GarageBand Song Writing Unit

In this unit, students will gain a basic understanding of chordal song structure, and use that knowledge to create music using the GarageBand app. Students will need access to iPads for this unit, but can easily work in groups of 4-5 students per one iPad.

As this is also an "Introduction" to GarageBand, students will primarily work with Smart Instruments during this unit. It could work with students who have limited musical knowledge. I personally teach this with my 8th grade general music students. They are extremely engaged, even though most of them only have a basic understanding of reading music (they played recorders for a year and a half and regularly drummed from 5th-7th grade).

This unit includes 6 worksheets to get students familiar with GarageBand, an end of unit questionnaire, and general guidelines for a free choice final project.