Systems for Task-Based Music Production

My System

Cloud Storage Service (e.g., Dropbox) + Task-Based Folders + Text-File Notes

• Create action-oriented folders named after your music production tasks, like: 1 Prime, 2 Jam, 3 Develop, 4 Arrange, 5 Refine, 6 Mix, 7 Master, 8 Share (see example below)
  • The prefix numbers are to help quickly find each folder, rather than indicate a fixed, linear sequence. It is also to distinguish the folders from non-task/object-based folders.
• Each song/track gets its own folder with all files (audio, project, notes)
• Move song folders between task folders based on what work is needed
• Also, create whatever object-based/non-task folders you need, such as: Templates, Samples, Presets, Backburner, Catalog, Reference Tracks, Tutorials
  • Anything in these folders are items that don’t require work (they are resources or completed work).
• When you do a work session on a song, create a new text file in the same folder and take notes in it.
  • Logging important details about the song (e.g., key, tempo, time signature, inspiration), what you intend to do, what you did, barriers you hit/overcame, insights you got, and suggestions to your future self for your next work session.
  • When you move a song folder to another task folder, the notes will go with the song. The notes will always be in context.
  • Text files are future-proof, linkable, searchable, and work with any device and software.
• Create many notes for many work sessions
  • Consider time boxing work sessions — set a timer, take a break, create a new note, do a new work session
    • Can use Pomodoro method software like Session
  • More importantly, a work session is over when you have difficulty focusing your attention, fall out of flow, get judgmental, or feel frustrated.

Alternative Systems

• Project management software
  • Notion: Database with task status field
    • Or Notion-like software
• • • There are ready-to-use Notion templates, like from Metamind Music
    Airtable: Spreadsheet with workflow views
  • Trello: Digital kanban boards
    • Or other Kanban software
• Local folders: Same structure without cloud sync
• dbDone: Dedicated software for managing and tracking DAW projects, including kanban-like tagging