APP OF THE WEEK:4 cert, Apple, iPad ****

Fancy yourself a drummer but find yourself short of more than a pair of drumsticks? Or how about expanding your musical knowledge of the piano beyond Chopsticks? Apple's software turns your humble iPad into a powerful tool to create music without ever picking up a real- life instrument. From the guitar and bass to piano and drums, GarageBandallows you to pick up the virtual instrument, create some tunes and share them out. It also mimics how you play a physical instrument. The amount of pressure you apply to your virtual instrument will be translated into how the chord or drumbeat sounds. It's as close as you can get to playing a real guitar or piano without actually playing one. But you can do that, as well,, by hooking up your own electric guitar to the iPad and using a variety of amp effects. Think of the many advantages to GarageBand. You don't need to store a lot of instruments for a start, and the app costs a paltry €3.99 compared with more expensive instruments. Musical talent missing from your gene pool? No problem. GarageBandalso makes even the most musically challenged wannabe sound like a pro. Smart Instruments allow you to play chords at the touch of a key. You can create a masterpiece in minutes.