The next step
GarageBand is a really great recording tool for a
beginner, as it’s a low-cost option that’s incredibly
easy to use. It enables you to bring the recording
studio into your Mac and all you have to do is show
up at your computer with a keyboard and a handful
of songs, and you’re all set to create the next hit
record using Apple’s superlative music software.
GarageBand is built to record music – whether
you want to record just one person with one
instrument or a whole band. The software covers
all areas of the creative recording process, from
initially capturing the recorded sound, to editing it
and applying effects. You are able to take a cleanly
recorded instrument and make it sound just like it
was recorded at Wembley Stadium with just a few
simple clicks.
It isn’t just a hub for live musicians, though. If you
have never picked up an instrument or tinkled a
piano key in your life, GarageBand has something for
you. The software has several thousand loops pre-
installed; loops are small samples of music which
can be pulled together to make a completed song,
and there are loops to suit every single style and
cover every single instrument imaginable.
Even if you have absolutely no prior recording
experience, recording is surprisingly easy withGarageBand. For digital pianists and keyboardists in
particular, you can just plug in and play. Just connect
via USB and GarageBand is already set for you to
record some music (see page 104 for a tutorial). If
you want to record an acoustic piano, you can set
up a microphone and record in GarageBand with
that. The tutorial below shows you how to record alive piano on Apple’s fantastic software, including
how to set up your very first project, picking the
right settings and preferences, checking the levels
and, finally, hitting that record button. So sit back,
grab a cup of tea and your favourite tunes, and
let’s learn how to record your first piano track
with GarageBand.Get started with GarageBand
Record your first track straight onto your Mac
Record your piano Create live piano recordings
01 Get started
Open GarageBand. In the New Project window, select ‘Empty Project’ not
‘Keyboard Collection’. When it has been set up, hit the + button and click
‘Record using a microphone or line input’ to record a live instrument.02 Check your settings
Click GarageBand>Preferences. Choose the Audio/MIDI tab. This is where you
control the preferences for any external instruments to be recorded, such as
guitar or vocals. Select Audio Input then your Microphone or Built-in Input..