music services that Garageband can post your creations directly to.
Use your experience in the Practice Activities and the Performance Task to answer the FSQs.