GarageBand for Every Learner

Great question and discussion prompt, Erika! 🎶

Here’s a few major ways GarageBand makes music creation more accessible in my classroom:

1. Autoplay patterns with Touch instruments 🎹. These level the playing field, empowering all students to be able to create music with chords, regardless of their prior experience or ability.
2. Drummer 🥁. For similar reasons, everyone can customise a killer drum groove. And, it’s always such a great confidence builder and an awesome way to start a track!
3. Beat Sequencer 🥁. The visual support that the grid provides is such an important accessibility feature for teaching rhythm. It’s so interactive, gives instant aural feedback, and the steps provide such a great visual link between the drum pattern that a student creates. And, in a music class, is a great way to help students visualise rhythm as they work towards learning to read staff notation. 🎵
4. Apple Loops 🎧. Instant success and such a great confidence boost, making every learner feel like a rockstar, DJ or producer.

And, it’s in the combination of these incredible features that the real magic happens! All learners — teachers and students — can create awesome music with GarageBand and, importantly, have that first super positive experience of music making in a fun, engaging and accessible way.

Thankss

No problem! I hope there’s some helpful ideas in there!