Getting started

Here's a simple guide to begin working on your own remix using Garageband from Apple. First things first - download the files so you can start remixing!

OK.. now you've got the MP3s on your computer. The second step is to move them into Garageband.

Open up a NEW MUSIC PROJECT (this will be under file once you open Garageband) Think of a name for your remix and type the name in the SAVE AS section

NOW you've got a place to start having fun.

You'll see at the top of the window a 'track' called Grand Piano. Don't worry about this. Just leave it there and enjoy the funny little graphic.

NOW... just drag one of your new tracks into the Garageband window. It should instantly begin importing (first technical word used here!) into Garageband. When that finishes, do the same thing with the other files you downloaded. Keep doing this until you've loaded them all in.

Once they are all in make sure they are all ALL the way to the LEFT, so they all begin playing at the SAME time. This is crucial. If not, they won't sync up, and it won't sound right. Everything will be off.

Once you've got everything in, you can take out vocals (or anything else) as you please. To go further with the idea, you can click the little EYEBALL in the BOTTOM LEFT CORNER.

When you do this, you'll see a huge listing of instruments you can play with. You'll be able to click any of the instruments you're interested in hearing. Let's choose STRINGS.

You should now see a listing of BLUE or GREEN sound files to the RIGHT of the instrument listing. (click any one of the sounds to hear it).

When you find one you like, just DRAG and DROP it in the Window, where you just dropped the MP3s. And now, just like that, you've got a new instrument already playing with the band. PLUS, the cool thing is, Garageband will automatically transpose the sound file into the correct key of the song.

When you have created your mix you'll then need to convert it to mp3 format to send it along for us to hear. First, go to File in Garageband and click on "Export to iTunes". Then wait for it to transfer over.

Once the file has moved over to iTunes you're ready to convert the remix to mp3. Highligh your track by clicking on it then go up to the advanced section of iTunes. You will then click "Convert Selection to MP3". After the conversion takes place you are free to share your music with us and all your friends.

Now upload the song to the Sarah remix website for the world to hear! When mixing your song tracks please remember to only use sources that are royalty free and not under copyright protection.