TRACK 1: Finishing Track

Building a "finishing muscle" is the core skill that separates hobbyists from working sync composers.

💡 Core Principle: 80% of a track's value is created in the first 20% of time spent.

Core Philosophy Resources

• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott - Coined "shitty first drafts" concept

🔗 Free chapter: https://wrd.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/1-Shitty First Drafts.pdf

• The Creative Act by Rick Rubin - Philosophy from one of music's most prolific producers
• Making Music: 74 Creative Strategies by Dennis DeSantis - Practical frameworks for every production stage

The 20-Hour Rule

80% of a track's value is created in the first 20% of time spent. Beyond that point = diminishing returns.

Practical Application:

• Set hard deadlines (arrangement: 2 hours, mixing: 4 hours)
• Use timers during sessions
• When timer ends, track is "done"
• Move to next project

Converting MIDI to Audio

Printing MIDI to audio removes infinite tweaking temptation.

The Psychology: Every uncommitted MIDI track = open decision draining creative energy.

Workflow:

• Bounce MIDI to audio at end of each session