Create a bedtime story using GarageBand for iPad and iPhone

GarageBand is free from the App store, with the option to download additional functions and loops for an extra £2.99 – we recommend you do so. Launch the app and you’ll see a screen with a demo project called Curtain Call. To start your new recording, press the plus sign in the top-left corner.

See also: Garageband for iPad & iPhone review

You’ll now be presented with the choice of instrument you wish to use. There are a number of options, so swipe through until you see a vintage-style mic with Audio Recorder underneath. Tap it. The screen will change to a VU meter, which monitors the strength of the audio signal the iPad is receiving.

If we’re going to create a recording, then the most important factor is being able to capture audio. Thankfully this is easy as every iPad comes with a built-in mic – the small slot on the top of the unit just along from the power switch. Pressing the record button will initiate the mic and you can begin recording.

If you want better audio results and don’t mind investing in a few bits of equipment, then there are some highly portable solutions available. One option is Apple’s EarPod headphones (£25), which contain a built-in mic. For the best results, we’d recommend an interface such as the iRig Mic Cast (£29).

Tap on the spanner in the top-right corner, then switch off the Metronome from the drop-down menu. If you’re using an external mic, you’ll also need to tap on the Jack Plug icon in the top-left corner, then switch on Monitor. Now tap the red record button and speak a few words.

Once you’ve read a line or two, press the Stop button. You’ll see that the bar beneath the controls is now partially blue, this represents the amount of recording you’ve done. If you drag the white upside-down house shape back along the timeline, you’ll be able to listen to the lines you’ve read.

Tap the Microphone icon at the top of the screen and you’ll go back to the VU meter. You’ll see nine options in the main panel. These are effects you can apply to your vocals, and range from reverbs that make it sound like you’re in a large echoey room, to ones that can turn your voice into a monster or robot.

You can add polish by using multiple tracks. Go back to the project page and press the Plus icon. From the choice of instruments, select Audio Recorder. Go back to the project page, tap on the new tracks’ icon and a rename it. Double-tapping its icon will take you to the VU meter. Apply the effect you want.

With your tracks set up, you’re free to put together the story. Tap the plus icon next to the number eight on the timeline. This controls how long the sections are. As you’re doing a reading just tap on Section A, then set the length to Automatic, otherwise you’ll start recording over yourself after eight bars.

For extra points, tap on the Loop icon. You can then drag bits of music on to the project. The track is automatically created, and you can tap the loop and drag its edge to adjust the length. When you’re finished tap My Songs > Select, choose your project, tap the Share icon and email it to your little one.