How to Finish More Tracks for Release: Using the Pomodoro Technique in LSEM's Advanced Music Production Course

By Mat Lomas (Portamento) at LSEM

Conquer the Many Hats: How the Pomodoro Technique Helps Manage the Diverse Roles in Music Production

The multifaceted nature of music production—encompassing roles from sound design to mixing and mastering—can lead to sprawling sessions and a backlog of unfinished projects. The temptation of marathon studio stints, driven by the pursuit of capturing that elusive creative spark, is deeply ingrained in our culture. However, these extended sessions often result in diminishing returns, creative fatigue, and physical strain. Is there a method to channel focused energy, incorporate strategic breaks, and enhance both productivity and creativity?

At the London School of Electronic Music (LSEM), we recognise the challenges producers face in completing tracks amidst the complexities of modern music production. To address this, our Advanced Music Production Course integrates the Pomodoro Technique into the curriculum, providing students with a structured approach to enhance focus and productivity. Under my guidance as the course leader, students apply this method to effectively manage their creative workflow, leading to the completion of a professionally finished EP within a three-month timeframe. I still use this technique regularly, and all my own releases stem from an initial short sharp burst of streamlined creative energy.

" Are you the secret to finishing my next EP? "

Understanding the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, is a time management method that involves working in focused intervals traditionally 25 minutes in length—followed by short breaks. For music production I double this task to make a 50 minute session, followed by a 5/10-minute break (I recommend copious amounts of tea/coffee are nearby). After completing four such intervals, a longer break is taken.

The technique's name derives from the Italian word for 'tomato', inspired by the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo used during his university studies.

Its simplicity and adaptability have made it a popular tool across various disciplines, including the creative arts.

Balancing Multiple Roles with Structured Intervals

For electronic music producers, who often juggle multiple roles within a single session, the Pomodoro Technique offers a framework to compartmentalise these tasks. Tasks such as sound design, arrangement, mixing, and mastering can each be assigned dedicated intervals, preventing the common pitfall of becoming overly engrossed in one area while neglecting others. This structured approach ensures a balanced and efficient workflow, which is particularly beneficial when motivation wanes, providing a clear pathway to initiate and sustain momentum.

Applying the Pomodoro Technique to Music Production

" For Music Production, make it 50 "

Implementing the Pomodoro Technique in music production can transform how we approach our craft. Instead of embarking on unstructured, long sessions that can lead to burnout, we can allocate specific 50-minute blocks to distinct tasks.

For instance, one interval might focus solely on crafting a compelling bassline, free from the distractions of social media or email notifications. The next could be dedicated to developing a drum groove, with the timer serving as a guide to maintain deep immersion in that singular objective. The subsequent five-minute break offers a crucial moment to step away, stretch—addressing the physical demands of prolonged screen time—and allow the mind to reset before diving back into the next task.

Writing music quickly

Try sitting at your computer, turning off all distractions (phone/emails), setting a 50-minute timer on your phone and trying to make a track. This may only result in an 8-bar loop at first, but hopefully you will see that long scrolls through sample packs, deciding what kick or what synth sound to select, are avoided due to the time pressure. Forget about EQ on your kick; this isn't the time for that. We are solely creating. Get those ideas down quickly, without judgement, and focus solely on the compositional process. If you repeat this process enough over time, you will be left with a folder of initial tracks. You can every so often comb through these sketches and decide which ones are worth exploring and continuing to develop. We not only practise working quickly, but we also force ourselves to work in a way which will help to develop our identity and sound.

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Mat is also known as Portamento...

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The Importance of Breaks in Music Production

The true power of the Pomodoro Technique is found not only in the structured work periods but also in the intentional use of breaks.

These short interludes are opportunities for restorative practices. Engaging in light stretches can alleviate the physical strain of studio work, while brief mindfulness exercises can clear mental clutter. Some producers use these breaks to experiment with new synth patches or sketch out unrelated melodic ideas, keeping their creative muscles limber.

Managing Distractions

In today's digitally connected world, managing distractions is paramount. Implementing the Pomodoro Technique encourages the establishment of a distraction-free environment. Silencing notifications, batching communications, and setting clear boundaries during work intervals can safeguard those precious moments of concentrated effort.

Enhancing Productivity and Completing Tracks

Ultimately, the Pomodoro Technique serves as a valuable tool for electronic music producers aiming to enhance their studio productivity and, crucially, finish more tracks for release. It fosters a heightened awareness of time, promotes focused effort, and provides a framework for navigating the multifaceted demands of the music creation process.

By embracing its principles and tailoring them to individual workflows, producers can cultivate a more disciplined and rewarding journey from initial idea to polished release. This structured approach can be particularly beneficial for students enrolled in music production courses, offering them effective time management strategies essential for a successful career in music.

This practical application not only equips you with essential time management skills but also culminates in tangible outcomes.

Upon completing our Advanced Course, students have the opportunity to release their EP on our in-house label, Fresh Beats Records, offering a platform to showcase their work to a broader audience.

This integration of focused productivity techniques with real-world release opportunities exemplifies LSEM's commitment to nurturing the next generation of electronic music producers.

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Sign up for our Music Production Courses – Foundation and Advanced levels

Ambitious about turning your tracks into label-ready releases?

The 1:1 Mentoring Program and Music Production Courses at LSEM equip you with the tools, guidance, and insider perspective to break through.

Our courses, tailored for producers of all skill levels, start from the beginning and guide you towards creating a distinctively unique sound. From house and techno to leftfield club cuts, you’ll be mentored by seasoned producers who bring both creative insight and technical precision to every session. > Visit our website or get in touch at admissions@l-sem.com.

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