Loops+and+Layering

= **SMALL PROJECT, Loops & Layering** [ HOME ] =

This project uses **LOOPS** to explore an important music arranging principle. **Before diving into the actual project, acquaint yourself with how loops are implemented in GarageBand by watching the following tutorial video: GarageBand - Working with Loops .**


 * LOOPS may be used to create GROOVE, one of the most important elements of a successful song. To further prepare yourself for this project, listen to the podcast, "Get Your Groove On" . **

**OBJECTIVE:** At the conclusion of this lesson, students will demonstrate an understanding of two song writing principals – **LAYERING and the “100% RULE”** – through the creation of a brief, loop-based composition.

An arranging principle sometimes called "The 100% Rule" advises that activity by players (i.e. bass, drums, guitar, keyboard, vocals, etc.) in a band arrangement rarely exceed "100%" by duplicating parts or register. Layering is a term I use to describe the intersection of texture (number of instruments or tracks sounding) and form (sections of a song or composition). Classical musicians might call this "orchestration." Layering is a composing/arranging principle at work in all music of lasting worth since it contributes to the narrative unfolding of a piece, keeping the listener engaged.

Materials/Equipment: An easy-to-use multi-track music production program such as Apple’s GarageBand or Acoustica’s Mixcraft.

1. View the Video Tutorial, ** "Layering and the 100% Rule Explained (longer version)" ** or " Layering Explained (briefly) ." Your instructor will also discuss an arranging principle called "The 100% Rule." Discuss how prevalent these principals are in professional, commercial music of all kinds. After discussing LAYERING and the 100% RULE, listen to "Seasons of Love" from the Broadway musical, RENT and name the "layers" you hear in the opening 1:40 (minute and 40 seconds): 2. An exemplary Loops & Layering project example is ** **. Listen and discuss what works well in this example. 3. **The teacher will demonstrate how to ADD TRACKS and work with LOOPS (replicate, shorten, move, copy/paste, etc.).** If you miss the presentation, **you can learn all about working with loops via this YouTube video **. 4. Students will have in-class time to create a 60-second (give or take) piece that employs the principals of Layering and the 100% Rule. Examine the Loops & Layering rubric for guidelines/criteria for the project. **For a great example of using LAYERING to support the FORM of a song, watch the YouTube video called [|Wind Waker Unplugged] .** 6. OPTIONAL: **It may be helpful to create a visual formal map** that indicates what is happening in terms of the texture (tracks) and form. 7. Students will play their finished products for one another in class, export from GarageBand as MP3, and post them to their area of the wiki.
 * PROCEDURE: **

**ASSESSMENT:** Students will be awarded credit according to the ** Loops & Layering rubric .**

Follow-up: Advanced/stronger students finishing early may want to add a real-time recording element if desired.