BandLab is an online Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). It is similar to applications such as GarageBand and Mixcraft, except it exists in "the cloud." Bandlab:
- Works within any modern web browser (Chrome is recommended) on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. No software has to be installed on a computer.
- Is available anytime/anywhere students can connect to the Internet, at school or at home.
- Is completely free to use. There is also a special, free “walled garden” version available for use in schools.
- Has the capability for easy collaboration with others who are at a distance (similar to what is possible with Noteflight, an online notation program).
- Functions similarly to other DAWs, so the concepts and skills learned via BandLab will transfer to other apps.
To get started with BandLab:
- If you don’t already have it installed on your computer, download the Google Chrome web browser. While some BandLab features are available in other web browsers, Chrome will likely provide you with the best user experience.
- Sign up for a free BandLab personal account.
- To provide greater security for your online privacy and identity, we suggest you use an email address when signing up for this (and any online service) rather than using a Facebook, Google, etc. login. Click the Sign Up link and submit the information requested.
- As you set up your profile., note that you can choose your own username rather than use the one provided by BandLab.
- You will be asked to choose your Musical Journey - this is really unimportant for our purposes, but can always be changed later. Likewise, the Tell Us More About You and Favorite Genres information are not relevant to our work, and they can be adjusted later.
- As mentioned above, there is also an education version of BandLab available, which includes functionality to maintain student safety and privacy, so sharing projects is limited to within a “class.” Since we want to share what we do with all instructors and teachers in this course, an educational account won’t work for our purposes, so please be sure to sign up for a personal account. You can always sign up for an educational account too, but use your personal account for the project in MUE 3330.
Learning BandLab
- Complete and submit the 4 BandLab Skills Etudes by the due dates listed in Canvas. Use the navigation at the top of this page to access the 4 BandLab Skills Etudes.
- Watch other videos in this YouTube playlist as you are able. In addition, explore, experiment, and have fun!
- Explore additional resources on using BandLab
- Read the BandLab Blog Tutorials
- Follow BandLab on Twitter
- Read the BandLab Reddit forum
- You may be interested in two other cloud-based DAWs that are popular. Each can be used for free with a limited set of features. For the full version, a subscription is required.
- Soundtrap, which also has an educational version.
- Soundation
Complete the BandLab Project