Learning Resources:
Trad to Tech

There are various different sampling apps, but the Inclusive Folk team have found that SampleBot is very user friendly. Following the steps below, the video will demonstrate a straightforward way in which a soundscape can be created and then played within a piece of music. In our example, the sounds represent ‘morning’ and include bird sounds and instrument samples. Hours of fun can be had recording vocal sounds, instruments and sound effects! We have found that this app’s strength is its simplicity and that users feel confident to use it independently very quickly.

Getting Started with SampleBot:

1. Open SampleBot to see the 15-pad grid.
2. Tap an empty pad/coloured square to start recording.
3. Make a sound. SampleBot will record it automatically.
4. Tap the pad to end recording, and then again to play the sound.
5. Tap a pad/coloured square to play it.
6. You can record over sounds.

Save and Export Your Project:

1. Your projects are saved and given a name automatically, so you won’t lose your work. You can re-name them in the settings.
2. You can share your music or save the audio to your device or other music apps.

We also use switch devices called BIGmacks to sample sound. These are very useful for people who do not find the flat surface of the iPad easy to use. There is an example of this in our accompanying video. Many settings where we work have access to BIGmacks, and they are used in a variety of ways to communicate.

Morning (La Mouresque)

La Mouresque was originally a Renaissance tune which became a popular morris dancing tune. It was arranged and recorded by legendary English folk musician and melodeon player John Kirkpatrick. Played slowly it has a bright and majestic quality that befits a happy start to the day.

In the accompanying video and audio tracks, the morning piece starts with a soundscape of morning sounds, then transitions into this tune where the sounds and tune are blended. You can devise an arrangement exploring different ways to put these elements together, perhaps looking at different sounds in SampleBot then using them at different points in the piece, building them up or perhaps playing them one at a time.