I think I'm going to check a mac out for the weekend to check out this program. Mostly what I'd want to use it for would be making piano music simpler/harder for students. Problem is I don't have an electric keyboard to hook it to. Does anyone use it with out a keyboard? Is this a program worth having around if you don't have a keyboard?

Anybody...?

I used Garageband with a Mac to connect my Roland rd700sx to and recorded some music. It is relatively easy to use...However, as far as without a keyboard, I don't know, you would have to use something like a Zoom h4 to record your piano, then connect it to the Mac.

If you search this forum for Zoom H4, you will find a ton of useful information, some of which is directly applicable to the Mac, and, I think, to Garageband.

I am only responding to this because no one else did...I have not done exactly what you want. Do the search...it will probably help you.

I work with Logic Pro Studio which (from what I hear) is a very upgraded version of Gargeband.

I have never used Garageband.

I would assume you would need a midi controller to use Garageband, although it may come with a virtual keyboard in its software. If that is the case, you would either use your mouse or keypad on your computer to control the midi data.

If you have microphones and a pre-amp you would be able to record your acoustic piano using Garageband as your recording software. It would be defined as an audio instrument on your software (Gargeband) and it would sound like your piano. Unlike using a midi controller where you would be able to access the virtual instruments that comes with Garageband.

Hope I answered your question.

garageband is all "canned" rhythms and accompaniments. You don't really NEED a keyboard. You just cut and paste tracks and samples.

You can lay down a voice track with a webcam mike.

Logic Pro Studio is a MUCH MORE VERSATILE more professional software like Cubase. It's not like Garageband, which is more like a toy in comparison.

garageband is fun, but it's only good for pop and fun stuff and experimenting. I can use it and I see it like a toy.

You can use Garageband to record audio, or you can hook up a midi keyboard to its software instruments.

I don't see how you can make music easier or harder for students, though. It doesn't have any notation capabilities, it's more a simple recording/loop-based production tool.

I've used Garage Band to some extent, but I really don't have a clue what you mean. What exactly are you trying to do?

Yes, like what Kreisler said, it is more of a production tool.

What would you like to do with the program as far as making music simple/harder for students? What exactly do you want to do?

I did bring one home and mess around with it. Maybe it's a newer version than what some of you used because I CAN write my own music on it. I'm not cutting and pasting at all.

Specifically, I have a piece that's at about a level 8 and want to simplify it to about a level 2 for a student (take out a lot of notes, stretches, chords etc...)
I was able to do the treble clef, but now I'm trying to add the bass clef and can't get them to line up, rhythm wise.

There is only one octave available at a time, so I can't do both hands together.

Don't know if it's going to be what I want after all. I'm going to check out your other suggestions.

Usually if I re-write something I do it by hand and thought this might save me some time.

Thanks

I would buy or use a notation program such as Finale or Sibelius for this type of work.

There are a some free software that may serve the purpose. I've tried Anvil studio and Musette. Musette is more of a notation program, and will probably be closer to what E&I is looking for. don't know if there's a version for mac, though.

I've used garageband to record music (playing my grand)...save it ...then import it from itunes (or did I export it to itunes?) Either way, it's kinda fun to then have a digital recording that way!

I use the Zoom H2 to record, and tweak it on Garageband. It doesn't make my poor playing any better though. Back to lessons:-)