Dixieland Tag - multitrack TUTORIAL by Julie Gaulke

This is a video TUTORIAL about how to make an audio multitrack recording using GarageBand. Although I usually use ProTools and Final Cut Pro for my own productions, this video is made specifically for the purpose of showing my local Catholic Middle and High School students at their music festival later this week as I present a "break-out" session for multitracking.

Support Music In Our Schools! Go kids!

[JulieGaulke]

Well, if you learned anything from this tutorial, you are officially my student :) I was never a classroom teacher, but I did teach private piano lessons for over a decade. I guess "patience" is one of my virtues!

[JulieGaulke]

Dontcha just love my WI accent ;) Yah der hey.

[JulieGaulke]

More elaboration on your first question: When singing with yourself, you really know yourself better than anyone else. You can anticipate what your other voices are going to do (or have already done). You might hear a slight breath indicating it's time for the next phrase, etc. You hear this in your headphones. It's like having a twin (or two, or three). Ask a twin. They will get it! (And no, I'm not a twin, but I know a few...) Good luck, ViolaBuddy :)

[MirkoContiVMproduction]

I can actually confirm your patience attitude which I have personally experienced in our collaborations. This video is so well done and useful information are delivered in such a genuine and modest way that get to the target in a strong and strait forward way. Lots of multitrackers and artists should learn here how to communicate.

[JulieGaulke]

Hi Alexandra, and thank you for watching. I'm embarrassed to say I don't even know what my mic is. It's very old, over 10 years old, and I don't have it's original box anymore LOL! There are so many better choices now, and they are made for the digital age with USB cables - ready to plug and play with no additional hardware needed. Maybe other multitrackers can offer their advice? My only advice is research and read reviews. And - you don't need to spend a lot of money for good quality :)

[sonyahannah]

I DO love your "Wisconsin accent, " and I love your demeanor! Having taught for 30+ years, and having taught/supervised/evaluated teachers while so doing, I hereby award you an unqualified "A." You speak TO, not "at, " your students; you take things logically; you "'splain why?" when appropriate -- wish I could really be your student!

[JulienNeel]

Very cool video Julie! You put things simply and your dry sense of humor cracks me up. You must be a great teacher in life.

[JulieGaulke]

I totally hear ya! For the purpose of this video I covered both ears. But when I do my own recordings (and never on camera LOL!) I always uncover my right ear. And like you, I tend to sing sharp. Thanks for watching :)

[JulieGaulke]

(continuation) Answer #2 - I never record my video along with my audio. I always produce the audio first. Sometimes it takes several passes to get one track down. Rarely can I do it all in one take. Then I edit and mix until it's just right. THEN I start video, lip-syncing all parts of course. This way I can worry more about visuals (clothing, hair, no headphones, etc.) and not worry about trying to sing right on top of all that. For me, two very separate productions for one final product.

[JulieGaulke]

Great questions! What you couldn't hear in this video are the other recorded parts as I am layering them. I was hearing them in my headphones. So, by listening to them, as well as seeing the wave form visually as it scrolls, I know when to sing. With this tag, I didn't want to conform to a click track or steady beat. I wanted it to be really free form, so I have to rely on my eyes and ears. It's tricky, and takes practice. I'll answer more in the next post...

[JulieGaulke]

Hi! I'm afraid I don't know as much about programs for Windows. I know Audacity is quite popular, but I've never used it. But I know there are other multitrackers on Youtube who use it, so it should work for you too. For video, I use Final Cut Pro, but I know there are many Windows users who use Sony Vegas. Basically, you need a video program that will allow layering of several videos clips together, so you can have multiple faces singing. Sony Vegas is a popular one for PC.

[TheViolaBuddy]

All right, thanks! I have tried some multitracking (and not just with singing), but I've always done it with a metronome to keep time since I wasn't sure how to align the tracks, but the thing you've said about knowing yourself makes sense. I've also never done it with video mostly because I wasn't really sure how. So thanks again!

[tbone]

Totally enjoyed the video Julie. Now I see how you folks do the multi track recording. Doug...=)

[TheViolaBuddy]

This seems really helpful, but I have two questions: 1) How do you know when to start singing or when change notes so that your parts match up? With other people, you can give visual cues to each other, but here, you're just listening to yourself. 2) How do you record your visuals in your other multitrack works that you have up on YouTube? Do you record the video while you're recording the audio, or do you record yourself later lip-synching?

[ColdBloodedIncarnate]

Thank you for the reply! I really appreciate it

[EezeeListen]

Oh my! What a gift to have perfect pitch :)

[justie]

Haha I love your Baritone is the most underrated part. Gotta love the Bari Love. :P (coming from a baritone)

[ColdBloodedIncarnate]

Thank you for this tutorial. One question, what mic do you use? And what do you suggest for beginners?

[justie]

Any USB Microphone is good. My personal recommendations would be the BLUE Spark Digital, or the Blue Yeti Pro. I have used both, and give them high praise.

[ColdBloodedIncarnate]

Thank you! I wasn't planning on getting anything fancy and expensive just yet :b Gotta pay for medical school first!