This document provides self-assessment rubrics to help learners measure their progress in learning skills for the GarageBand creativity software. It outlines five levels of achievement from level 1 where learners are unable to complete tasks to level 5 where learners can complete advanced tasks beyond original instruction. Descriptors for each level are provided for seven skill areas covered in GarageBand lessons including editing audio, composing with loops, exporting projects, converting audio files, importing audio, and recording with real and software instruments. Reference guides with menus, keyboard shortcuts, and mouse functions are also included for lessons 1-3, 4-6, and 7.

1. Self-Assessment Rubrics
When considering ways to measure progress and achievement, the learning of GarageBand
creativity software can be thought of as a continuum. At one end of the continuum, we will see
learners moving cautiously through new tasks with scaffolds in place to ensure success. As
learners progress, they become increasingly independent and the intensity and duration of
scaffolds can be reduced. At the other end of the continuum, we will see learners transfer skills
to new situations and achieve a depth and breadth of understanding that goes beyond original
instruction. To help define various points along that continuum for each skill set, rubrics are
provided.
It is my hope that these Self-Assessment Rubrics will help should you chose to select
goals for further study. Descriptors will provide a means of measuring progress towards those
goals. For skills used only rarely, being able to complete tasks with the help of step-by-step
instructions (Level 2) will be more than sufficient. For skills that you use on a regular basis, you
may progress to Level 3 in a relatively short time, even without intentional practice. Regular use
of GarageBand software would likely be needed for skill development to progress beyond Level
3.
Level 1: Students are unable to complete tasks. Progress has not yet been made.
Level 2: Students are learning new skills and make use of all scaffolds to ensure success.
Level 3: Students are becoming increasingly confident with new learning. Use of scaffolds
has been reduced in intensity and/or frequency of use.
Level 4: Without scaffolds, students are able to transfer skills and understandings from
GarageBand lessons to comparable tasks that are novel.
Level 5: Students are able to complete tasks that go well beyond the scope of original
instruction.
1

2. Lesson 1: Edit an Audio File
LEVEL WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Level 1 I am not yet able to operate the software well enough to drag a song into GarageBand or
make edits to a song that is already loaded in.
Level 2 With step-by-step directions and visual aids, I am able to complete Lesson 1. I can drag
Scaffolds a song into GarageBand and make simple edits (split, cut, copy, paste).
Level 3 With a Reference Guide and a list of Practice Items, I am able complete Lesson 1. I can
Reduced to drag a song into GarageBand and make edits of every type listed on the page.
Supports
Level 4 If I ever want to edit a song, I can import it from iTunes and make all the edits I desire
Transfer without the use of reference documents.
Level 5 I am able to successfully complete more complicated editing tasks that include: editing
Extend multiple tracks within a single project, changing Master Track volume, solo/mute
tracks, and adjusting track pan and volume.
Lessons 2 & 3: Compose with Loops and Make an Arrangement.
LEVEL WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Level 1 I am not yet able to operate the software well enough to locate loops and move them
into the timeline.
Level 2 With step-by-step directions and visual aids, I am able to complete Lessons 2 and 3. I
Scaffolds can sort loops, add loops to the timeline, and insert an Arrangement Track.
Level 3 With a Reference Guide and a list of Practice Items, I am able to complete all tasks in
Reduced Lessons 2 and 3. I can sort loops, add loops to the timeline, and insert an Arrangement
Supports Track.
Level 4 I can create songs at will, using loops that meet my own criteria for instrument
Transfer selection, musical style, length and form. I can use the Arrange Track to identify
sections of my song.
Level 5 I am able to successfully complete more complicated compositional tasks that include:
Extend projects with six or more tracks, track pan and volume, judicious loop placement
(tracks that are a combination of notes and rests), altering of form by making changes in
the Arrange Track, and create/record my own loops and add them to my loop library.
2

3. Lesson 4: Export a GarageBand Project
LEVEL WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Level 1 I am not yet able to operate the software well enough to export GarageBand projects.
Level 2 With step-by-step directions and visual aids, I am able to complete Lesson 4. I can burn
Scaffolds a CD containing my GarageBand project and can share it with iTunes.
Level 3 With a Reference Guide and a list of Practice Items, I am able to complete all tasks
Reduced listed in Lesson 4. I can burn a CD containing my GarageBand project and can share it
Supports with iTunes.
Level 4 If I ever want to export a song, I can burn it in GarageBand or an iTunes playlist
Transfer without the use of reference documents.
Level 5 I am able to share GarageBand projects with iTunes and can share them as ringtones,
Extend podcasts or movies. I can burn them to CD or upload them to the Internet.
Lesson 5: Convert Audio Files
LEVEL WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Level 1 I am not yet able to operate the software well enough to convert files in iTunes or
Switch.
Level 2 With step-by-step directions and visual aids, I am able to complete Lesson 5. I can to
Scaffolds use “Find Info” to determine file format and use iTunes and Switch to convert files to
mp3.
Level 3 With a Reference Guide and a list of Practice Items, I am able to complete all tasks in
Reduced Lesson 5. I can use “Find Info” to determine audio file format and use iTunes and
Supports Switch to convert files to mp3.
Level 4 I am able to convert files whenever I want to. I can figure out whether to use iTunes or
Transfer Switch and can save the converted file to any location on my computer.
Level 5 I am able to convert to and from any supported file type using iTunes and Switch and
Extend can figure out which file format is best suited for my purpose.
3

4. Lesson 6: Import Audio Files
LEVEL WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Level 1 I am not yet able to import audio files.
Level 2 With step-by-step directions and visual aids, I am able to complete Lesson 6. I can
Scaffolds download songs linked on the lesson page and convert them to mp3 using iTunes or
Switch. I can download a loop linked on the lesson page and add it to my loop library.
Level 3 With a Reference Guide and a list of Practice Items, I am able to complete all tasks in
Reduced Lesson 6. I can download songs that are linked and convert them to mp3 using iTunes
Supports or Switch. I can download a loop that is linked add it to my loop library.
Level 4 I can download songs from Wikimedia and Internet Archives and can figure out which
Transfer software to use to convert them to mp3. I can download loops for a variety of
instruments from Macloops and add them to the loop library in GarageBand.
Level 5 I can search the Internet to find audio files and am able to determine copyright
Extend restrictions. I can download songs in a variety of file format and convert as needed. I
can search the Internet for loops and add them to my library.
Lesson 7: Record Using Real and Software Instruments
LEVEL WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Level 1 I am not yet able to connect equipment & operate software well enough to record.
Level 2 With step-by-step directions and visual aids, I am able to complete Lesson 7. I can
Scaffolds connect a USB microphone and keyboard to my computer and use them to make a
recording. I can use the on-screen keyboard and musical typing to enter notes for simple
melodies.
Level 3 With a Reference Guide and a list of Practice Items, I am able to complete all tasks in
Reduced Lesson 7. I can connect a USB microphone and keyboard and use them to record. I can
Supports use the on-screen keyboard and musical typing to enter notes for simple songs.
Level 4 I can connect any USB input device to my computer and use it to make recordings in
Transfer classroom and performance situations. I can record rehearsals and performances, and
make recordings that can be used in instruction.
Level 5 I am able to successfully complete more complicated recording tasks that include:
Extend connect electric instruments via 1/8” jack, record multiple tracks with metronome on,
use real instruments, software instruments, and loops within a single composition, and
record podcasts in Podcast Studio.
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5. Reference Guide ­ GarageBand Lessons 1­3
DESCRIPTION MENU KEYBOARD MOUSE
Delete Track Track  Delete ⌘⌫
Track
Copy Edit  Copy ⌘C
Delete Edit  Delete
Join regions Edit  Join ⌘J Select adjacent
regions then “join”
EDITING
to make one.
New Project File  New ⌘N
Paste File  Paste ⌘V
Redo File  Redo ⌘Z
Repeat/Loop Mouse over upper
Region right corner of
region (cursor =
circular arrow),
click & drag.
Snap to Grid Control  Snap to ⌘G
Grid
Split Track Edit  Split ⌘T
Loop Browser Control  ⌘L Click on “eye” in
Hide/Show loop lower right corner
browser of window.
Insert loop Drag and drop into
LOOPS
timeline.
Replace loop Click on small
arrow in upper left
of region, select
from drop‐down
menu.
Reset loops Click on “Reset” in
loop browser.
Arrange Track Track  ⌘A Once open, click on
ARRANGE
Show/Hide Arrange the “+” and drag
Track border. Click on
“untitled” and type
in label.
Master Track Track  ⌘B
(volume) Hide/Show Master
Track

6. Reference Guide ­ GarageBand Lessons 4­6
DESCRIPTION MENU KEYBOARD MOUSE
Single GB project Share  Burn song
to CD
EXPORTING
Multiple songs: Share  Send song
to iTunes
GB iTunes
iTunes Playlist File  New Playlist ⌘N
Aiff (GB)  MP3 Advanced  Create
MP3 version
iTunes file type? File  Get info ⌘I
Output folder Drop‐down menu
(where your converted in Switch window.
file will end up)
SWITCH
Convert Convert  Convert ⌘C Click on icon in
files lower right corner
of window:
Importing audio files:
MIDI – Save song as a Quicktime movie ( at right end of player) and convert
file to mp3 in iTunes.
Loops – Note the tempo of any loop you download. Save; do not open. Change
tempo of GarageBand project before you drag it in.
Others – Click on file name or link.
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✪ Check copyright restrictions on any audio file you use! Files on the sites linked
in Lesson 6 will, at most, need attribution. Two excellent resources for copyright
information are http://www.copyrightbook.net/ and
http://www.benedict.com/Default.aspx.