Creating a New Project #
- Select Menu, then click New.
- Click OK to create your new project.
- Enter a Title and type your name as the Composer.
- Click OK when finished.
Your title and composer name will now be updated at the top of your QStrum.
Note: If you’d like to open a saved project, select Menu > Open.
Selecting an Instrument #
QStrum allows you to choose from different instrument styles:
- Guitar Styles: Beginner, Ukulele, Acoustic, Rock, Jazz
- Bass Styles: Electric, Fuzz
To select an instrument:
- Click the top or bottom instrument icon.
- Choose a instrument style from the menu.
- Adjust the volume as needed.
- Click the instrument icon again to close the menu.
Adding to the Staff #
Chords #
- Click the Chords section to browse available chords.
- Use the yellow arrow to view more chord options.
- Guitar chords display fingerings appropriate to the selected style.
- If a bass instrument is selected, this section will show single notes instead of chords.
Strum Patterns #
There are two ways to add strumming patterns:
- Drag and drop full measure patterns from the purple box labeled Strum Patterns.
- Drag and drop individual strum durations from the light blue box labeled Strum Durations.
Each instrument style has unique strum patterns. Use the left and right arrows to browse available options.
Note: To remove a Strum Pattern or Strum Duration, drag it off the staff.
Control Panel #
PlayBack Controls #
- The playback controls include a double bar/repeat sign, restart, and a play button.
- When you use the play button, it will turn into a pause button
- When you select the double bar button, it will turn into a repeat sign.
Adjusting Measures & Tempo #
- QStrum projects can be up to 64 measures long.
- Depeding on your screen size only seven to eight measures are displayed at a time.
- Use the scroll bar below the staff to navigate through measures
- The default tempo is Moderato, but you can change it by clicking on the tempo indicator.
Mirror Animation #
View the animated strumming and fretting hands, as well as the chord diagram. Toggle Mirror View to see the animation as if looking in a mirror playing.
Adding a PlayAlong Track #
- Click the blue PlayAlong bar.
- Click Play next to a track to preview it.
- Select the track you wish to add, then click Select.
Alternatively, you can access PlayAlong tracks through the Menu.
Note: Selecting a new tempo will remove your current PlayAlong track.
Saving & Downloading Your Projects #
- To save: Click Menu > Save.
- To download an MP3:
- Click Menu > Make MP3.
- A message will confirm the MP3 is being generated. Click OK.
- Go to Menu > Download, select the MP3, and click Download.
Assigning QStrum as an Assignment #
Teachers can assign QStrum compositions in two ways:
- Assignments Section: In Admin Tools > Assignments, you’ll see Assignment Templates. Make sure you are under the Quaver tab, then select Submit a QStrum Creative.
- Resource Manager: Move QStrum into a resource folder for assignment conversion. This is useful when combining QStrum with other activities. Learn more on Creating Assignment, here.
How students submit QStrum when assigned
- When students launch the assignment, they will be able to create their composition, and a SUBMIT option will appear on the MENU when they are done and ready to submit.
- Students should SAVE their submission if they wish to access it later.
I cannot hear QStrum compositions I have created. Can I get some troubleshooting tips?
Hi Sara,
We tested QStrum and didn’t run into any sound issues. However, several factors could cause sound problems. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
1. Ensure your device volume and the volume in the QSynth app are turned up and not muted.
2. Verify that your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) is up to date.
3. Clear your browser cache, update browser/plugins, and consider trying different browsers to identify the source of the issue.
4. If possible, use another device to determine if the problem is specific to your current device.
5. If issues persist, contact tech support at TechSupport@QuaverEd.com or call (866) 917-3633.
Hope this helps!