< GarageBand

GarageBand/Creating a simple melody

These lessons on film scoring are under construction this month


These instructions are designed for GarageBand 3 plus the sounds of a symphony orchestra.
GarageBand is easy and fast yet powerful enough to do film scoring.
Please, tell me if you find anything as good!


This course in music and filmmaking is:
Film scoring introduction for filmmakers
This lesson is:
Lesson #3 - Using melody to create moods with GarageBand and the sounds of a symphony orchestra
The pages in this lesson are:
Page 1: Creating moods with melodies
Page 2: Creating a simple melody using GarageBand - 6 points
Page 3: Creating a melody which tells a story - 6 points
Page 4: Creating a simple motif - 6 points
Page 5: Creating continuity with melodies - 6 points
Page 6: Create a musical cue for "Graduation Day" - #2 - 20 points
Creating the sound of drama

Create a simple melody which creates a mood.

Use GarageBand to create a melody which produces a mood.
Use either the Ben Boldt pages or Jam Pack: Symphony Orchestra.

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 instead of changing the first track, I create a new track with a virtual instrument.

3. Select an instrument

Select the virtual software instrument that you think will sound best for your melody.

4. Open the Music Typing window

For the typical filmmaker, Music Typing is a nice keyboard to use. The only problem is it does not capture the velocity of the notes.

5. Doodle

Turn off the metronome and just try to create a simple melody which creates a mood.

6. 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.

7. Save your project

Each time you find a good tune, save it.

Part 2

2. When you are finished, save the file with the name of the mood

Save the project file.


3. Send me your results

Once you are happy with your melody, send me the project file. Done!


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 or rhythms

Thicken the sound of your melody with other voices or delicate rhythms

Option 2 · Add chords

Add extra notes which harmonize with the notes of your melody.


The next page

We start very simply by creating a melody which tells a story

Contact your instructor

Your instructor for this film scoring class is Robert Elliott.
You can email me by clicking here.


Shortcuts to the other music lessons for film scoring: The Introduction → "Fear" → "Joy" → "Drama" → The Workshop
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