Creative Things to Try for Free

Dr. Mac’s Rants & Raves
Episode # 380

One of the highlights of this dark period is that companies offer free paid services and apps for a limited time. So here are a few things you can try (for free) while stuck at home.

Mobile Creators Summit

The creators of two applications that I use and like, Filmic (Filmic Pro) and LumaTouch (LumaFusion), have joined forces to Mobile Creators Summit, which they describe as:

A virtual gathering of the world’s top filmmakers, journalists and mobile video storytellers to inspire, exchange ideas and learn new skills.

The sessions will be broadcast for free the following three Fridays.

Apple Pro Apps free for 90 days

If you ever want to learn more about the professional media authoring apps of Apple Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro but were put off by their prices ($ 299.99 and $ 199.99 respectively), Apple is now offering three-month trials of the two. Now you can use these fantastic apps to create a video or audio masterpiece that vibrates in your brain for free.

Visit the Free trial of Logic Pro page on the Apple website or main page Logic Pro page for more details.

Cool synthesizers for your iDevices

If you like music, check out the Minimoog Model D synthesizer and Korg iKaossilator, two fascinating synthesizer applications you can play on your iDevice, which are currently available for free.

Minimoog model D synthesizer

KORG iKaossilator

Even if you don’t know anything about synthesizers, you’ll enjoy making sounds Minimal eye model D. and Korg iKaossilator.

Learn to play guitar for 90 days for free with Fender Play

Learn to play guitar, bass or ukulele for 90 days with Fender.

In the same vein (musically) my sister sent me this excellent offer from Fender Play last week:

To go through people, Fender offers three months of free guitar, bass, and ukulele lessons online Fender Play. To ensure that your unique code is displayed, Fender recommends opening the page through a private browsing mode or window. No credit card required.

I wasn’t expecting much for free, but I was very impressed with the quality of the classes and the variety of songs available in classes.

I’m including a cover version of the classic 1960s animal hit, House of the Rising Sun, as bonus content for my next book, GarageBand For Dummies Second Edition. After reviewing the excellent Fender Play lesson on playing arpeggios, I play them better than I’ve ever played them before.

If you want to learn to play guitar, bass or ukulele (or improve your skills), don’t miss this great offer.

Thank you sister!

Library loans from Libby

View your public library’s eBooks and audiobooks with Libby.

Finally, I love to read and I especially like to read free ebooks with the Libby app on my iDevices.

While Libby has always been free, it’s a perfect ending to this column. This free app has been one of my favorites for years. I use it to view ebooks and audiobooks from my local public library and then enjoy them on my iDevice (free). All you need to use Libby is a library card from a public library, including Houston, Harris County, Austin, and most other public libraries.

There is one more thing: please stay safe!