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Parents' Guide to

GarageBand

By Kim Alessi, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Powerful sequencer lets kids create pro-quality recordings.

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Mac Free Music
GarageBand Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this app.

  • GarageBand App: Screenshot #2
  • GarageBand App: Screenshot #3

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What’s It About?

With GarageBand, kids can record and layer up to eight tracks of loops, instruments, and vocals to create original songs and soundscapes. The app has several standout features: pre-recorded loops and drum grooves; a collection of virtual Smart Instruments with pre-programmed chord progressions, scales, and rhythmic riffs; music editing and production tools; and sharing features that can post songs, pair devices for a virtual jam session, and customize ring and text tones. Players can record vocals, live instruments, or ambient sounds using the in-app microphone. They can also connect an external microphone and plug a guitar into their iOS devices using specialized adapters for pro-quality live recording in GarageBand.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (10 ):

There's really no app like GarageBand -- imagine being able to write, record, and share your own professional quality music wherever you are with a few taps of a screen. GarageBand is a powerful mobile digital audio workstation for multitrack recording with impressive, on-board loops and production and editing tools. The app's multitouch controls and visual interface help kids see their music so it demystifies how songs are put together and recorded. There are some pretty sophisticated features here, but the app is intuitive enough so that anyone can jump in and start creating music, regardless of music training. (Plus the in-app support is fantastic and is available in 34 different languages!)

GarageBand is huge (588 MB) -- but that's because it's a fully-functional mobile recording studio complete with high quality sounds, interactive virtual instruments, and helpful tools for endless music creation. Two minor downsides: kids can't download additional loops, and woodwind and brass instruments aren't plentiful in the sound bank. Still, everything else is here for unthought of music creation -- all in a portable, intuitive, touch-screen design that puts amazing music making at your fingertips.

Editor's note: Reviewer Kim Alessi worked with Apple as curriculum writer and consultant from 2004 to 2008.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Watch live music together as a family and talk about how the instruments and singers interact with each other. Ask how sound layers on sound.

  • Talk about different musical genres. Ask your kid what styles they like best and why. Record an original song together in their favorite style.

App Details

  • Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Mac
  • Subjects: Science : engineering, physics, Arts : improvising and music analysis, music, rhythm, singing
  • Skills: Tech Skills : digital creation, Communication : multiple forms of expression, Creativity : making new creations
  • Pricing structure: Free (32 GB or larger iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 10 or later, or recently purchased Mac laptops/desktops, already have installed installed.)
  • Release date: January 21, 2017
  • Category: Music
  • Publisher: Apple
  • Version: 2.2.1
  • Minimum software requirements: iOS 10.2 or later
  • Last updated: October 7, 2021

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