As discussed in Simplifying Playlist Management, you can use a computer to track your Playlist. Here you’ll find an Excel document that you can use to get started, as well as a version with bigger squares in case you prefer:
You can customize as you wish, but here’s some information about how the document is currently set up:
- # column let’s you keep track of the order in which pieces were added. This will allow you to sort either chronologically or by title. You can always delete this if you don’t want it.
- Piece/Base and Version columns are meant for each piece’s title, giving the option of putting the “main” part of the title (e.g., “Dreams Come True”) under the Piece/Base column, with any variation/arrangement/key alterations (e.g., “Chords,” “Accompaniment,” “(C),” “(D),” “(E),” “V1,” “A2,” etc.) in the Modification Name column. This will allow you to sort either by the basic piece title or by the different kinds of alterations we do, e.g., in case you would like to have all your variations or arrangements or songs in a particular key all together in your list. You can always delete the Version column if you prefer.
- 37 daily columns mimic the paper Playlist, providing enough space so that any given full month can be accommodated.
- Month/day is provided at the very top for all columns. Each month, all you need to do is enter the correct date for the yellow-highlighted first Monday column, and all the other dates update automatically. If the first day of the new month isn’t a Monday, then enter the date for the Monday right before the first of the month. Not only will all the dates automatically update, but the main body of the spreadsheet will fill with Xs the columns for any of the extra days of the last or next month so that they won’t prove a distraction when you mark your list.
- Highlighting and thicker weekly vertical border lines make it easy to see across from a piece’s name to any given practice date for marking checks. You can alter the coloring as you wish.
- Length is set to fill two full pages which can be printed duplex (back-to-back) to save paper. As one’s repertoire grows, additional rows can be added as needed, and the Playlist will extend onto as many pages as needed.
- Column headings will automatically print on every page, as will a Header including the date your are printing and page numbers to help you quickly identify where you are in your Playlist as it grows.
Because of the differences among students/groups, the actual content of the Playlist can’t be standardized, which is why only a blank version is provided here. However, as mentioned in Simplifying Playlist Management, you can now type all your titles once and never have to type or write them again. Once a month, you’ll print your list. During each month, you’ll handwrite any new pieces learned as well as all practice checks. When you’re ready for a new playlist, just type in those new pieces learned, print, and you’re good to go for another month.
