How to Use Garage Band on the Macbook
GarageBand is a music creation software package that is installed on Macs running OS X.4 and later. It is part of Apple's iLife suite, which also includes iMovie, iDVD, iPhoto and iWeb. There is also a premium version of iLife available along with some add-in modules (called "Jam Packs") for GarageBand. GarageBand allows you to create music in a simple-to-learn graphical interface, and it has increased its functionally since its debut in 2004 to produce higher quality output. GarageBand works just as well on a MacBook as it does for any other Mac model.
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Instructions
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Select "Software Update..." from under the apple in the upper left corner of the screen. You will want to have the latest OS updates installed along with any updates for Garage Band. You will need your administrator password to proceed with the updates. If you have upgraded iLife, then this is a mandatory step.
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Open your Applications folder and drag the Garage Band icon into your dock, which is located either on the left, right or bottom of your screen. Click once on the GarageBand icon in the dock to launch the application.
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Click on the icon that you want to start with. These include various keyboard instruments, guitars, voice, songwriting and loops. Select a name for your project and navigate to the folder where you want to save it. Here you can dictate the tempo, time signature, beats per minute (BPM) and which key you want your song to be created in. You can always change these options at a later time so don't agonize over this step.
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Download any sounds, beats or loops you plan on using if they're not already installed. GarageBand is configured to allow you to download necessary files immediately or opt to install them in a future software update session. This is a good feature to use when downloading updates isn't convenient or possible. You also have the option of installing the additional content from the iLife installation DVD.
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Build your song one track at a time. Feel free to delete any tracks that aren't working for the song. GarageBand has an entire array of instruments, sounds and loops, so experimenting with the available options is half the fun.
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Save your work from time to time---nothing is more frustrating than having a crash that wipes out all of your recent work.
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Tips & Warnings
If the program is sluggish, see if you're able to add any additional memory.
You can connect an external microphone to your MacBook if you want to record vocals or a real instrument.
Avoid the temptation to throw "everything except the kitchen sink" into your song.
