The whole world is being hit by waves upon waves of content about making music and being productive during the pandemic. But let me share with you a little secret, be it before, during, or even after the pandemic, the only key to greater productivity as an artist (or even any other profession) is to develop a good habit. So the question isn’t about how to find the time, rather it is about how to use your time to create music.
The Race Against the Clock
First things first, you want the worm? Then be the early bird and wake up early. Wake up at least 30 minutes earlier and use this time to write lyrics or compose a simple piece of music. These 30 minutes can be a warm-up for the rest of the day. It will leave you thinking about your work all day long. And if you are looking for more than just 30 minutes, then determine how you spend your time and figure out which time can be properly allocated for a better and more productive task.
You can also work on reclaiming your lost time! Like hanging out virtually with creative friends rather than noodling around, setting a timer for your breaks, taking your music to lunch, dinner, or a cup of coffee.
The Shutdown
One can simply not stay away from social media and television. But try to seize the opportunity, whenever you have some free time and invest it in writing, recording, or learning a new instrument rather than scrolling through the phone or jumping from one show to another. Some easy ways to do this are perhaps by putting your phone on Aeroplane Mode or downloading an app to block your incoming notifications, phone surfing, and limiting your usage.
Setting Your Goals
Set yourself some clear and achievable weekly goals, without them you will just allow your mind to wander. For example, at the beginning of each week, note down what you are going to do, for how long, and what you want to achieve out of it. And then, make sure you follow through and track your progress along.
The Setup
Try making your music books, notebooks, instruments, recordings, and CDs focal in your room. Keeping them somewhere easier to access than the tempting distractions can push you to easily grab and use them.
Taking Breaks
It is crucial to incorporate breaks into your schedule to avoid burnout. Alan Cohen once said, “There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” It is a fact that some of your best ideas will come when you are not even trying to use your brain to come up with a great idea. It might come when you are taking a shower, resting, sleeping, driving, eating, or even hiking. So if you are having a hard time coming up with a new idea, grant that brain the rest it deserves and let your subconscious mind wander to get you your next great idea.
Collaborate with Others
Collaboration is an excellent way to use your time productively. Working with other musicians can bring new perspectives and ideas to your music. It can be as simple as a virtual jam session or a co-writing session. The key is to engage with other creative minds to push your own creative boundaries.
Learn New Skills
Investing time in learning new skills can be incredibly beneficial. Whether it’s mastering a new instrument, understanding music theory better, or learning how to use new music production software, expanding your skill set can enhance your music creation process.
Optimize Your Environment
Create a conducive environment for music creation. This means organizing your workspace in a way that minimizes distractions and maximizes efficiency. Ensure your instruments and recording equipment are easily accessible, and your workspace is comfortable and inspiring.
Regular Review and Reflection
Regularly reviewing and reflecting on your work can help you identify areas for improvement and recognize your progress. This practice can motivate you to keep going and continuously improve your craft. Set aside time each week to listen to your work, take notes, and plan for the next steps.
Conclusion
Those are extremely simple and mere things one can do to use his/her time in a better way. But do keep one more thing in mind, you don’t have to push yourself and rush during the process, rather take your time in writing good lyrics, composing good music, and learning new musical phrases cleanly and in tempo. After all, good things do take time, or else it wouldn’t have taken around two years for Beethoven to compose the Symphony No. 9.
Finally, once you have learned how to use your time effectively to create music, write your greatest masterpiece, record it, and get ready to share it with the world. All you have to do is sign up with Deliver My Tune, and leave the rest for us. Deliver My Tune will distribute your music to an extensive network of popular online music download and streaming sites such as iTunes/Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Google Play, Gaana, JioSaavn, Wynk, Hungama, Napster, and much more. The platform will expose your music to over 4 billion audiences across the world. Now that we have shared with you the know-how, what are you waiting for? Let’s get it started.