Showing posts with label Garageband. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Garageband. Show all posts

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Music and the iPad 2.

The iPad 2 came out yesterday and I will probably take some time to look at it when it makes it into stores.

I love the format... I don't think I could think of a better way to interact with a computer than to point at what I want to do.  The size is wonderful.  I read on my iPod Touch frequently and would love a bit more screen to do that. The freedom to access information everywhere is nice.  The iPad is what I want in a computer.

I like the idea of Garageband on the iPad too.  As a music teacher, I do use Garageband in class.  But I have some questions.  How do I get sound in?  What if the built-in mics aren't up to doing a quality job?  I do  a lot of quick stereo two mic set-ups for note taking and playback with a small mixer; Can I do that with an iPad?  Once the project is done, do I really have to e-mail it to get at it anywhere else?  What if I want to move a project up to Logic?  What if I want it on my iPod for listening in the car?

I would bet there is enough processor power in there to do a credible job with the processing.  I do remember some audio projects that were done on half of that processor power.

I think the thing iPad (3?) really needs for me to get one is an actual port that other manufacturers can use for things like mics and mixers.  Maybe even Thunderbolt like in the new Macbooks.

I suppose for class projects, course management software (Moodle) can solve logistics problems

Right now, I am too cheap to have both a Macbook and an iPad.  Maybe I just need to wait.

I am worried that we will end up with a bunch of these in labs at school and I will wish we had put the money towards more versatile computers.

Friday, January 23, 2009

A New-to-Me Way to Study Form.

We had a special schedule the other day and my Dean of Students needed me to watch about a dozen students of different grade levels and abilities for 45 minutes.  I was supposed to keep them busy.  So I quickly started thinking about what to do with them OTHER than bore them with a worksheet. I have always liked the Marsalis On Music video "Listening For Clues" for a very good explanation of form in music.  I have also been looking for ways to use Apple's Garageband.  Match made in heaven.  Watch the 32 bar song sequence, then go build your own song on the practice room computers using the loops. 
A couple of things about the experience.  
1.  If you are ever given a similar situation, don't babysit!  I was very pleased to have a chance to experiment with a mini lesson and the kids were much better behaved because they have a new project to work on.  This was a class that will never meet again and no one was expecting me to do great things with it.
2. While everyone got up and running with this and got something done, I would say about 5 more minutes spent on showing them the controls for playback and recording would have saved a few questions later.
I should have done a real-scientific-before-and-after-control-group study to see how much they learned, but I would say engagement was through the roof!  A new to me way to study form.  Try it!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Apple's Garageband vs SmartMusic

http://venturebeat.com/2009/01/07/who-did-apple-hurt-with-its-macworld-announcements/
Over at Venturebeat.com, Maya Baratz talks about who Apple hurt with its Macworld announcements.  Apple does write software for its platform and sometimes it does creep into what other people are doing.  iPhoto/Apeture vs Adobe, iWork vs Office, Garageband vs Protools.  The list of things Apple has gotten into is interesting and has helped stimulate other vendors' products.  Competition isn't all bad.  If you are a computer maker developing software to keep your platform vital is generally good idea.
Garageband vs SmartMusic?
Baratz does find a connection between the current Garageband and SmartMusic in that Garageband is now tutoring people learning to play.  I need to go take a look at the new Garageband to see what it is all the buzz is about.  I think I will end up getting a copy, but I don't think I am going to be switching away from SmartMusic for my teaching purposes.
Why?  
I like to be able to send and receive assignments and comments.  I also like to use the computer as a course management tool.  SmartMusic Impact is helping manage these chores.  Throw in a little FileMaker or a few Office tools to do what SmartMusic doesn't and you are set.  SmartMusic Impact is a useful tool for working music teachers.
More reasons?  
Garageband runs only on Mac.  I would be way out of line to expect families to buy a computer to run a particular piece of software.  SmartMusic runs cross platform.  I have practice room computers for the kids that don't make the system requirements.  It is tough enough to get everyone an instrument; I am not a huge fan of adding too much more to the cost of band. 
I also can't imagine the time it would take to teach a student to set up and use Garageband.  No, SmartMusic isn't "Lego easy" to use yet.  But I suspect they are further along and continuing to work on the ease of use factors.
On the other hand...
I do like the idea of how-to movies in Garageband showing play the instrument.  It seems more useful to me than the In the Chair conductor.  Though, that program may have improved recently.  That may be worth a look to compare.
Garageband may also be a big boon to guitar players.  The demos I have seen have involved that instrument.  This may be the answer to the question does SmartMusic help guitar players,  "Not yet, but have you looked at Garageband?"
I like the idea of people learning to play an instrument and if using your computer with any software helps you in any way, that is terrific!  Practice!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

TIES and Garageband

I finally took some time and sat down today with the current version of GarageBand.  I got to do this at the TIES training center. 
I have used GarageBand in the past, but mostly for journalistic kinds of recordings of live concerts.
Now I am looking for ideas on how to use it with students and it seems like it will be a good fit.
I met a young lady today who works at an after school drop in program.  She said that her kids there couldn't stay away from Garageband.  Knowing how kids can be after school, I know it will be good during school.
I think the first thing I want to do is fire-up the Wiimote and do a little show and tell with the Magic Garageband.  You can audition instruments and try different combinations right away.  That can be a great orchestration conversation starter.
It was good to have some time to look at this software.  I got the time by using putting in for a class at our school's training provider, TIES.  If you are in the Minnesota area, there is a chance that there is a class offering at TIES you may be interested in. They also do a big conference in December that is worth a look as well.
I know a "sit and git" session may not be the best way to learn technology.  But how else are you going to get started?  At TIES, you do get to try the ideas on a computer as you learn the software. You also come away with at least the basic idea and some resources to go further.  Throw in some nice company with some fellow teachers and you are bound to find a good idea or two.