GarageBand/Creating the sound of joy

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Part 1

 * 1. Start a new project
 * Start a new project file in GarageBand.

2. Add a track
 * I like to keep the top track as a piano. So create a new track with a virtual instrument.

3. Select an instrument
 * Select the virtual software instrument that you think will sound best for the sound of joy.

2. Pick four or five notes
 * Using the pencil tool, add four short notes very short notes. Remember: you cannot add any notes until you add a region.  This is one of the few awkward moments in GarageBand.

4. Adjust the velocity
 * Select each of the notes and adjust the velocity of the note. Sometimes is it good to have the first note slightly louder than the other notes.

5. Repeat the notes
 * You can repeat the region. I prefer simply to extend the region and add all the notes by hand.  Then I have more control.


 * This is not difficult since you just select all the notes and hold the option key down while you drag a copy of them to the correct location.


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Part 2
Save the project file.
 * 2. Save the file

Once you are happy with your sound of fear, send me the project file. Done! {| cellpadding="20" cellspacing="5" style="width: 99%; background-color: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto"
 * 3. Send me your results
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Advanced techniques
In the exercise above, you used on only one track in GarageBand. If you wish, you can try to create additional tracks to enhance your sound of joy.

Option 1 · Add other voices
The tiny bells give you a feeling of joy. You can enhance this with other sounds. The easiest is to add another instruments playing the same notes very slowly while the bells play in the background.

Option 2 · Add an audio sound effect
Programs like GarageBand allow you to mix music with ordinary audio files (sound effects from a sound effect library.) Pick a pleasant sound effect and combine it with your bells. Perhaps the chirping of a bird.

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The Next Page

 * Once you have sent me your project file for creating the "Sound of Joy", you can try to create other moods using delicate rhythms with GarageBand.
 * Creating additional moods for motion pictures with individual notes


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