Non-musicians composing with smart software

Grader A: hit

By 2009 non-musicians could create music with consumer software. GarageBand (2004) shipped on every new Mac with Apple Loops, and Guitar Hero World Tour (2008) let players create and share songs. Loop-based tools were widely available.

Test: Routine availability: GarageBand pre-installed on all new Macs from 2004 (100% of new Mac units).

• GarageBand (Wikipedia) (2026-09-28): Released 6 January 2004 in iLife, pre-installed on new Macs; Apple Loops let users compose without instrument skills.
• Guitar Hero (Wikipedia) (2026-09-28): World Tour (2008) GHTunes let players create and share songs.

Grader B: hit

By 2009 non-musicians could make music with consumer software. Apple's GarageBand (January 2004) came free on every new Mac through iLife. It let users assemble songs from pre-made Apple Loops, and GarageBand '08 added 'Magic GarageBand' virtual jam sessions. Loop-based tools (e.g. Acid, FL Studio) and music games were widespread.

Test: Test: tools that let non-musicians create music are available and widely used by 2009-2011. GarageBand was bundled on every new Mac from 2004. Music games (Guitar Hero: more than 25M units) show mass casual engagement.

• GarageBand (Wikipedia) (accessed 2026-09): Released January 2004 as part of iLife on new Macs; Apple Loops need no musical knowledge; Magic GarageBand (2008) virtual jam session.