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Tomas George and Digital Music Masters

Learn How to Use GarageBand for Mac and Start Producing Your Own Songs.

Do you want to create your own music using GarageBand for Mac? This course will guide you step by step, showing you how to effortlessly record, edit, and produce your own songs using this free music production software.

Whether you have a MacBook or an Apple desktop computer, GarageBand gives you all the tools you need to bring your musical ideas to life.

What You’ll Learn in This Course

In this 6-hour, 50-lesson GarageBand for Mac course, you’ll discover how to:

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Learn How to Use GarageBand for Mac and Start Producing Your Own Songs.

Do you want to create your own music using GarageBand for Mac? This course will guide you step by step, showing you how to effortlessly record, edit, and produce your own songs using this free music production software.

Whether you have a MacBook or an Apple desktop computer, GarageBand gives you all the tools you need to bring your musical ideas to life.

What You’ll Learn in This Course

In this 6-hour, 50-lesson GarageBand for Mac course, you’ll discover how to:

  • Set Up GarageBand properly for smooth music production

  • Use Apple Loops to enhance your tracks

  • Record MIDI and Software Instruments

  • Edit MIDI in the Piano Roll

  • Set Up and Record with a Microphone

  • Use Essential Editing Tools for precise control

  • Arrange Your Tracks to Turn Ideas into Complete Songs

  • Mix Your Music with EQ, Compression, Reverb, Delay, Modulation Effects, and Distortion

  • Use Automation to bring dynamics to your mix

  • Work with the Drummer Track for realistic rhythms

  • Use Guitar and Bass Amp Simulations to shape your sound

  • Export Your Tracks and Learn Mastering Basics

  • And much more.

Meet Your Instructor

Your instructor, Tomas George, holds an MMus Master’s Degree in Music Production and a BA(Hons) Degree in Music Composition. With over 370,000 students worldwide, he has created some of the most popular and highly rated music production courses available.

Start Producing Music with GarageBand Today.

Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience, this course will give you the skills you need to start making professional-quality music.

Join now and let's make music together.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to effortlessly use garageband to produce your own songs
  • Learn how to record and edit midi & audio to capture your musical ideas
  • Learn mixing basics to make your songs sound more professional
  • Learn how to export and master your songs for online sharing

Syllabus

Introduction and Welcome to this Course
Introduction and Meet Your Instructor
Quick Tip - Download All Available Sounds
Let's Hear the Songs Made in This Course
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Test your GarageBand knowledge with this 10-question essentials quiz

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Career center

Learners who complete GarageBand for Mac - Complete Music Production Course 2025 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Music Producer
A Music Producer oversees the creation of musical recordings, guiding artists from initial concept to completed track. This involves everything from recording and arranging to mixing and mastering. This course is exceptionally well-suited for aspiring Music Producers, teaching how to effortlessly use GarageBand to produce your own songs. You will learn to record MIDI and software instruments, set up and record with a microphone, and apply essential editing tools. The course details how to arrange tracks to turn ideas into complete songs and mix music using EQ, compression, reverb, delay, modulation effects, and distortion. Furthermore, the instruction on mastering basics and exporting tracks provides a comprehensive overview of the production workflow, directly preparing you for this dynamic role.
Audio Engineer
An Audio Engineer focuses on the technical aspects of sound, ensuring its quality and clarity for various applications, from music to live events. The responsibilities often include setting up recording equipment, balancing sound levels, and applying effects. This course provides a robust introduction to these essential skills, directly supporting a career as an Audio Engineer. You will learn to set up GarageBand properly for smooth music production, how to set up and record with a microphone, and how to use essential editing tools for precise control. Crucially, the sections on mixing music with EQ, compression, reverb, delay, modulation effects, and distortion, alongside mastering basics, are invaluable for understanding the core practices of audio engineering.
Mixing Engineer
A Mixing Engineer is responsible for blending all the individual tracks of a recording into a cohesive, balanced, and professional-sounding stereo file. This critical role demands a deep understanding of audio effects and dynamics. This course offers targeted training directly applicable to becoming a Mixing Engineer. It explicitly teaches how to mix your music with EQ, compression, reverb, delay, modulation effects, and distortion. Furthermore, the course covers balancing volume levels, panning, and using automation to bring dynamics to your mix. For anyone aspiring to specialize in the art of mixing, this detailed exploration of essential mixing tools within GarageBand is a highly relevant and practical starting point.
Beatmaker
A Beatmaker creates instrumental tracks, primarily rhythms and melodies, for use in various music genres such as hip hop, R&B, and pop. This modern music production role heavily relies on digital audio workstations, samples, and virtual instruments. This course is an excellent resource for aspiring Beatmakers. You will learn how to use Apple Loops to enhance your tracks, record MIDI and software instruments, and work extensively with the Drummer Track for realistic rhythms. The course also details how to arrange your tracks, apply effects like distortion, and use guitar and bass amp simulations to sculpt compelling sounds and structures for your beats within GarageBand.
Audio Editor
An Audio Editor specializes in refining and manipulating recorded sound to achieve clarity, consistency, and artistic effect within a project. This involves tasks such as noise reduction, timing adjustments, and assembling various audio takes. This course is highly relevant for anyone pursuing a career as an Audio Editor. You will learn about essential editing tools for precise control, including how to quantize MIDI and audio using Flex Time, and how to apply the pitch correction tool. The sections on recording audio, including punch-in recording and comping takes, also provide valuable insight into the source material and how to prepare it for editing, making this course invaluable for developing core editing competencies.
Jingle Writer Commercial Music Producer
A Jingle Writer, often functioning as a Commercial Music Producer, creates short, memorable musical pieces for advertisements, branding, and corporate media. This specialized field requires efficiency in composition, arrangement, and production to meet specific client needs. This course is highly beneficial for a Jingle Writer or Commercial Music Producer. You will learn to record MIDI and software instruments, use Apple Loops, and arrange tracks to turn ideas into complete songs efficiently. The skills in mixing music with various effects and understanding mastering basics ensure that the final jingles are professional and ready for broadcast, providing a solid foundation for producing high-quality commercial music.
Songwriter
A Songwriter creates original musical compositions, often combining lyrics, melodies, and harmonies. While the core of songwriting is creative inspiration, the ability to produce high-quality demos and fully realize musical ideas independently is a significant advantage. This course empowers a Songwriter by providing the technical skills to bring their creative visions to life. You will learn to record MIDI and software instruments, edit MIDI in the piano roll, and effectively use Apple Loops to enhance your tracks. The instruction on arranging your tracks to turn ideas into complete songs and working with the Drummer Track offers practical approaches to developing and producing your compositions, making this course highly beneficial for self-producing songwriters.
Content Creator Music Focus
A Content Creator with a music focus produces original audio or video content where music is central, often for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or personal websites. This role requires a blend of creative and technical skills to generate engaging media. This course is an ideal fit for a Content Creator Music Focus, as it teaches how to produce your own songs from start to finish. You will gain the ability to record, edit, mix, and arrange music using GarageBand. Crucially, one of the learning objectives is how to export and master your songs for online sharing, providing the exact skills needed to prepare high-quality music for various digital platforms and audiences.
Composer
A Composer creates original musical pieces, which can range from symphonies to scores for films or video games. Today's composers often rely on digital tools to sketch ideas, arrange parts, and produce demos or final tracks. This course offers practical skills highly relevant to a modern Composer. You will learn to record MIDI and software instruments, edit MIDI in the piano roll, and work with the Drummer Track for realistic rhythms. The comprehensive section on arrangement and song structure, including arrangement markers and organizing tracks, helps in structuring your compositions effectively. The ability to use Guitar and Bass Amp Simulations and various effects further expands your sonic palette, invaluable for bringing a composer's vision to fruition.
Sound Designer
A Sound Designer creates and manipulates audio elements for various media, including film, video games, and theatrical productions. This role requires a keen ear for detail and proficiency in using digital audio workstations to craft specific sonic atmospheres or effects. This course is an excellent resource for aspiring Sound Designers, as it covers many fundamental techniques. You will learn to record and edit audio, including importing and reversing audio, and utilizing tools like Flex Time and pitch correction. The detailed exploration of modulation effects, distortion, and automation in GarageBand helps develop the skills necessary to sculpt unique sounds and textures, which is central to a sound designer's craft.
Music Arranger
A Music Arranger adapts existing musical compositions or creates new instrumental and vocal parts to fit a specific ensemble, style, or purpose. This role demands a strong understanding of musical structure and how different elements combine. This course directly addresses key skills for a Music Arranger by dedicating significant attention to arrangement and song structure. You will learn about arrangement markers, how to label and organize tracks, and practical techniques for arranging the song. The ability to work with MIDI and software instruments, along with the Drummer Track, provides the tools to build and structure complete musical pieces within GarageBand, a valuable skill for any aspiring arranger.
Mastering Engineer
A Mastering Engineer is the final step in audio post-production, optimizing the mixed track for distribution across various platforms while ensuring sonic consistency and quality. This highly specialized role requires an acute sense of detail and specific technical knowledge. This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of this career by teaching mastering basics and how to export your tracks. While mastering often involves advanced techniques and specialized software beyond GarageBand, this course offers crucial foundational understanding of the principles involved in preparing a song for final release. It helps build initial knowledge for those considering this highly technical field, which often requires a master's degree in audio engineering for advanced practice.
Session Musician Virtual Instruments
A Session Musician for virtual instruments plays and programs digital instruments for recordings, often working remotely or in studios to contribute to various musical projects. This role requires proficiency with MIDI technology and digital audio workstations. This course provides excellent training for a Session Musician Virtual Instruments, as it focuses extensively on using and setting up a MIDI controller and recording onto a software instrument track. You will learn to edit MIDI in the piano roll with precision and apply MIDI effects such as the arpeggiator. The ability to create virtual guitar and bass parts using amp simulations further enhances the versatility of a session musician working with digital tools.
Music Educator Software Focus
A Music Educator with a software focus teaches students how to use particular digital audio workstations or music notation software to create, compose, or produce music. This course may be useful for a Music Educator Software Focus, as it provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide to using GarageBand for Mac. By mastering the course content, including setting up GarageBand, recording MIDI and audio, using essential editing tools, mixing, and exporting, you gain the pedagogical knowledge and practical skills necessary to instruct others effectively. The structured curriculum, covering everything from basic musical information to advanced features like automation, serves as an excellent model for teaching music production software.
Podcast Producer
A Podcast Producer manages all aspects of creating and delivering podcast episodes, from recording and editing host and guest audio to adding music and sound effects, and ensuring the final product is ready for distribution. This course may be useful for an aspiring Podcast Producer. You will learn to set up and record with a microphone, use essential editing tools for precise control, and arrange your tracks. The instruction on balancing volume levels, panning, and mixing basics with EQ and compression can be directly applied to cleaning up spoken word audio and integrating musical intros or outros. Further, knowing how to export your tracks for online sharing aligns perfectly with the distribution needs of podcasting.

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in GarageBand for Mac - Complete Music Production Course 2025.
Is widely considered a foundational text in audio mastering. It provides a comprehensive overview of both the technical and artistic aspects of the process, making it essential for gaining a broad understanding. It is highly regarded by professionals and is often recommended as a starting point for serious study in audio mastering.
Is an excellent starting point for complete beginners to GarageBand on both Mac and iOS devices. It covers the fundamental interface, setting up recording spaces, working with loops and virtual instruments, and basic mixing and mastering. This is highly recommended for high school students and those new to DAWs.
Comprehensive guide to music production, covering everything from the basics of sound and music theory to using specialized software and equipment.
Is widely considered a foundational text in sound engineering, covering a vast range of topics from analog and digital recording to acoustics and the business of recording. It is often used as a textbook in academic institutions, providing a solid overview for beginners and a valuable reference for those seeking to solidify their understanding. The latest editions incorporate modern techniques and technologies, making it relevant for contemporary study. It serves as an excellent starting point for gaining a broad understanding of sound engineering.
This comprehensive handbook cornerstone reference for anyone involved in sound engineering, offering in-depth technical information across numerous areas including acoustics, electrical engineering, and audio production. It standard text in many university audio engineering programs and is highly valued by industry professionals for its detailed explanations and breadth of coverage. While challenging, it is an essential resource for deepening one's understanding and serves as a crucial reference tool throughout a career in sound engineering.
An excellent resource specifically tailored for those working in home or small studio environments. focuses on practical techniques to achieve professional-sounding mixes without requiring high-end equipment. It's highly recommended for beginners and those with limited resources, providing a solid understanding of fundamental concepts applicable in any setting.
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Focusing on contemporary popular music and jazz, this book valuable resource for understanding arranging in these genres. It delves into techniques specific to smaller ensembles, horn sections, and rhythm sections, which are highly relevant in modern music production. It is often used as a textbook in jazz and contemporary music programs.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of sounding art, covering a wide range of topics including the history of sounding art, the theory of sounding art, and the practice of sounding art. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in this field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of psychoacoustics, covering a wide range of topics including the perception of sound, the acoustics of music, and the use of computerized sound in music. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in this field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of music psychology, covering a wide range of topics including the psychology of music performance, music perception, and music cognition. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in this field.
Offers a detailed exploration of mixing concepts, practices, and the tools used in the process. It is known for its thorough explanations and practical examples, helping readers develop a strong understanding of mixing principles. It valuable resource for those looking to deepen their mixing knowledge beyond the basics and provides a solid framework for approaching different mixing challenges.
Focuses on essential practices in audio mastering. Jonathan Wyner respected mastering engineer, making thpotentially valuable resource for learning practical techniques and workflows. It is likely suitable for those seeking to develop their hands-on mastering skills.
Specifically addresses jazz composition and arrangement in the context of modern music technology. It is highly relevant for those working with DAWs and digital tools in their arranging process. It provides a contemporary perspective on traditional jazz arranging techniques and how they integrate with current production methods.
Considered a classic textbook, Piston's book provides a clear and systematic approach to orchestration. It is often recommended for its solid explanation of the basics of instrumental writing and combination. is valuable for both gaining a broad understanding and deepening knowledge, particularly in classical and traditional contexts. It widely respected resource in academic settings.
A step-by-step guide for beginners focusing on music production with GarageBand on the Mac. Covers recording, editing, adding instruments and effects, mixing, and mastering. Also includes information on creating podcasts. Suitable for high school and undergraduate students.
This in-depth book explores the complex interaction between loudspeakers, rooms, and listeners, drawing on extensive research in acoustics and psychoacoustics. It highly technical but invaluable resource for understanding how sound is perceived in listening environments. is crucial for those seeking a deep understanding of critical listening and room acoustics, particularly relevant for professionals involved in studio design and calibration.
Offers a straightforward and practical approach to mixing, focusing on using essential tools effectively. It's particularly well-suited for beginners who want a clear workflow to follow. The book breaks down the mixing process into manageable steps.
A key resource for understanding the behavior of sound in spaces, this handbook provides comprehensive coverage of acoustics, crucial for designing and treating recording studios, listening rooms, and performance venues. It balances theoretical explanations with practical applications, making complex concepts accessible. is essential for deepening understanding of how physical spaces impact sound and valuable reference for anyone involved in acoustic treatment and analysis.
Focused on achieving professional results in home and project studios, this book offers practical techniques and insights for recording in less-than-ideal acoustic environments. It emphasizes creative solutions and getting the most out of limited resources. is highly relevant for contemporary sound engineers working outside of traditional large studios and provides valuable practical advice.
Comprehensive guide to the different types of microphones available and how to use them effectively. It covers everything from basic concepts to advanced techniques, making it an essential resource for anyone working in this field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the sound design and audio production process for film and video. It covers everything from basic concepts to advanced techniques, making it an essential resource for anyone working in this field.
Is specifically aimed at arranging contemporary popular music styles such as rock, country, funk, and reggae. It provides step-by-step guidance for arranging for rhythm section, lead instruments, and voice, making it highly relevant for those working outside of traditional classical or jazz genres.
Provides a visually enhanced approach to understanding GarageBand for Mac. It uses rich illustrations and diagrams to explain concepts and workflows, making it accessible even without prior music application knowledge. Useful for all levels, particularly those who benefit from visual learning.
Similar to its Mac counterpart, this book offers a visually-driven guide specifically for GarageBand on the iPad. It's a full-featured manual with detailed illustrations, suitable for users who primarily work on iOS devices. Valuable for high school and undergraduate students using iPads for music creation.
Provides a step-by-step guide to mastering audio, particularly aimed at those working in home recording studios. It focuses on practical techniques for achieving radio-quality masters without requiring expensive equipment. This book is valuable for beginners and those seeking a practical, results-oriented approach.
Another well-regarded textbook in orchestration, Kennan's book provides a clear and concise overview of orchestral instruments and their usage. It is often praised for its practical approach and musical examples. is suitable for students seeking to deepen their understanding of orchestral arrangement techniques.
This classic text fundamental resource for live sound engineers, covering the principles and practices of sound system design and operation. While focused on live sound, much of the technical information on acoustics, signal flow, and system components is applicable to studio environments as well. It is widely used as a textbook and crucial reference for anyone working with sound systems in any capacity.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the audio production process, covering everything from recording to mixing and mastering. It also includes a section on critical listening, which is essential for developing the skills needed to produce high-quality audio.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the audio engineering principles and techniques used in sound reinforcement systems. It covers everything from basic concepts to advanced techniques, making it an essential resource for anyone working in this field.
Focuses specifically on two fundamental processors in audio engineering: equalization and compression. It provides a step-by-step approach to understanding and effectively using these crucial tools in mixing and mastering. This book is practical and highly relevant for anyone looking to improve their command of these essential audio processing techniques.
Dives into the contemporary topic of immersive audio mixing, specifically focusing on Dolby Atmos. It explains the concepts, workflows, and tools used for creating spatial audio mixes. Highly relevant for those interested in the future of audio production and distribution.
Explores the concepts and techniques behind creating immersive audio experiences, including surround sound and 3D audio formats. It addresses contemporary topics in sound engineering related to spatial audio production, which is increasingly relevant in various media. This book is ideal for those interested in the cutting edge of audio production and provides insights into creating engaging spatial soundscapes.
Practical guide to mixing audio in a small studio environment. It covers a wide range of topics, from room acoustics to microphone techniques to EQ and compression.
Bridges the gap between classical and commercial music arrangement. It offers practical techniques applicable to various genres, making it relevant for contemporary arrangers. It useful resource for those looking to understand how arrangement principles are applied in professional settings beyond traditional orchestration.
Comprehensive guide to the art and science of mastering audio. It covers a wide range of topics, including equalization, compression, limiting, and dithering.
Emphasizes the musicality of mixing and how to make choices that serve the song. It combines technical knowledge with artistic considerations, helping mixers develop their critical listening skills and make impactful decisions. Suitable for those who have a basic understanding of the tools and want to focus on the creative aspect.
This handbook serves as a practical guide for live sound engineers, covering everything from setting up PA systems to mixing front-of-house and monitors. It widely used resource for those working in live sound reinforcement. is essential for anyone involved in live audio production and provides comprehensive coverage of the unique challenges and techniques in this field.
Focuses on the techniques and workflows specifically for mixing and mastering entirely within a digital audio workstation ('in the box'). It's highly relevant for modern producers and engineers working in digital environments. Suitable for intermediate to advanced users.
Provides a foundational understanding of the principles behind digital audio technology. It covers topics such as sampling, quantization, and digital signal processing, which are essential for anyone working with modern audio systems. While it can be technically dense, it crucial resource for understanding the digital domain of sound engineering and is often used as a textbook in programs focusing on audio technology.
A specialized book focusing on voicings and arranging techniques for jazz ensembles of various sizes. It is highly relevant for those interested in arranging jazz or incorporating jazz elements into their arrangements. It delves into specific harmonic and melodic considerations in a jazz context.
A comprehensive text covering a wide range of instruments and their characteristics. It serves as a valuable reference tool for understanding the technical aspects of writing for different ensembles. While it covers both instrumentation and orchestration, its detailed information on individual instruments is highly relevant for making informed arranging decisions.
Is specifically dedicated to the unique challenges and techniques of mixing audio for video games. It covers interactive mixing, implementation considerations, and the differences between linear and non-linear media mixing. Essential reading for anyone pursuing a career in game audio.
Practical guide to the art of audio production for film and video. It covers a wide range of topics, including dialogue editing, sound effects, and music scoring.
While not a book that is entirely about DAWs, this book does dedicate a lot of time to different types of DAW software. The book is for intermediate-level readers who want to learn more about the technical aspects of audio mixing, this book is an excellent resource.
Teaches music theory fundamentals using the context of a MIDI keyboard environment and computer-based music software. It's designed for those making music on a computer and helps build a solid foundation in music language. Beneficial for all levels, particularly those without formal music theory training, to enhance their compositions in GarageBand.
Focuses specifically on the complexities of arranging for a large jazz ensemble (big band). It covers voicings, section writing, and overall form and structure in this context. It valuable resource for those aiming to arrange for larger jazz groups.
Authored by a noted iPad music expert, this book is geared towards using GarageBand on iOS in an educational setting. It focuses on music production, performance, and educational applications. Particularly relevant for educators and students in high school and undergraduate programs.

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