Mac Mini M2 Pro 1 Week Later – How I Use it as a Musician

Let’s check in to see how I’m using my new Mac Mini M2 Pro one week later! I really love this computer, and it’s made my workflow a lot faster.

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Email

I know it sounds mundane, but every day I check my email. I just use the built-in Mail app on my computer (but I use Gmail on my phone and iPad).

On my last computer, I had an email signature that I really loved, but I couldn’t easily just transfer it to this new computer, since I didn’t set it up with a backup.

But it was actually really easy to recreate my email signature because I used Honeybook’s free email signature generator!

I just input all the information I wanted to include, and gave links to my social media profiles. These are all clickable within my email signature and it just looks super smooth and professional.

I’m not sponsored by Honeybook, but I do have a referral code! I use this site to manage the invoices and contracts for my private studio, and it’s very easy to automate the office work that goes into teaching music lessons.

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Zoom

Since I teach both traditional and online lessons, I use Zoom every single weekday. On my last computer, it was a little slow, sometimes I’d encounter the spinning rainbow circle, and other times, my computer just wouldn’t recognize my AirPods.

On the Mac Mini M2 Pro, it runs fast, and I think my webcam even looks a little clearer! The little computer doesn’t even seem to break a sweat after hours of video calls.

One of my favorite new Apple features is the fact that I can use my iPhone as a second camera! Apple’s intention for this feature was for users to attach their phone to their computer for a higher quality webcam, but I like to use it as a closeup camera to show hand positions for piano and details on my string instruments!

One thing to note about Mac Mini vs. a laptop is that there’s no built-in camera or microphone. You’ll either need to buy a monitor with these features, or attach your own webcam and microphone via USB A or C.

Notion

I’ve started using Notion on this new computer, and it runs really smooth! Maybe I’ll make some content on how music teachers can use Notion…

Safari

I use Safari as my main browser, because Chrome really slowed down my last laptop. Now I’m just used to it and love the integrations of Apple’s passwords feature, so I plan to just stay here.

I’ve had a few small problems with Safari, but I think it stems from using Private Relay. I turned that feature off, and everything’s run smoothly ever since.

Google Drive

I use Google Drive just about every day to organize my files. I especially use it for teaching–I have a large folder called “Sheet Music” where I have pdf scans of most of the music I use to teach with, divided by instrument and level.

Everything is quick and easy.

Noteflight

My music notation software of choice is Noteflight, which is accessed through their website, rather than an app. I’ve had a few problems with Noteflight on this computer, but it’s all bugs I’ve encountered before that I believe are on Noteflight/Safari’s end.

Either way, everything loads a bit faster on the new computer, and I love having a large monitor to work on.

DaVinci Resolve

I use DaVinci Resolve as my video editor for YouTube videos and recording projects. On my last computer, I couldn’t easily watch my clips in playback. The rendering was too hard for my 2015 MacBook Pro to handle, so everything was laggy and jerky. I couldn’t even watch transitions! I just had to guess, and check that the final exported project looked right.

Now, everything is buttery smooth and lightning fast. It’s so exciting that I can really watch and preview my projects as I’m working on them!!! (the things we take for granted on old tech, right?!)

Audacity

In today’s video, I tested Audacity on the new Mac Mini M2 Pro! It was fast and easy to use, and, while I was getting used to a new version than I had on my last computer, it handled edits easily. Everything is quick with little to no wait time for rendering.

Canva

I use Canva all the time to make thumbnails for video, studio advertisements, and worksheets. I find that the app works so much faster on my new computer than it did on my laptop!

Final Thoughts (for today)

I really love my Mac Mini M2 Pro 1 week later! It’s made my workflow quick and easy, and I think this upgrade will last me a long time. I’m excited to see what else this little computer can do, and how it can work for me as a musician, especially as I plan a few upcoming recording projects!

Let me know if there are any other ways I should be using this computer!