Create a song without Garage Band.
Garage Band is a music creation program that enables you to record, mix and master songs; however; you can make a song without signing up for Garage Band or having the software. Free music creation programs such as Audacity, Pro Tools and Sonar allow you to edit and compose songs. You can choose to compose a song by arranging loops together in an audio sequence or you can choose to create your own song by using MIDI instruments. When using MIDI instruments to compose a song, it is important that you have a MIDI interface.
Instructions
1. Connect MIDI device to interface.
Connect the "MIDI OUT" of your MIDI device to the "MIDI IN" of the MIDI interface with the MIDI cables. Connect the MIDI interface to the computer with the USB cord. Turn on the MIDI device and the MIDI interface.
2. Open the music creation software or download a free trial version online. Create a new file by selecting "File" from the menu at the top then "New." Insert up to six new MIDI tracks by selecting "File" from the top menu then "Add MIDI Track."
3. Set MIDI channel to 1.
Select "Options" from the top menu then "MIDI Devices." Click and "Check" the MIDI device you are using from the list. Scroll down and select the "Output;" check all that apply. Set the MIDI channel on your MIDI device to "1."
4. Play notes on MIDI device.
Click the "Arm" button, which looks like a red handle on the left side of the "Track Properties." Click the "Expand" window on "Track 1" to expand the window. Play selected notes on the MIDI device to see if a signal shows up in the expanded window on "Track 1."
5. Press stop when done recording.
Press the "Record" button, located at the top of the screen, and begin playing the selected notes. Press the "Stop" button when you are finished recording. Press the "Play" button to preview the track when you're done. Follow all above steps to add other notes or instruments on different tracks.
6. Mix the song on onboard mixer.
Select the onboard mixer and highlight "Track 1." Use mixing effects such as volume, fader, delay and echo until you are satisfied. Save the song to your computer by selecting "File" from the top menu then "Save."
