# NotchNook music controls: a workflow at the top of your Mac

A track change should be a small action. NotchNook puts playback controls in the Nook so you can deal with music near the top of the screen and return to your work.

## Use your normal music source

Start playback in Spotify, Apple Music or another application exposed by macOS as Now Playing. Open the Nook and check the current track information and playback controls.

If more than one app is playing, choose which media source the Nook follows. This is useful when a browser video and a music app are both active and you want the controls to stay attached to the one you are listening to.

## Keep the interaction short

Try this during a task that normally keeps you in one window, such as writing a document or editing an image. Pause the track, resume playback or move within it from the Nook, then return to the same task.

The useful measure is how quickly the music action is finished. You do not need to redesign your whole desktop around a media panel; give it the single job of keeping playback close.

## Pair music with one other tool

During a [focused work session](https://locafe.app/journal/a-workday-with-notchnook/), keep a [short note or timer](https://locafe.app/journal/notes-tasks-and-a-focus-timer/) in the same Nook. Your writing window remains the main workspace, while music and a small reminder are nearby.

If track information does not match what you expect, first check which source is selected and whether playback is active in that application. The official music guide goes into the media panel in more detail.

## Resources

- [NotchNook by lo.cafe](https://locafe.app/notchnook/)
- [Official download](https://getnotchnook.com/download)
- [Official music guide](https://getnotchnook.com/guides/notchnook-music-controls)

[All articles](https://locafe.app/journal/)

## Continue reading

- [NotchNook notes, tasks and timers: one focused work session](https://locafe.app/journal/notes-tasks-and-a-focus-timer/)
- [Understanding NotchNook’s macOS permissions](https://locafe.app/journal/notchnook-macos-permissions/)
- [A working day with NotchNook: music, meetings and files](https://locafe.app/journal/a-workday-with-notchnook/)