Using

Bandlab

Lesson 2:

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Getting started

Now that you’ve logged in, you need to start your first assignment!

1. Log in to edu.bandlab.com (if you need help with this click here to go back to lesson 1 - Logging In)
2. Click on your class 3. Click on “Start Assignment”

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4. Click on “Teacher’s Assignment”

4. Click on “Teacher’s

Assignment” ----->

Accessing Loops

When this screen pops up, go to the bottom right corner and click on “Browse Loops”

Choosing a Loop Template

On the right side of the screen are a series of genres,

each of them containing dozens of different sound

loops that you can use. Press the play button to hear

what they sound like, then choose one you like.

Sampling Sound Loops

Each sound in your genre has a name (Lofi Bass 01)

An instrument (Bass)

A tempo (85, representing 85 beats per minute)

And, for pitched instruments, a key (C min, E min)

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To sample these sound click on the play icon next to the sound. When you find one you like, double click on it to add it to your timeline.

Sequencing Loops

When you add sounds to your timeline they appear as coloured rectangles containing a waveform, which is a visual representation of a sound wave. Each rectangle can be dragged forward and back in a bar to change when it starts. Clicking on the curved arrow allows you to repeat the sample, and the other arrows allow you to change the start and end point of the sample.

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Curved arrow Other arrows

Modifying the sound of a sample

To the left of each sample are controls that allow you to change the way the sample sounds. “M” mutes the sound so it can’t be heard, “S” makes the sample a solo so the other samples are muted, the green line changes the volume of the sample, and the L-R dial changes which speaker the sample plays in. The three dots (...) allow you to customize the sound in many ways.

Undo Rewind Key Metronome Save

Cycle Play Time location Overall volume Submit

your assignment

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Fast forward Record microphone Time signature

The assignment

Using a variety of sounds, create a piece of music lasting at least 60 seconds that uses several different loops. As this is your first assignment using BandLab I don’t expect it to be terribly complex, but you need to show you understand how to use loops and combine them into a piece of music.

As you’re working don’t forget to click “Save” so you don’t lose anything. When you’re happy with your assignment click on “Submit” and the assignment is done.

If you have questions email me at tv38441@gotvdsb.ca

Have fun!