How to Make Your Own Music Mixes for Free

• Step 1

  Choose a theme for your mix: driving songs, holiday songs or simply your favorite songs this week. Pick songs that fit your theme. If you're planning to burn a CD, it will hold about 80 minutes of music, which is about 20 songs. A computer playlist, memory stick or MP3 player is limited only by the capacity of available memory.

• Step 2

  For any format, arrange the sequence of the songs with an ear for mood and tempo and segue, or how one song complements the ones before and after. Pay attention to the beginning, middle and end of the playlist. It's like a story: You want a good song to start off, something in the middle to keep interest going and a boffo ending.

• Step 3

  If a song is on a CD, you will need to convert it to an MP3 file, a process known as ripping. Most media software programs work the same way. Check your user manual for specific instructions. Insert the CD into the computer. The media program will recognize the CD and will display title, artist and tracks.

• Step 4

  Choose import settings, including a bit rate of 128 kbps or higher. (The higher the bit rate, the better the sound, but the larger the file.)

• Step 5

  Import or rip the CD or select the songs you want and rip them separately.

• Step 6

  Create your playlist, which is similar to creating a new folder. You can bring songs into the playlist by dragging and dropping, or other methods specific to your software. Rearrange them according to the sequence you have determined. Test play as you go.

• Step 7

  Burn the playlist to a CD or transfer it to a memory stick or MP3 player.

• 3
• A computer Source material -- music on CDs, or MP3 files All-in-one digital media software such as iTunes, Windows Media Player or Media Center
• A computer
• Source material -- music on CDs, or MP3 files
• All-in-one digital media software such as iTunes, Windows Media Player or Media Center
• You can convert tapes and vinyl to MP3 format by connecting players to your computer and using software such as Roxio Creator, Nero or Audacity, or by using special tape decks or turntables designed for the job.
• You can convert tapes and vinyl to MP3 format by connecting players to your computer and using software such as Roxio Creator, Nero or Audacity, or by using special tape decks or turntables designed for the job.
• Avoid breaking copyright laws. Use music you already own for playlists and CDs and do not sell them.
• Avoid breaking copyright laws. Use music you already own for playlists and CDs and do not sell them.

References & Resources

• Windows Media Player playlists
• Nero Trial Downloads
• Roxio Creator Trial Download
• Computing at Wellesley College