MusicRadar

If you're a beginner, the Magic GarageBand wizard is an easy place to start.

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X is for Xenomania

This hugely successful production company writes hits for pop bands like Girls Aloud and the Sugababes, and is even working with Franz Ferdinand. Here's a team of writers and producers who know how to create pop gold and turn it into multi-platinum success. If this is a career path that interests you, you could do worse than start out by analysing and trying to replicate their sound and production style.

As ever, GarageBand is here to help. Start with a killer groove and chord progression and then spend time trying to program similarly infectious basslines, synth leads and knockout chorus sequences. You'll find it's less than easy but hugely enjoyable. With GarageBand as your writing partner, you'll soon be achieving great things.

Y is for You

Once you've moved on from pastiche, you'll want to express yourself without so much outside influence. With GarageBand, music-making is all about your creativity. If you want to learn how records are made or how pieces of music are constructed, this program is a wonderful playground.

If you're happiest combining loops, safe in the knowledge that they'll snap to tempo for you, no problem. If you're ready to make note-based recordings or even plug in a mic and start singing, go ahead – GarageBand is ready to help you realise your creative vision.

Z is for Zoo Monkeys

Don't worry, this isn't the name of the latest indie band that you simply have to know about. Rather, it's the name of just one of GarageBand's many sound effects that you're free to incorporate into your arrangement.

If you're a film-maker who's looking to add a sound effect track or musical arrangement to your work, GarageBand provides a hassle-free way to get started. If you need ready-made textures, atmospheres or, indeed, zoo animals, look no further. As ever, simply set up the number of Real Instrument tracks you need and away you go.

To work with video, simply select Show Movie Track in the Track menu. Import your movie from the Browser on the left-hand side and it will play while you compose in real-time. Exporting the finished movie to disc will dub your musical composition onto your film for you. In combination with iMovie, you've got a full-spec production suite ready to do your bidding.

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