How to finish tracks using the Kaizen Method
- Jan 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 25
Are you still tweaking that track? ;)
By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of the process and a step-by-step framework for finishing your music.
For the first few years of making music, I didn’t really have any frameworks. I mostly just started new projects and, sometimes, I’d get to the finish line, other times, I wouldn’t.
That approach worked for a while, especially when I was still focused on learning and wasn’t all that serious about the craft. I loved making music but was definitely in the amateur mindset.
Once I decided to 'turn pro' (basically, take being an artist seriously), I started to use and appreciate frameworks more. I wanted tools that could reduce friction and make the process more consistent and enjoyable.
I always prioritise creativity and flow when making music, so the frameworks I gravitated towards had to work in a way that allowed for that.
That’s how I ended up falling in love with the 5-step Kaizen Method for finishing my tracks.
I’ll break it down step-by-step after sharing some insight into the philosophy and process of finishing music—because let’s face it, that’s one of the hardest parts of creating.
Why finishing music is so hard
Generating ideas is playful and free. It’s where you jam with sounds, add new elements, and let your creativity flow in any direction. The stakes are low, and the possibilities feel endless.
That’s the part most of us enjoy the most.
But it’s also where many of us get stuck.
Here’s why: arranging, mixing and polishing those ideas requires precision and deliberation.
As your track progresses, every decision becomes more dependent on the context of what’s already there.
When the idea is only 20% finished, there’s plenty of room for experimentation and happy accidents. Nearly everything you do feels like it adds to the track.
When your track is 80% finished, though, it’s a different story. The room for mistakes and wild experimentation shrinks. At this stage, every decision you make has the potential to either elevate or ruin the track.
Each choice requires more intention and precision.
Think of it like a sculptor working on a clay statue. At the start, they can make big changes, adding or removing chunks of clay, to get closer to the general shape of the statue.
As they move closer to the final form, each adjustment becomes more subtle and precise. The margin for error grows smaller. A poorly thought-out change could ruin the delicate details they’ve spent hours refining.
The final 10% of the process is where the difference between a good statue and a magnificent one becomes clear.
The same applies to music. The closer you get to the final form of your track, the more each decision must be intentional, precise, and work within the context of the whole piece.
The value of finishing
Here’s why finishing music is so important: the more tracks you finish, the better you become at making those final, deliberate decisions.
It’s during the final stages of production that your idea either shines or falls apart. This stage has the most leverage to enhance, or detract from, the overall impact of your track.
Having a framework that helps you navigate this process while bringing out the best in each track is priceless.
That’s where the Kaizen Method comes in.
The Kaizen Method: a framework for finishing tracks
The Japanese word kaizen translates roughly to “continuous improvement”. That’s the foundation of this method: working with your nearly finished track in a way that allows you to refine it step by step without killing your creativity.
Here’s how it works:
Start with the full-length track. Your track’s full length is its final form. That’s how the story is told, and how the listener experiences it. Use this format to identify improvements.
Listen critically and take notes. Play through the track from start to finish without stopping. Write down anything that feels off or 'sticks out' to you, moments that are too busy, sections that lack purpose, elements that clash or get lost or awkward transitions. Be as specific as you can.
Make only the changes you’ve noted. Go back to your project and address the issues on your list. Avoid making additional tweaks, stick to the notes.
Take a break. Close the project and step away. Give your ears time to reset, then come back fresh the next day (or later).
Repeat until finished. Once you can listen through the full track and nothing stands out as needing improvement, it’s finished. You’ve taken it as far as your skills and taste allow.
Why it works
The Kaizen Method separates listening from tweaking, which makes a huge difference. When you focus solely on listening, you can hear the track as a whole without getting distracted.
The breaks between sessions also allow your ears and mind to refresh, making you more objective.
I’ve used this method hundreds of times, sometimes working on multiple tracks back-to-back in a single day. It’s transformed how I approach finishing music, turning what once felt like a chore into a clear, manageable process.
Try it yourself
If you’re struggling to finish tracks, I encourage you to try the Kaizen Method at least once.
Follow the steps exactly, no shortcuts. It might feel slow at first, but trust me, the results are worth it.
If this resonated with you, you might enjoy working with me 1-on-1. I can help you make more creative and professional music. Find all the details here.
Keep creating, keep exploring, and most importantly, have fun.
Finishing music doesn’t have to feel like a grind. With the right framework, it can be just as rewarding as starting something new.
Big love
Eryk Kabay
Ready to action? Whether you’re feeling stuck or looking for that final professional polish, I’m here to help you cut through the confusion and make your tracks shine. Let’s get your music sounding its absolute best and ready to be released into the world.
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