Your instructor, James Patterson—currently the best-selling author in the world—lets you know what he has planned for your class and what you'll need to learn to start writing your own best-sellers.
Getting into the proper mindset is an essential first step to writing a best-seller. This lesson explores James's secrets for staying focused, productive, and motivated.
How do you recognize a great idea? How do you figure out if it's worthy of your effort? James spells out the techniques he uses to generate his ideas and then separate the good ones from the less compelling ones.
With the right plot, your reader won't be able to stop turning the pages. In this lesson, James measures out his unique approach to developing plot lines that keep readers wanting more.
For James, conducting in-depth research not only makes his writing better, it also boosts his credibility with his readers. Find out when and how James conducts his research and how he incorporates it into his writing in a thoughtful way.
James' secret weapon is a comprehensive outline. Learn how he sets himself up for a fast and successful first draft. No matter what, don't skip this lesson!
James has never shown the outline for his best-seller Honeymoon to anyone (not even his publisher) until now. Follow along with the outline provided in your Class Workbook as James further explains his process.
Even when you've written as many books as James has (76 best sellers and counting), there's still nothing scarier than staring at the blank page. Here's how to conquer those fears.
From Alex Cross to Michael Bennett, James has mastered the art of creating complex and memorable characters. Hero to villain, learn how to make your character stay with your reader well beyond the last page.
Grab your reader's attention quickly and make them hold on for dear life. James shares his tips for getting your reader hooked from the very first line.
Dialogue should always push the story forward. Listen to James explain a few common dialogue pitfalls and easy ways to avoid them.
James is well known for his numerous short and snappy chapters. Learn how he propels the reader through the book with an outline as his roadmap.
The secret to suspense is...
We've all read great books with terrible endings. Of the infinite possible endings, learn how James chooses the right one.
James is liberal with a red pen; his editing is key to keeping the reader engaged. Learn how to trim the fat with our interactive editing assignment.
When does James decide to use a co-author and is it a true collaboration? In this lesson, we meet two of his most trusted co-authors who share their process for making a collaboration truly successful.
Author of 76 best-sellers and holder of the Guinness World Record for the first person to sell over 1 million eBooks, James knows a thing or two about getting published. In this lesson he shares what he's learned.
Readers do judge books by their covers. What should they think about yours?
Before publishing his first book, James was an executive at a top ad agency in New York. Find out what James learned from his time in advertising and how he used it to change the book marketing game.
What happens when Hollywood takes an interest in your story? Sit back and listen as James shares the best and worst moments from his time on the set.
Every master begins as a student. James shares his long, winding path to becoming the world's best-selling author.
You've been given the tools to help write your next book. Now what?
Meet your instructor, Usher Raymond IV. In this chapter, Usher shares what you'll take away from his MasterClass, and why he's excited for you to start your journey.
It's time to take the first step. Usher shows you how to find opportunities to perform, use social media to grow your audience, and leaves you with your first class assignment.
Creativity is fueled by inspiration. Find out about the unexpected places Usher gathers his inspiration and how to expand your own library of references.
What's the difference between imitation and inspiration? Watch as Usher shows you how to take favorite elements from gathered inspiration, and apply it to your future performances.
If you're a performer, your voice can be your most important instrument. Learn how to identify and expand your range, warm up your voice, and take care of it pre and post performance.
Mastering dance is all about discovering your own style. Usher explains how interpretation and individuality are the keys to a captivating dance performance. And yes, it involves a lot of practice.
All performers are actors. Usher shares techniques he mastered through years of trial and error so that you don't have to learn the hard way. At the end of this lesson you'll learn how to discover new parts of your personality with his creative assignment.
If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready. From pre-show rituals, rehearsal techniques and mindful meditation, Usher shares how he preps himself for exhilarating live performances.
Capture your audience's heart. Follow Usher as he shares his best tips on how to read a room, trust your instincts, and win over the crowd. He also breaks down one of the hardest performances of his life.
There's no such thing as perfect. Even superstars run into hurdles. If you aren't committed from the moment you walk on stage to the moment you walk off, the audience will know. Usher highlights the importance of perseverance, and what it means to put on a flawless show.
Usher walks you through his latest tour performances at London’s O2 Arena. If you missed his last world tour, you won’t want to miss this chapter.
Working with others isn't always easy. In this chapter, Usher guides you through his approach to collaboration, including insights into his work with artists such as David Guetta and Alicia Keys.
Usher breaks down his secrets to branding success so you can create your personal brand. From social media to sex appeal, Usher shares the tools you'll need to set yourself apart.
The road to yes is paved with a thousand no's. Learn how to navigate the pitfalls that line the path to success, and build the inner drive to lead you on your own journey.
Discover the Usher you've never seen before. Follow his life story, and get exclusive insight into one of entertainment's most successful careers, spanning over 25 years.
Usher leaves you with the most important takeaways from his MasterClass. He's given you his teachings. Now it's time to put them to work.
Annie Leibovitz's iconic photographs have appeared in museums, books, and magazines from Vanity Fair to Rolling Stone—and now she’s your instructor. In introducing her class, Annie reflects on her career and the power of telling stories with photography.*
Annie discusses portraiture and photojournalism, and what makes portrait photography so compelling for her as a medium. Learn why Annie loves the photo series and why a single image cannot truly "capture" a person.*
Annie breaks down her process for developing imaginative and creative concepts for her photo shoots, sharing examples from Tess Gallagher, Amy Schumer, Keith Haring, Whoopi Goldberg, and more.*
Annie discusses her philosophy around photography equipment, working with natural light, and the value of keeping your lighting kit small.
Annie talks about her approach to studio photography, her strong preference for shooting on location, and the role of environment in her portraiture.
Annie shares how she approaches working with a subject for a photo shoot, including refuting the popular notion that it's a photographer's responsibility to put a subject at ease.
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at Annie's photoshoot for Vogue magazine, where she captures the cast of Angels in America. Watch her and her team set up the photoshoot, effect her concept, and show the way she works with her subjects.
Annie discusses why your family and loved ones may be your best photography subjects and what opportunities come from photographing subjects who are close to you.
Annie discusses the importance of self-reflection and explains why it's so important for every photographer to look back at their work.*
In this chapter, Annie shares how she approached transitioning from film to digital, and what starting out in the dark room can teach you. Annie also shares her perspective on focus and sharpness—and how above all else it's the content that matters.
Annie sits down with students from her alma mater, the San Francisco Art Institute, to critique their work and share her own approach to core principles of photography.
Annie brings you inside a photo shoot with the renowned chef Alice Waters. Learn how Annie built the concept for the photos, conducted research, and prepared for the shoot.
Annie gives you an exclusive look into her digital post-production process, and shares her thoughts about what it means to be a photographer and creative artist.
Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Frank, Alfred Stieglitz, and Richard Avedon—Annie introduces us to the photographers who have inspired her, sharing the personal lessons she has derived from their work.*
Learn how Annie’s artistic journey impacted her evolution as a photographer—from the inspiration of family photos to the San Francisco Art Institute and Rolling Stone. *Lessons marked with an asterisk contain images with nudity.
Whether you’re a beginner or a budding champion, Serena Williams can teach you how to improve your game on and off the court.
Consistency is key in tennis. Experience the drills Serena’s father ran for her as a kid—drills she still runs every day as a pro.
Master baseline play with advanced footwork, backhand and troubleshooting techniques that Serena uses to challenge any opponent.
Serena teaches you how to turn defense into offense, when to anticipate and react, and how to open up the court for easy winners.
Serena Williams believes that tennis is 70% mental. Learn how to dig deep in tough situations from a player known for impossible comebacks.
Serena rarely comes to the net, but when she does, she makes it count. Learn proper approach, volley, and smash techniques.
The average women’s professional tennis match lasts two hours, but Serena trains to play all-out for four. Here she reveals her tips for staying in top shape, her pro drills, and how to keep it fun while putting in the hard work.
Serena starts a big match before she even steps out onto the court. Learn the physical and mental routines that take Serena to the Grand Slams over and over again.
Serena’s run of titles is otherworldly, but it all started with goals, heroes, and a lot of practice.
Serena’s serve is legendary. Weaponize your serve as Serena teaches you the mechanics that power 128mph of pure genius.
Meet Christina—your new vocal coach. Begin your training as Christina asks you to throw away your rule book and shares what she has planned for your class.
Christina learned the secrets of powerful performances from music legends like Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. Learn how to gather inspiration, tap into your emotions and embrace your flaws to better connect with your audience.
Your vocal cords are like any other muscle—you must stretch and warm them up before a performance. Let Christina walk you through the vocal warmups and exercises she uses to get ready for the show.
Your voice is an instrument. Learn to protect it as Christina talks about the top three things to avoid, adjusting to different environments, and cures to heal a strained voice.
Expand your vocal range with Christina. Learn her secrets for nailing those high notes and building your range. Use the Range Finder tool at the end of the lesson to put into practice what you've learned.
Through Christina's student critique, you will learn how changing your vocal placement and posture can add new dimension to your performance.
Watch as Christina coaches a student on projection, and reveals a vocal technique that allows you to emotionally connect with your listeners.
Learn the techniques Christina uses to achieve her gritty style on songs like Fighter. Through her critique of a pop vocalist, Christina demonstrates how grit and attitude can transform a performance from pop to rock.
Throw away your idea of sounding perfectly polished and learn how to use diction and enunciation to tell a story.
Harmony. Belting. Vibrato. Slides. Master these vocal techniques as Christina breaks them down for you step-by-step.
Christina demonstrates how to use different textures and tones, from gritty growl to haunting sadness, to emotionally charge a performance.
Master creating an unforgettable duet as Christina teaches you what to look for in a duet partner, how to perfect your timing, and how to navigate the rehearsal process.
Learn to perfect duets. In this lesson Christina breaks down the pitch, timing and emotion you'll need to captivate an audience with your partner.
Learn how to develop your inner-rhythm and experiment with beat to reinvent a performance. Watch Christina play with beat and tempo to breathe new life into Say Something and Aint No Other Man.
Christina shows you how to own the live mic. Learn the microphone techniques to create an incredible performance in any sized venue, anywhere.
Mic check. Christina breaks down the difference between live performance and studio time, as well as the microphone techniques she's perfected over her career. Then, get a rare glimpse into the recording booth as you watch Christina perform her iconic song 'Beautiful'.
Every singer gets performance anxiety, including Christina. Learn how to deal with your nerves and center yourself before a show.
Christina teaches you her approach to turning a studio performance into an engaging live performance. Watch her let loose on 'Fighter' and learn her tricks for pumping up an audience.
If you sang the wrong lyrics of the National Anthem at the Super Bowl, how would you recover? Christina reflects on the most difficult mistakes of her career and how to overcome them.
Christina shares her wisdom around finding yourself as an artist, ignoring the haters, and adjusting to the life of a successful artist.
Learn how to use your art to express your voice and challenge the opinions of those around you, while staying within your comfort zone. Christina challenged the norms of sexuality and shame with her music. What will you talk about with yours?
Christina reflects on her career journey and shares with you the most important lessons she's learned along the way.
Take the next step. Learn from Christina how to own the difficult moments and continue following your dreams.
Meet your new instructor, a self-taught filmmaker who's made films on all seven continents. Are you ready to become a 'soldier of cinema'?
Werner teaches you the importance of careful film analysis by deconstructing the opening scene of Viva Zapata, starring Marlon Brando.
If you want to master storytelling, don't just watch movies. Werner explains why reading is key to becoming a great filmmaker and shares passages from his mandatory reading list.
Forget the three-act screenwriting structure. Werner reveals how he draws on poetry and Beethoven to inspire scripts that capture his vision in words.
You don't need millions to make a movie. With $10,000 and an extraordinary idea you can start the journey toward bringing your project to the screen.
Film is an art—but it's also a business. Werner shares his insights into the industry to help you learn how to protect your stories.
Jungles, oceans, and volcanic craters—Werner has shot movies in them all. Learn how to find spectacular locations and turn them into functional sets for your own films.
When Christian Bale had to eat real maggots in Rescue Dawn, Werner offered to eat them first. Here, he explains the power of leading by example to inspire your cast and crew.
In filmmaking, if you're on time, you're late. Be professional: Organize your set to tell the story, not to impress anyone. Forget the director's chair, turn off your cell phone, and stay close to your actors.
Keep it simple, focused, and efficient—don't shoot coverage. Learn how to use one camera to make the best film possible.
Learn how to paint with light, work with cinematographers, and bring your vision to life with extraordinary images.
Werner teaches the basic rules of cinematography—and how to break them—to maximize your creative vision.
Through casting, wardrobe, and behavioral ticks, Werner shares both the subtle and bold techniques for developing characters with your actors.
Werner breaks down how he directs actors on set and how to work with the best of the best, including Klaus Kinski.
Sound quality can make or break your film. Learn how to avoid lost footage and listen for the remarkable.
Learn how to communicate the mood you want for your music and how to work with composers to create amazing, memorable scores.
Editing begins on the set. Werner's methods are unique, and will give you a practical way to cut through the footage to make a beautiful film.
Inspiration can come from anywhere, but you have to know how to recognize it—and seek it out. Learn where Werner got the ideas for many of his most famous films.
Amazing stories are often a combination of discoveries. Werner breaks down the genesis of Fitzcarraldo and the development of scenes in Stroszek.
Werner discusses his techniques to "crack a human being open." Learn how to make your subjects comfortable, identify with them, and capture their humanity.
Werner breaks down the need for narrative discipline and "knowing the heart of men." Learn how to get to the heart of your subject and shape your story.
There are lines you should not cross. Learn from Werner's experiences filming Grizzly Man and Into the Abyss, and how to get to the heart of your subject quickly.
Ditch the 'fly-on-the-wall' approach to documentary filmmaking. Shape the 'ecstatic truth' to tell a beautiful and brilliant story.
Be one of the ruthless ones who burst onto the scene. Learn how to deal with rejection and take control of your career.
The life of a filmmaker is fraught with doubt, rejection, and constant battles for survival. Learn how to survive in an impossible industry.
Werner leaves you with the words of a medieval mystic and wishes you luck on your journey.
Meet Aaron. He's an Oscar winner, a TV hitmaker, and the writer of some of the smartest dramas ever to hit the screen. And now, he's your instructor.
Every great story is born from intentions and obstacles. Learn how to build the "drive shaft" that will set your script in motion.
How do you know if your idea is good enough to turn into a script? Aaron walks you through the steps every writer should take to test an idea—and decide whether it will work best in TV or film.
Aaron shares some of the decisions he made to develop some of his most unforgettable characters—like The Social Network's Mark Zuckerberg and The West Wing's Toby and Leo.
Your characters don't have to be like you—or even likeable. Drawing on examples from A Few Good Men and Steve Jobs, Aaron explains why he always empathizes with his characters even if he disagrees with them.
Good research is the key to a great script. Bad research is a waste of time. How can you tell the difference? Aaron shares lessons from Malice and The Social Network to help you gather the information you really need.
You have pages of research—now what? Avoid clunky exposition and learn how to seamlessly weave research into your story.
Aaron knows that the audience isn't just watching his work. They're participating in it, too. Learn how to write stories that will keep them engaged and entertained.
The rules of great drama aren't new. Here, Aaron explains how most of them were laid out more than 2,000 years ago by Aristotle in his Poetics, and how to use those lessons to become a diagnostician for your own story ideas.
Page numbers don't sound exciting, but they're a great tool for tracking the act-structure and pacing of your story.
Even Aaron gets writer's block. Learn how he gets unstuck and what writing tools he uses to make sure he's ready when inspiration strikes.
While workshopping J.J.'s script, Aaron shares his tips on writing action scenes that move as fast on the page as they will on the screen.
The offbeat characters in Jeanie's script are a hit with Aaron, who warns about the dangers of getting feedback from close-minded studio execs. (Warning: explicit content).
Discussing Roland's script, Aaron reveals a simple trick that writers can use to justify improbable events in their stories.
Evelyn's TV pilot kicks off a conversation about opening scenes and the importance of showing your audience something they've never seen before.
After workshopping Corey's script and learning about his background, Aaron discusses the importance of having confidence as a writer, and shares his own origin story, starting with his days as a struggling New York actor.
A great story is more than just a collection of great scenes. Learn how to give your script momentum from one beat to the next.
Your script only has one opening scene. Make it memorable by introducing your theme, grabbing the audience, and setting up your characters' intentions and obstacles.
In a study of a scene from Steve Jobs, Aaron explains how high stakes, strong intentions & obstacles, and competing tactics make for an exciting scene to write.
Aaron analyzes a classic scene from The West Wing: the scathing confrontation between President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) and Governor Robert Ritchie (James Brolin).
If you want to write Aaron Sorkin-worthy dialogue, learn from the master himself on how to make music with your words and put them to the test by performing your own scenes out loud.
Aaron does a deep dive into the musical nuances of dialogue in the Bartlet–Ritchie scene.
Rewrites aren't a sign of a bad script; they're a sign of a good writer. Hear how Aaron reworks and strengthens his screenplays during the rewriting process.
Rewrites aren't a sign of a bad script; they're a sign of a good writer. Hear how Aaron reworks and strengthens his screenplays with help from trusted advisors.
Aaron creates a virtual writers’ room to “break” part of the Season 5 premiere—an episode he's never seen.
Aaron discusses what is needed in the teaser of the show and how to reverse engineer a plot.
Aaron and the students continue to work together to break episode 501 of The West Wing.
How can research drive the plot forward? Aaron and the students discuss the limitations of the 25th Amendment as a plot point.
Take Aaron's advice: When you have great characters, use them. Learn how to keep your protagonists active.
Who's got a bad idea? Aaron and the students run through various plot ideas as the writers' room continues.
As Aaron says, "You don't have to assault the audience with plot." The writers discuss the value of pacing—plus the limits of reality within fiction.
Aaron and the students wrap up the virtual writers' room and discuss lessons learned.
You've got a screenplay—now it's time to pitch. Learn what questions Hollywood's decision makers will ask you during a pitch and how to effectively answer them.
Aaron turns the tables on his writers and pitches them his idea for a brand-new TV series called Mission to Mars.
In the final lesson, Aaron offers his parting wisdom and leaves you with one more assignment that will last the rest of your life.
Reba warmly welcomes you to the world of country music. As your teacher, Reba kicks off her MasterClass by sharing an early story about her father, what you will be learning, and what she hopes you will take away from her class.
Melody, lyrics, relatability. Learn how Reba assesses what makes a great country song, using examples from “Fancy”, Merle Haggard’s “Carolyn”, and others.
You don’t have to be the greatest singer in the world to pursue singing. Watch as Reba breaks down her tried and true warm up exercises, and teaches you the techniques she uses to protect her voice from strain and damage.
Welcome to the recording studio! From working with producers, to conveying authentic emotion in your recording sessions, Reba explains her own unique recording process.
See the Master in action. Watch as Reba records a brand new song in the studio, working with her band, producers, and engineers.
Learn the backstory of how Reba recorded one of her most infamous songs, "Fancy". Then, watch as Reba and the band break down the song to record a never-before-done acoustic version of the song.
There’s a lot to learn when it comes to creating an effective performance, both mentally and physically. Reba discusses the importance of feedback, psyching yourself up, and what you can learn from other performers.
Anyone in country music knows Reba is a mesmerizing performer. Learn her techniques on how to engage an audience through stories and charm while performing, including taking the audience on a rollercoaster with the set list.
Reba performs "Just Like Them Horses" exclusively for her MasterClass. Watch as Reba discusses the backstory and very personal inspiration for the song, and how to pull back when your emotions are about to take over.
Case Study: How to improve eye contact during your performance.
Case Study: How to convey the emotion behind your songs in your performance.
Case Study: Sometimes being different in the country music industry is good.
Case Study: How to use breath control to deliver your song effectively.
The country music industry is unlike any other music industry in the world. Reba walks you through what makes the country music business special, and what it’s been like to be a woman in country music.
Reba offers her wisdom on what it takes to create a long-lasting career in the music business. From networking, managing your finances, to work ethic, Reba breaks down skills that have led to her success.
When it comes to the music business, you need the right people around you. Learn how to build your team, choose a manager, and kick off your singing career.
Reba’s look has changed throughout her career. Watch as Reba breaks down the decision behind every look, and why it’s important to have a visual brand.
It’s not just what you do—but how you do it. Learn the core values of how Reba conducts her life and business, and how she has managed a graceful 40-year career.
From Oklahoma ranch girl to Country Music Hall of Fame member, Reba discusses her journey in the music business, and how she has achieved everything she has.
Reba closes her MasterClass with some final thoughts for you to apply on your journey.
Reba performs her Grammy-winning hit "Does He Love You" exclusively for her MasterClass.
Welcome to the deadmau5 studio. Meet Joel, the man behind the mau5head, and learn what he's got planned for your class in electronic music production.
It's all about experimentation. Learn Joel's unique approach to the music creation process and how to get the most out of your time in the studio.
Get in the studio and watch how deadmau5 music takes shape in real time: from an empty project to beginnings of a track.
Ready to start building out your home studio and making tracks of your own? Here's Joel's advice for what gear you need and what you don't.
Whether you've had musical training or not, you can use these deadmau5 techniques to start drawing melodies into your DAW and creating loops that resolve.
Here's how deadmau5 takes basic chord structures and spreads them out across different instruments to make full arrangements including bass parts and leads.
Once you've got a chord structure and an arrangement, it's time to build the unique instrumental sounds that give your track its character. It all starts with learning the basics of synthesis.
Don't be intimidated by the wall of knobs and flashing lights. For deadmau5, modular synths are all about messing around and finding unexpected sounds. Watch how he builds and tweaks his patches from scratch.
Analog synths are a big part of the deadmau5 sound and a great way to add creative elements to your productions. Hear the difference for yourself when Joel plays some of the same patches on digital and analog equipment.
Learn how deadmau5 puts life back into tired presets, builds big stereo images and fattens up his basses using plug-ins and effects processors.
The kick drum is the heartbeat of an electronic music track. Learn how Joel layers his kick drum samples to lay the groundwork for big, danceable grooves.
Dive deeper into deadmau5's rhythmic techniques, with lessons on snare sounds and a closer look at the drums tracks in Snowcone.
You've developed your chord structure, arranged it with exciting synth sounds and added drums -- now deadmau5 shows you how to combine all those elements into an exciting song
Learn how deadmau5 works when he's remixing other artists, and what he likes to hear when other artists remix him.
Good producers need to know how to write original music and how to mix it to sound great. Here are some important techniques Joel uses to shape his tracks in the mix.
Unlike a lot of other artists, deadmau5 masters all of his music himself. Learn the basics of his approach to gain structure, EQing and limiting.
Go plugin by plugin through Snowcone's master chain and hear how each piece is affecting and honing the track's sound.
Joel puts on his label-manager's-hat to talk about what he looks for when he's signing up and coming EDM artists, and offer advice about how develop your brand and promote it the right way.
Major labels can be major headaches, or worse. Here's some of what's Joel's learned about navigating the logistics of a recording career.
It takes effort and planning to play a set that's creative and keeps your audience engaged. Here's how to take your music from the studio to the stage.
Gigging and touring as an EDM artist means learning and managing lots of gear. These are Joel's techniques for keeping things running smoothly on the road.
Performance is about more than just making great music. For deadmau5, your live show's got to give audiences an experience they'll never forget.
You've made it through the class and learned all types of skills. Now here's Joel's advice for how to start putting it to use.
Meet your new instructor, the Academy Award-winning composer of over 150+ films spanning multiple genres.
Hans has created some of the most memorable themes in film. Learn how he creates a theme, and how simplicity is his best tool to maintain a theme.
Discover how Hans approaches writing to story and his number one rule for film composers.
Learn how Hans works with directors, including what he needs to learn from the director in order to start writing - sometimes even before the film is shot.
Learn how to effectively have a conversation with the director throughout the film process.
Hans continues his discussion on what makes a great director and what makes a great relationship between composer and director.
Hans is known for creating unique sound palettes. Learn how and why he does it, and how to do it on your own.
Hans is known for his use of synths. Hans discusses how he uses synths, as he creates a song from his starter patch for us.
Hans discusses how to score to different types of scenes, as well as recognizing when a scene doesn't need a score.
Learn how Hans approaches the relationship between music and dialogue, and how music can be dialogue too.
Your editor is your drummer. Learn how to recognize the tempo to a scene and edit to it.
Hans continues his tempo discussion with how he scored an extremely well-edited scene from Sherlock Holmes.
Hans creates music diaries to each film to help him along. Learn how and why he does it as he walks through his diary for Sherlock Holmes.
Learn how Hans gets to know his characters in order to create memorable themes for them.
What makes Batman's theme in The Dark Knight Trilogy so recognizable? Learn how he developed the theme by thinking about the story and character.
Hans fell in love with the Joker, and created a haunting tune from just one vibrating note. Watch as he discusses how the story and character's impact on the story helps create the theme.
"Pirates were the rock-n'-rollers of the middle ages." Hans breaks down how he created Jack Sparrow's theme by finding the tone for the movie first.
For Frost/Nixon, Hans had to score to a dialogue-heavy film. Learn his approach to creating a minimal but beautiful score.
Learn how Hans accentuated the tension in the already-tense boat scene from The Dark Knight.
Learn how to find and write for the best musicians and instruments for your score.
Hans discusses the important of earning your musicians' respect and how to effectively communicate with them.
Hear from Hans on how he makes sure he's getting the best performance he can while recording an orchestra.
Not every score is perfect on the first try. Learn how Hans asks for feedback on his scores and how he approaches rewrites when it's not quite working.
The true test - learn how Hans approaches showing a score to an audience and how he determines if it's working or not.
Hans gives you the tips and tricks he's learned over the years on how to approach writing music.
Hans provides insights into how to make sure you aren't limiting your creativity when writing.
Learn how Hans fell in love with storytelling and switched his career from a "radio star" to film composer.
Hans discusses the importance of learning how to listen and dissect music when it works and doesn't work.
All artists struggle with the challenges that come with pursuing a life in the arts. Hear Hans' advice on how to never give up and never compromise your voice.
Hans continues his discussion on an artist's life, telling you why he was inspired to pursue the life of a composer in the first place.
Listen to Hans' final words as he closes out his MasterClass and as you move forward in your career.
Welcome to Gordon Ramsay's kitchen. Meet the Michelin star chef and learn what he has got planned for his students.
Learn how Gordon became one of the most recognizable chefs in the world. Hear how his passion for cooking brought him from his mother's home to some of the world's greatest kitchens.
Take a tour of Gordon's own kitchen as he shares the design concepts driving its layout. He'll show you how just a few good pots, pans, utensils, and a hot plate are all you need to get cooking.
Do ugly vegetables taste better? Which are the most versatile herbs? Gordon shows you how to select great produce to create phenomenal dishes.
Learn how to make perfect poached eggs every time as Gordon shows you how to master one of his go-to breakfast dishes.
Knife skills: The basics are so important. Gordon shows you how to properly sharpen and hold these critical tools, and the best ways to practice and improve your knife skills.
Even in a restaurant kitchen, cooking eggs is one of the most difficult tasks. Learn how to make the perfect scrambled eggs and elevate them by adding sea urchin and white truffle.
Butchery 101. Learn how to get every ounce of goodness from a chicken by breaking it down into parts.
Ditch dry chicken. From the stove to the oven, learn how Gordon creates a simple, yet delicious entrée using this humble protein. You won't want to miss the way Chef Ramsay roasts his root vegetables before plating this dish.
Learn Gordon's top tips on what to look for at the fishmongers to make sure you only get the best quality ingredients.
Gordon details his path for mastering his craft, from opening his first restaurant, to gaining his third Michelin star, and to building a culinary empire.
Do you find the thought of tackling a whole fish intimidating? Gordon gives you a step-by-step tutorial on how to fillet a whole salmon.
Gain essential tips and tricks for cooking skin-on fish fillets. Gordon shows you how to perfectly cook salmon and create a delicious, light supper with an elegant shellfish and vegetable minestrone.
While studying in Italy, Gordon learned the process of creating handmade fresh pasta for incredible Italian dishes. Now, he's sharing what he's learned with you.
Gordon shows you how to roll out delicate, paper thin pasta that's perfect for ravioli, tortellini, fettuccine, and a variety of other noodles.
Since its opening, only one dish has remained on the menu at three Michelin star Restaurant Gordon Ramsay: lobster ravioli. Now, Gordon shares the recipe for its signature filling and shows you how to shape and fill your ravioli to perfection.
Gordon didn't always have the luxury of cooking with expensive ingredients. Here he shows you how to get the most from a variety of cuts of beef, lamb and pork.
He's served over a million of this classic dish all around the globe! Now, Gordon demystifies his iconic Beef Wellington for you to share this showstopper with friends and family.
The path hasn't always been easy for Gordon. Listen to his universal advice for how to succeed.
Wrap up your MasterClass with a few final words of encouragement from Gordon.
Welcome to Shondaland. Meet Shonda, the woman behind some of television's biggest and most talked about hits, and learn what she'll teach you about the craft of writing for television.
Shonda discusses the importance of knowing your television history and how you can learn some of the fundamentals of storytelling on your own.
It all begins with an idea. Shonda reveals her process for finding and assessing ideas, and determining what makes a great idea for a TV series.
Show titles, story bibles, tone, structure - Shonda walks you through how to take your idea and turn it into a fully-fleshed out concept.
Effective research can make your story come to life. Using case studies from Scandal and Grey's Anatomy, Shonda discusses her techniques and method for conducting research for her stories.
Meredith Grey, Olivia Pope, Cristina Yang - Shonda has created some of the most memorable characters to grace television. In this chapter, Shonda breaks down how she approaches the character development process.
Shonda shares her techniques on how to effectively develop and evolve your characters when writing your stories, including when and how to kill off characters.
You can't make a TV show without pitching it first. Shonda shares how she originally pitched Grey's Anatomy to network executives and her top tips for how to deliver an effective pitch.
Shonda breaks down the five acts of television and what needs to be accomplished in each one to tell an effective story in a one-hour drama.
You have your premise, your characters, and your research. Now it's time to write your script. Shonda talks about her own process for preparing to write a script, including how to create beat sheets and outlines.
Writer's block? No time? Shonda breaks through the myths of writing and details how exactly she gets her writing done.
When it comes to television, the pilot is everything. Shonda discusses the key ingredients to what makes a great pilot, including discussing her alternative opening scenes for the show Scandal.
Shonda shares her tips on how to write realistic and engaging dialogue for your characters.
Shonda breaks down the Grey's Anatomy pilot act-by-act and shares why she made certain story decisions.
Shonda continues to break down the Grey's Anatomy pilot act-by-act.
Shonda breaks down the first act of the Scandal pilot, revealing why she structured the opening scene the way she did.
Shonda discusses act two of the Scandal pilot and the introduction of Olivia's White House storyline.
Shonda discusses act three of the Scandal pilot and how to balance various story lines in a single episode.
Shonda discusses act four of the Scandal pilot and the importance of quickening the pace of your action.
Shonda discusses the final act of the Scandal pilot and reveals how she set up the pilot for an entire season of episodes.
You've written the first draft - now comes the task of editing your script. Shonda reveals her own editing process and provides tips on the best things to cut in a script.
Shonda has never had a TV show last for less than six seasons. In this chapter, Shonda discusses what keeps people watching a show beyond the pilot.
In this case study, Shonda discusses how the scene between Olivia and Rowan Pope in the season three premiere of Scandal cleverly uses dialogue to reveal who the characters are, and the importance of the scene in the show's story.
Shonda reveals her top tips for networking, working entry-level jobs, and her thoughts on film school.
Shonda discusses what she looks for in writers when staffing her shows and how her own writers' rooms are structured.
Shonda talks about how a writer can best adapt to the fast-paced world of television production and the important lessons she has learned in over a decade of producing TV.
Becoming and being a showrunner is exciting, but it comes with immense responsibilities. Shonda talks through how she learned to become an effective showrunner.
Writing is not just a profession; it is a way of life. Shonda discusses the issue of "work/life balance" and the physical and mental habits to survive a writer's life.
Learn how Shonda went from being a Dartmouth and USC graduate to the queen of Thursday night.
Shonda wraps up her MasterClass with a few departing thoughts and suggestions for next steps.
Frank welcomes you to his MasterClass. He shares what he hopes you'll learn from him, and tells you exactly how he found architecture. Or did it find him?
Frank is considered one of the most creative and expressive architects in the world. In this chapter, he’ll share why it’s important to develop your own creative signature and how to embrace the creative insecurity you will inevitably experience.
Over the course of his storied career, Frank has developed a series of hard-won philosophies about design and architecture. In the next two chapters, he passes these philosophies on to you.
Frank dives deeper into the theories he considers crucial to every architect's design process.
Sometimes the best ideas begin as the craziest ideas. Frank shares a few of his tips for exploring the crazy ideas, and where to begin again if you're feeling stuck.
From the great sculptures by Bernini, to the fluid movement in Hiroshige's carp paintings, Frank has found inspiration for his buildings in a myriad of places. See how he translates, interprets, and adapts shapes and themes into his own designs.
Critics, clients, even the ebb and flow of the economy can have dramatic effects on the work that you do. Frank shares stories of how he has overcome these obstacles, and ended up seeing them as opportunities.
It started with an offhand comment about a fish. It turned into Frank Gehry's signature style. Learn about Franks fascination with movement, where it came from, and how he's able to add it to an inanimate building.
Frank knows the importance of communicating with clients. By including them at every step of the design process, your projects will gain order and personality. In this chapter, Frank shares how to make creative collaboration a priority.
Frank shares the highlights, and low points, of his time designing and constructing the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall. You'll learn the importance of being a master builder, prototyping your work, and collaborating with other experts.
Frank's high profile New York City highrise began as a study of movement. Learn how Frank collaborated with curtain wall experts to create 'Bernini folds' from metal panels.
When he starts a new project, Frank knows it's crucial to consider a building's surroundings. In this chapter, he'll share his techniques for situating his work within existing landscapes.
Being a master builder means staying on top of the latest in material advancements. Frank gives you a peek into his 'prototyping graveyard', where he tests materials that pique his interest, and looks for the humanity in the mundane.
Working with an architect is an enormous investment. Learn how you can honor your client's trust, and play an indispensable part in bringing their design goals to life.
Frank Gehry and Associates have been a bustling business since 1962, a monumental feat in the world of architecture. In this chapter, Frank shares how he runs an ethical, creative, collaborative, and profitable business.
If you're thinking of hiring a partner, or working for one, listen to these best practices Frank has honed over the years. The key? It starts with respect.
After unpacking his process and sharing what inspires him, Frank explains how the next generation of architects can engage and challenge tradition to create groundbreaking designs.
Meet Steve. He's one of the most accomplished comedians of all time, an acclaimed writer, actor, and musician. And now, he's your instructor.
No talent? No problem. Steve shares some ways that anyone can jumpstart their comedic journey. He didn't let a lack of talent slow him down and thinks you shouldn't either.
Inspiration is all around you if you know where to look. Steve teaches you how to keep your eyes open and reveals some of the most abundant sources of comedic material.
Figuring out what you have to say can be one of the most daunting tasks a comedian faces. Steve provides some effective techniques for identifying your own unique voice and channeling it into comedy.
It's not just what you say, it's how you say it. Steve explains how his own stage persona emerged and teaches you how to cultivate one that will take your material to the next level.
There are a million ways to get someone to laugh. Steve refutes the myth that you need a punchline to be funny and analyzes a number of joke structures that you can use to keep them in stitches.
The difference is in the delivery. Steve offers techniques for pacing, physicality, and timing to help you hone those jokes you've written for the stage.
So you've got some jokes - now what? Steve reveals how you can turn your material into a stageworthy act.
Steve sits down with a group of young comedians and gives Nalini hands-on guidance in the development of her very first stand up bit.
Steve examines one of Tim's bits and illustrates how he can heighten the comedy, connect with the audience, and streamline his performance.
A strong opening and closing are the keys to a memorable act. Steve talks about the importance of these moments and shows you how to use them to your advantage.
Steve discusses the questions that face every comedian when it comes to vulgarity and political correctness.
Excellence in comedy requires practice just like everything else. Steve examines how to learn from your mistakes, refine your material, and ensure that you are ready to take the next step.
Even Steve Martin has a bad show every now and then. But with his help, you can learn how to avoid common pitfalls, manage your stage fright, and make the most out of bombing.
Failure, rivalry, bad reviews: being a comedian is hard. Steve teaches you how to roll with the punches and advocates for a life of being in the arts.
Steve shares the processes he's used to create some of his most memorable characters and bring them to life on screen, based on his experience acting in over 50 films from Father of the Bride to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
Steve doesn't let writer's block trip him up, and neither should you. He reveals the storytelling exercises he's employed to write classics like The Jerk and Bowfinger.
Steve discusses his experience writing Roxanne, the inspirations behind some of its funniest scenes, and how he adapted a 19th century play into what became one of his most beloved films.
Steve believes that editing is one of a comedian's most powerful tools. In these lessons, he breaks down his own editing processes and illustrates how it can turn something good into something great.
With particular emphasis on the life of a written piece once it's in the hands of actors and directors, Steve continues discussing his editing practices. He then puts his critical eye into action to analyze Beth's sketch.
Steve uses his play, Meteor Shower, as a teaching tool to explain efficient writing, smart exposition, and practical character development.
Steve became the best by observing the best. Learn about the comedy legends that inspired him to pursue his passion and the impact they had on his craft.
Learn how Steve's love of performing took him from a childhood magic act to selling out arenas. And how he has now, finally, learned to relax.
Steve concludes his class by offering some parting advice and words of inspiration.
Featuring exclusive footage of a tribute to Tom Hanks at the Museum of Modern Art, Steve dissects some of his favorite speaking engagements and shares his process for delivering comedy gold in speeches.
David outlines what he'll cover in this class, and the best mindset you can have to learn how to write great drama.
Trying to understand drama? Look no further than everyday life. David teaches you how to recognize drama at its best—when it seeks to simply entertain, not teach.
Learn how drama functions as a form of myth, the ways in which it enlightens the complexities of humanity, and how it provides us with an outlet for expressing the issues that preoccupy us.
As a dramatist, your job is to tell a story. David teaches you how to keep your story simple by using Aristotle's Poetics as a guide. Learn how to keep your hero's journey at the heart of your narrative.
Start at the beginning of your story and don't stop until you reach the end. Throw away anything that isn't plot. David teaches you what to cut from your script and how to master the rules of writing.
David teaches you how to harness your fantasies and life experiences for drama. Look for drama in places where you'd least expect it and discover the inspiration behind several of his plays.
David teaches you what character really is—action. Learn how to create objectives for your characters and avoid the erroneous techniques commonly taught.
Plot is paramount. Become familiar with the essential ingredients of a plot like the precipitating event and the second-act problem. Learn how to find the plot hiding behind your scenes.
David shares with you the methods he uses to structure a plot and teaches you how to connect plot points.
Learn the ins and outs of the structure of a three-act play and how to achieve cohesion across acts.
David discusses the history of American Buffalo and delves into its plot, teaching you the symbolism of the eponymous coin and how the narrative speaks to viewers on a deeply human level.
David shares the inspiration behind Glengarry Glen Ross and discusses the differences between drama and tragedy.
Learn how David developed his style for writing dialogue, famously known as "Mamet-speak," and where to draw inspiration when trying to write great dialogue.
David talks about what informs and motivates dialogue, and how to achieve a musicality and rhythm in your character's speech pattern.
Writing drama is not the same as conveying information. A dramatist's job is to entertain, not bore, the audience. Learn how to recognize unnecessary narration and exposition and how to let the audience help you cut it out.
Every scene must contain three things. Learn what those are and how to recognize and remove scenes that are unnecessary to your script.
David discusses how he begins writing, the environment in which he likes to write, how he deals with writer's block, and how he looks to Hemingway for inspiration on how to begin writing.
David tells us that there isn't a fairy dust that will fix your script and explains the simple difference between him and an artist who spends his or her days simply dreaming about becoming a writer.
Learn how David reveres his audiences, what they are looking for when they come to the theatre, and how to learn from them.
Your responsibility as a writer: don't lie. David discusses how the audience comes to the theatre to hear the truth and how drama helps us search for the truth. He gives examples of conveying the truth from two of his most revered plays.
David continues talking about the truth in two of his most controversial works: Oleanna and Race.
Learn from David, in the role of the theatre director, on how he views what makes a great actor and how to cast the right ones for your play.
David tells us what he believes great actors should and shouldn't do.
The life of a dramatist is fraught with uncertainty, but dedication and passion towards your craft can lead you beyond consciousness.
David experiences the self-doubt common amongst writers. Learn how he overcomes it and the one thing you should avoid in order to forge a path towards becoming a writer.
David leaves you with parting words and an emotional story from one of his favorite science fiction novels.
Meet your new instructor: fashion icon and branding genius Diane von Furstenberg. Diane explains the goals of her MasterClass and the importance of acting with intention in your life.
Why do you want to be a designer? Diane challenges you to answer this question and gives advice on how to establish a foothold in the fashion industry.
Learn how to find inspiration for your designs. Art, nature, and color can all play a part in how your brand differentiates itself in the marketplace.
Learn how to position your product and brand within the market. Learn why your product needs to “stand” for something, and why your own perspective as a consumer is critical.
Diane explains the importance of market research, how to identify gaps in product offerings, and ways to measure up your competition.
From logos and names to building your brand portfolio, Diane breaks down how to craft your brand DNA.
Diane shares how she builds brand loyalty, communicates her brand’s story, and selects models.
Learn how to identify your consumers and build relationships with them. Brand loyalty depends on how deeply your consumer values your brand.
Social media has changed the way fashion brands interact with their consumers. Diane shares the best ways to approach marketing on these platforms.
Careful collaborations can drive your brand's growth. Diane shares her techniques for selecting brand partnerships, and avoiding pitfalls.
Diane and a student discuss inspiration, influences, and career dreams.
Diane talks to a rising designer about the roles of influences and muses.
Diane didn't go to fashion school, but she opened the industry’s doors anyway. Find out how she learned about the industry, advertising, and the power of the image in her early career.
Diane discusses how she launched—and re-launched—her iconic wrap dress.
Diane discusses failure and the importance of being true to yourself.
In the final lesson, Diane shares her philosophy and encourages you to get started designing your brand—and your life.
In this bonus chapter, Diane discusses her philanthropy and why she believes there’s nothing more important than generosity.
Meet Dr. Jane. She's one of the most accomplished scientists and conservationists of our time. And now, she's your instructor.
Learn how Dr. Jane's childhood aspirations took her from England's seaside to the forests of Africa.
Dr. Jane explains the challenges she faced during her initial work in Gombe and how she arrived at the one breakthrough that changed everything.
Dr. Jane goes into depth about how she studied complex behaviors in chimpanzees, including their usage of tools.
Dr. Jane’s discoveries weren’t all happy. Find out how she uncovered the darker side of our closest relatives.
Hear about the family bonds and infant development that Dr. Jane discovered while observing chimp families.
Dr. Jane teaches you some of the incredible secrets she’s uncovered about the intelligence of the animal and plant kingdoms, from chimps to trees.
According to Dr. Jane, there’s never been a more exciting time to study animal science. Hear how much she has learned about the remarkable similarities between chimps and humans and how much is still left to be uncovered.
After observing the similarities between chimps and humans, Dr. Jane believes that emotion plays an important role in science and that human beings might not be the only animal to display spiritual behavior.
Learn about the moment Dr. Jane turned from scientist to activist, and how she uncovered many problems facing chimps and humans.
Dr. Jane shares the three main problems challenging the health of our planet and explains how we mustn't lose hope in the face of these seemingly impossible problems.
The problems facing humans and animals are all interconnected. Learn how conflicts between humans and animals threaten both species.
Dr. Jane has observed many forms of animal cruelty. Here, she relates some of them in order to shed light on the problem and teach us how to give animals the respect they deserve.
Learn about the many kinds of waste we release into the environment and the effects they have on our interconnected world.
Water is one of our most precious resources. And yet, Dr. Jane says we take it for granted. Here’s how we should think about water before it's too late.
The destruction of forests is especially painful to Dr. Jane because of the emotional connection she has with trees. Learn about these incredible plants and the far-reaching effects of destroying forests.
The need to grow copious amounts of food to keep up with human population growth is harming our planet and our society, as Dr. Jane explains.
There is hope to combat the negative effects of industrial agriculture. Learn how organic farming helps restore forests, attract wildlife, and produce healthier and better tasting food.
You can become an activist today by choosing what you buy and what you eat. Learn how changing some small habits in your food consumption can have far-reaching effects on our environment.
It's easy to feel hopeless in the face of problems. But Dr. Jane teaches you the many ways you can help, and how we should think—and act—locally.
Dr. Jane is one of the best storytellers in the world. Learn her techniques for communicating effectively with anyone—even if that person doesn’t share your point of view.
Dr. Jane shares her tips for making presentations fun for her audiences - and for herself.
See how Dr. Jane communicates with climate change skeptics and companies who are harming animals.
We are on a downward path towards creating a planet that will no longer support human life. But Dr. Jane believes there is still hope for saving Earth, especially in young people.
Dr. Jane discusses the Jane Goodall Institute’s TACARE initiative, which gives local communities in Tanzania the tools they need to manage resources for long-term growth and sustainability.
An introduction to the origins of the Roots & Shoots program.
Learn the basic tenets of Roots & Shoots—and the meaning behind its name.
Dr. Jane contends that there are four main reasons for hope: the energy of youth, the power of the human brain, the resilience of nature, and the power of social media.
Dr. Jane ends her MasterClass by reminding us that our work has just begun—and that our greatest tool for creating change is the one that we all share: the indomitable human spirit.
Garry's teaching reflects his style of play: direct, dynamic, and ambitious. He shares what he will cover in this class, including concrete instruction for players at different levels.
Learn how a World Chess Champion thinks as Garry shares the tenets of his chess philosophy.
The double attack is a simple concept that can often be deadly. Garry offers elegant examples to show its power—and how to defend yourself from it.
Garry offers an in-depth study of the double attack to help you expand your practical portfolio.
Garry believes in the power of geometry. Through these positions, he shows how you can get the best out of your pieces—even the weak ones.
Missing a discovered attack can have dramatic consequences. Garry’s examples reveal how even top players can overlook this surprising move.
Not all pins are created equal. Understanding their effectiveness means understanding the power of paralyzing your opponent’s pieces, especially in the endgame.
Defense requires harmony, and knowing how to disrupt your opponent is critical. Garry shows how to identify an opponent’s target and then find a tactical way to destroy that defensive coordination.
The moment an opponent’s pieces lose their ability to counter threats, you can start building your attack.
The most destructive form of overload is when a piece has to watch for threats coming from different directions. Garry’s examples include one move that made his opponent literally jump out of his chair.
Trading pieces doesn’t mean simply eliminating pieces of equal value. In the endgame, it can create a decisive advantage—or save a game that appears hopeless.
In Garry’s experience, the endgame never means the end of excitement. He shows the purity and creativity of the endgame—including drama, shouldering, and zugzwang.
Garry continues his endgame lessons with pawn endgames, rook endgames, queen v. pawn—and, of course, the king’s role. While it can seem slow and weak in the middlegame, an active king is vital in the endgame.
Garry believes miracles happen when you know how to create them. While most players spend time on openings, you can make game-changing miracles by studying the rich possibilities of endgames.
Garry played e4 as a child prodigy and stuck with that move as the under-18 chess champion of the USSR and under-20 champion of the world. Learn when and how he grew his repertoire.
What happens when your opponent plays your opening? How do you find a satisfying opening both psychologically and strategically? Is there such a thing as universal opening advice?
He brought abandoned openings back from the dead and built a database of almost 20,000 different analyses—but Garry believes there are still more ideas to surface.
With a time control of 30 minutes, watch Garry take on three players with ratings of 1266, 1515, and 2103.
“What else can you do?” Garry breaks down Jason’s moves and answers questions about what his opponent could have done differently.
“It seems like the whole army is coming for me.” After Molly opens with the Sicilian, Garry counters with a quiet move. From there, Garry talks through how he developed his pieces and explains how Molly could have created more discomfort for him.
“No, I didn’t see that line.” Garry points out a line that Dennis missed and shows how he created the illusion of an attack without any real threat.
Garry dissects his opening against Vishy Anand in 1995. The discussion includes analysis of a decisive mistake, strong attacks, tactical motifs, and a powerful yet quiet move that came at a rare early stage of the game.
Garry focuses on pawn endgames and the drama they can create. An appetite for the beauty of the endgame is one of the best ways to improve your chess.
Even when Garry was a kid, the number 13 held special meaning for him. He shares the realization of that numeric destiny and the forces that shaped his singular style of play.
World champions climb to the top through brutal and relentless analysis. Learn what Garry believes is the greatest danger facing players.
The sting of Garry’s loss to Deep Blue has softened over the years. He looks back on that defeat and forward to the benefits of computers in chess training.
The poster that hung over Garry’s bed as a kid included a line borrowed from Soviet dissidents: “If not you, who else?” Garry talks about triumphing in the most grueling matches of his career, as well as how he recovered when his mistakes felt like a physical pain.
Whether you’re playing at home, at a club, or in a tournament, the variations in chess are limitless—and so are the possibilities for improving your game.
After a crushing loss to Karpov, Garry analyzed his play and came up with a variation that he never used.
Meet your instructor, legendary pianist and composer Herbie Hancock. For Herbie, music is more than the notes you play. Learn how to open your mind—and ears—to the real story.
For Herbie, music is more than the notes you play. Learn how to open your mind—and ears—to the real story.
Don't let improvisation intimidate you. Herbie’s approach starts with the simplest of ideas: Listen, then react.
Herbie taught himself to play jazz by playing along with his favorite records. Learn how to use his methods to accompany the music you love.
Countless jazz tunes are built around one of two simple harmonic patterns. Practice Herbie’s licks and improv ideas, and discover new opportunities to use them.
Listen, practice, and play along with Herbie’s solo performance of Sonny Rollins's standard, a classic example of rhythm changes.
Herbie breaks down the fundamentals of piano playing.
Build speed and strength in your fingers with the exercises that have helped Herbie most.
Playing alone means you’re free to play any way you want. Learn how Herbie breaks the rules of melody, rhythm, and harmony to infuse his solo performances with creativity.
Have you ever thought about music as a series of images? Herbie shares techniques that will push the boundaries of your improvising.
Herbie brings some guests to help demonstrate how musicians communicate while playing.
Where do songs come from? For Herbie, they start to take shape in life experiences. Here’s how he turns memories, impressions, and emotions into music.
A song is never finished. Even after you’ve recorded it, there’s still room for it to evolve. In this chapter, Herbie challenges you to give old compositions a contemporary edge.
Herbie brings in a rhythm section to break down two versions of his classic tune. They also accompany a synthesizer solo steeped in the sounds of funk and the blues.
Herbie shares advice from his years of composing and collaborating with the icons of jazz.
There’s a near-infinite number of ways play chords on your instrument. Learn some of Herbie’s go-to approaches, and let them spark your own experimentation.
Playing a new set of chords under a classic melody is one of Herbie’s favorite ways to study harmony. Explore the new possibilities he finds in Thelonious Monk’s classic tune.
Jazz players don’t just learn from other jazz players. One of Herbie’s harmonic touchstones is the French composer Maurice Ravel. Learn how to add some of Ravel’s sounds to your bag of harmonic tricks.
Herbie’s approach to harmony was built over years of experimentation. Let these ideas inspire your own harmonic exploration.
Herbie performs one of his most famous compositions alone at the piano. Listen and practice along to learn about how to play ballads and use the sus4 chord.
Herbie has tips for grooving deeper and feeling more comfortable playing in strange and complex rhythms, from swing to funk.
Herbie brings the rhythm section back to break down the groove of one of the Headhunters’ most complicated numbers. Play along and find the downbeat for yourself.
Herbie followed an unlikely path to jazz, and it’s been a wild ride ever since. His story serves as an inspiration and a testament to what you can accomplish when you let passion be your guide.
For his final solo performance, Herbie chooses one of his most popular compositions. A study in bluesy playing, it showcases the possibilities you can find in simple structures if you stay open to the moment.
Herbie offers his parting words and a bit of music as a thank-you for joining him.
Meet your new instructor: Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese. Martin explains the goals of his MasterClass and talks about the importance of staying true to yourself on your filmmaking journey.
Martin explains how he realized that filmmaking was his true calling in life. He also talks about the importance of watching the old masters of cinema, from Orson Welles to Max Ophüls.
Martin teaches you to appreciate the value of every shot using the lessons he learned from his tough—but inspirational—professor at NYU.
There is no set process for filmmaking, but in this lesson Martin offers you a glimpse of what his own process looks like. Learn to let your film take on its own life and always remain open to unexpected changes that could add value to a scene.
Martin encourages you to take inspiration from the work of other directors and discusses the significance of referencing other films in your own work.
Martin teaches the tenets of visual literacy and elaborates on the hallmarks of his style, including previsualization with storyboards, the use of voice-over, and the influence of documentary on his feature films.
Martin connects the atmosphere in which he first started making movies to the current climate of filmmaking, teaching you how technological advances can both help and hinder your creative process as a director.
Martin teaches you how to see the inherently cinematic elements of your daily life and how to identify the themes and stories you are most drawn to.
Martin shows you his process for reading scripts and how he goes about forming ideas. He also teaches you important lessons regarding research and explains how to further develop your script in rehearsal.
Martin explains the significance of casting and offers his wisdom on how to interact with your potential actors, both individually and as part of a group. He also shares which performances he uses as models and what he looks for in an actor.
Martin teaches you the importance of getting in front of the camera as a director. You'll also learn how to build a trusting relationship with your actors, how to make time for them to experiment, and when to stop talking and start to shooting.
Martin shows you what you should look for when scouting locations and how to turn your location limitations into advantages.
Martin teaches you how to reflect the themes of a story through production design. Learn how to bring the world of your film to life and when to take artistic license when depicting historical periods.
Learn how to let character dictate costume and how to collaborate with actors to find the perfect clothing for roles.
Martin teaches you how to work with your cinematographer and tells you the best way to learn—by asking your DP questions.
Discover Martin's experience with low-budget filmmaking collaborating with cinematographer Michael Ballhaus. Learn how to creatively get the shots you need, even under tight budget and schedule constraints.
Learn the differences between working with a small, core crew and a big one, and how to empower individual members of your crew.
Martin reveals the magic of the edit room, and shares the qualities you should look for in an editor. He also prepares you for the continuous evolution that is intrinsic to the editing process.
Martin teaches the importance being in sync with your editor and expounds on a valuable lesson: You may have to cut the scenes you love.
Martin gives you a lesson on the historic use of color in cinema and explains his use of color in his own films.
Martin discusses the evolution of black and white film and how he arrived at the decision to make Raging Bull in black and white.
Martin teaches you his approach to sound design: enter the editing room with the intention of cutting away sound instead of adding it. Learn how to create atmosphere with sound design, as well as how to use sound to solve editing problems.
Martin shows how music serves as part of the spiritual lives of his characters and talks about the films whose music influenced him, from director Kenneth Anger's independents to the traditional scores of Hollywood films.
Martin recommends promotional strategies and teaches you how to identify and target your film's potential audience.
Martin analyzes the first scene of Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon. Watch and learn as Martin breaks down the use of natural lighting and voice-over. Discover how every image in the scene embodies the structure of an entire historical moment.
Martin analyzes the visual language of this scene from Jacques Tourneur's Out of the Past, explaining the director's use of light and shadow. Martin discusses camera tilts and Robert Mitchum's performance in this scene.
Martin dissects the voice-over in François Truffaut's film, explaining how it pushes the story forward and gives the audience copious information about the characters. Martin also analyzes the composition of frames and the effect of the music.
Martin discusses color and background action in this scene from Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo. Learn how point-of-view shots and specific angles contribute to the emotional power of the scene.
Martin analyzes Federico Fellini's choices in composition and lighting in this scene from 8 1/2, and shows how these impact our understanding of the protoganist. Watch and learn as Martin breaks down camera movement and the blocking of actors.
In his parting words of wisdom, Martin encourages you to find your own way and never lose sight of the creative spark that inspires you on each film.
The honest, everyday struggles of Judy Blume’s characters resonate with millions of readers. Now, she’s your instructor. Judy invites you to discover your own process by hearing what worked for her.
Judy was an anxious kid and used stories she invented as companions and a creative outlet. Hear her talk about the early beginnings of her rich imagination.
Judy believes the most powerful stories come from within, yet writers need to be highly attuned to the world around them. She shares her process for identifying and developing strong ideas.
Judy discusses the highly personal calculation every writer will make about whether to raid their own lives for material. She also talks about the importance of letting ideas percolate before committing them to paper.
Judy shares the inspiration behind some of her most iconic and enduring books and characters: Margaret, Fudge, and Blubber.
Learn how to tap into the childhood version of yourself to authentically relate to younger readers. Kids have big questions and want their lives reflected in the books they read.
Give kids credit—they understand more than you think. Judy explains that authors should never write as adults talking to children.
Judy deconstructs how she researched her sprawling novel, which she based on series of unbelievable-yet-true events that happened in her hometown when she was a teenager.
Judy calls her notebooks her security blankets. Take a peek inside them to see how she bridged information with imagination to fictionalize a story she personally experienced.
Compelling and layered characters drive stories forward and keep readers wanting to turn the page. But before that happens, writers need to get to know their characters as if they were real people.
Judy encourages you to explore voice and point of view until you land on a storytelling style that fits your characters. That style should reflect all the details that contribute to a character’s experience and journey.
Realistic dialogue elevates and sharpens your characters. Judy shares her love of writing dialogue and her ideas for troubleshooting if you don’t love it as much as she does.
What characters say to each other has the power to reveal. And sometimes, what they don’t say reveals even more.
Don’t be intimidated by the thought of writing an entire book. Judy wants to help you tackle a book scene by scene, beginning with how to find your starting point.
Judy discusses how settings can act as secondary characters and how to give your book the ending it deserves.
For Judy, early drafts require leaning on her notebooks as well as “letting the mess come out” and looking at potential problems later.
In later drafts, Judy goes deeper into character to propel a story forward. She also shares her feelings about what to do if writer’s block appears.
Judy shares what she always does before submitting a manuscript. She also teaches you how to write a killer query letter to find an agent.
A young editor discovered Judy in the slush pile and changed her work—and life—forever. Judy shares how she approached working with editors to arrive at the best possible version of her work.
Rejection is a fact of life if you want to be a writer. Learn how Judy overcame her doubts when the letters piled up—and how she used rejection to fuel her determination.
Writers should understand the power that cover art and titles can have on perception and sales. Judy shares lessons from the trenches, as well as her view on the importance of keeping a clear sense of your own identity within an ever-changing market.
Judy remains one of the most banned authors in the country, with books that are still challenged by censors. She shares her hard-earned belief that writers need to remain true to themselves and the truth of their stories.
Judy started writing because she was desperate for a creative outlet. She shares how her desire to feel normal led her to create enduring emotional connections with readers who wanted to feel the same way.
When you finish this MasterClass and begin your next project, Judy urges you to foster the most powerful force in your writing life: your own imagination. As she says, “No one can have too much imagination—let alone a writer.”
You know Samuel L. Jackson from iconic films like Pulp Fiction and Die Hard with a Vengeance. Now he’s your acting teacher. Sam shares his goals for his MasterClass, as well as his mindset toward acting: it’s an adventure.
Learn how Sam imbues every role with a sense of purpose and complexity of character—even if they only appear on screen for a few minutes. In this lesson, he shares the fundamentals of his characterization process.
Sam dives deep into the myriad ways actors can use their bodies to reflect their characters’ personalities. Learn how to use posture, gait, voice, and physical appearance to add complexity to your characters.
Sam breaks down the nuances of his characterization process and performance as Romulus, a prodigal but schizophrenic and homeless concert pianist, in The Caveman’s Valentine.
Sam directs student actors in a workshop, and the first scene on the docket is the iconic diner scene from Pulp Fiction. In this lesson, Sam helps them break down the script to gain a deeper understanding of the characters’ intentions.
Get inside Jules’s head as Sam breaks down the Ezekiel passage and walks the students through the different ways the character could perform the scene.
Creating in-depth character backstory is an integral part of Sam’s process. He pushes the students to develop a connection with Jules by imagining his life story and how he got to this moment in the diner.
One of the student actors puts a unique spin on Jules, showing that there are many “right” ways to create characters.
Sam reveals how his childhood experiences have informed his approach to character voices throughout his career, and discusses his method of developing a vocalization plan.
Sam directs the actors to perform a scene from The Negotiator in which two characters—Danny and Farley—are on opposite ends of the power spectrum. Students play the scene and then switch roles.
Sam analyzes the students’ choices of power positions when playing Danny and how movement and stillness can each convey power in a different way. He shows how posture works on each side of the phone as each character is pushed to their limits.
Learn Sam’s tried-and-true methods for developing strong working relationships with directors.
Sam describes the movie set environment as “a moving circus.” Learn his code of on-set conduct, which has earned him respect throughout the industry as a true professional.
On the surface, this Kingsman scene is a simple conversation between two characters. The actors’ task is to dig deeper, access the subtext of the exchange, and create characters who will make the otherwise “bland” dialogue more interesting.
When it comes to characterization, it’s better to show up with too much rather than not enough. Sam pushes the student actors to take risks and commit to their choices.
Sam encourages you to nurture a sense of curiosity and explore stories set in worlds that you are unfamiliar with, so that you have a more expansive view of the characters you take on throughout your acting career.
Don’t walk into a casting room thinking about the job; go in with the goal of demonstrating your skill as an actor. Sam gives you this and more time-tested rules for auditioning.
Sam walks you through the most important business relationships you’ll form as an actor, and offers wisdom on how to best work with them.
Learn how Sam got “plucked” from the Negro Ensemble Company, where he performed alongside Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman, to go to Hollywood.
Sam shares three very personal lessons learned over the decades he’s spent in Hollywood.
When you finish this MasterClass and continue your career in acting, Sam urges you to remember your responsibility to your audience—and to the world at large.
Meet your new instructor: Bob Woodward. In this chapter, Bob underscores the vital role of journalism today. He also shares his belief that there are no boundaries to searching for what he calls "the best obtainable version of the truth."
Bob's guiding principles push you to get outside your comfort zone, carve your own path, and leave opinion and political slant out of your reporting.
Bob explains what makes a compelling news story. He urges you to be open to changing course if a better story materializes.
Bob and a group of students from his Yale journalism seminar take a deep dive into his interview with then–presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
In-depth reporting requires you to be persistent, focused, and proactive. Bob discusses the value of giving your case the time it deserves and getting out in the field to verify what you've learned from your research.
Watergate was a pivotal moment in Bob's career. In this chapter, he shares the lessons he learned from reporting on this groundbreaking historical event.
Bob teaches you the importance of documentation—both acquiring documents for your reporting, and documenting your own research. He offers multiple ways to find written evidence to build your story.
Bob explains why sources decide to share information with journalists and teaches you how to assess who to talk to when investigating a story.
From establishing ground rules to strategically sharing what you already know, Bob teaches what to keep in mind as you initiate contact with sources for a story.
Bob reveals how he developed his relationship with Mark Felt, the source who became known as "Deep Throat" during the Watergate scandal.
Learning how to build trust with sources is one of the most valuable lessons you can learn as a reporter. Here, Bob breaks down his approach—from expediting intimacy to maintaining your boundaries.
As a reporter, the more sources you have in your arsenal, the better your chances of unearthing valuable information. Bob shares ways to expand the scope of people who will talk to you.
Bob and a group of students from his Yale journalism seminar analyze his interview with President Barack Obama about his decisions in war.
Developing a relationship with a source over time can be one of the most productive endeavors a reporter can take on. Here, Bob shares how he managed to build a relationship with then–CIA director Bill Casey.
There are several important steps you should take before formally interviewing a source. From determining the best location to meet, to deciding whether to send the questions ahead of time, Bob walks you through how to prepare for your interview.
Interviewing is one the most important parts of a reporter's job. Here, Bob details the best practices to follow as you question a source.
Many challenges can arise when you are interviewing someone to uncover the truth. Bob provides insight into how to push through interview obstacles, from withstanding hostility to addressing deception.
From the surprising value of rejection to the importance of honest communication, Bob reveals what he's learned from the many accomplished editors he's worked with over the years, including renowned Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee.
Using examples from his own reporting, Bob discusses some common pitfalls reporters run into when developing their theory of the case.
After all your investigative work and research, ultimately you have to write your story. Here, Bob shares strategies for turning what you've uncovered into a compelling piece of journalism.
From deciding what details to include to evaluating word choice, Bob provides advice on how to fine-tune your news story once your initial draft is complete.
Bob explains his approach to reporting on secrets—particularly information that involves the public's safety, national security, and government intelligence.
Bob shares the valuable lessons he has learned from mistakes he’s made during his long career as a journalist.
Bob discusses how the internet has transformed the landscape of journalism. He encourages reporters to continue fighting to uncover the truth—even in the face of attacks on the media.
Meet Marc. In his first lesson, the CFDA Award-winning designer describes the scope of his class, from inspiration to runway shows, and explains his goal: to inspire, encourage, and enlighten you on your journey in fashion.
You don't need to be an expert at knitting, sewing, or pattern making to be a great designer. But Marc recommends learning the basics to help you find and refine your creative voice.
Music, architecture, fictional characters—they've all inspired Marc and his work. Here, he talks about the importance of keeping your eyes—and mind—open to inspiration, no matter where you find it.
See how Marc approaches the sketching process. Learn what tools he uses and what he tries to accomplish in a sketch, and then watch as Marc completes a sketch.
Every designer approaches the creative process differently. Marc shares what his creative process entails, including how he uses mood boards and thinks about trends.
For Marc, it all begins with fabric. Learn how Marc chooses fabrics for his designs and how he works with different fibers. Then learn the story behind the fabric choices for three of his garments.
The shape and silhouette of your garment can be a very important part of communicating the message you want in your design. In this chapter, Marc discusses his approach to creating silhouettes and breaks down the silhouette choices behind three of his garments.
Marc discusses the process of going from sketch to pattern and why your first toile will never be perfect. Marc has also provided a pattern from his studio for you to download and study.
Marc shares his favorite construction techniques and how he approaches the construction process for his designs.
Marc breaks down the construction techniques in three of his garments, demonstrating what each technique achieved for each design.
A collection is more than just a series of garments. Marc shares his philosophy on what makes a cohesive collection.
Follow along as Marc breaks down the entire process for creating his Fall 2017 collection, from inspiration to runway.
Marc believes strongly in collaboration in the design process. Marc shares what he looks for in his collaborators and how he has worked with artists in the past to create unique designs.
For Marc, it all leads to the runway. Learn Marc's approach for creating an exciting show, including what he looks for in models.
Learn from Marc's experience at the venerable fashion house Louis Vuitton and how he approached respecting—and disrespecting—the brand's history.
The fashion industry can be tumultuous, even for the best of designers. In this chapter, Marc shares some tips on how you can survive and thrive.
Learn about Marc's transformation from fashion student to world-renowned designer.
Marc ends his Masterclass by encouraging you to ask questions, be fearless, and always pursue your love of fashion.
You know Ron Howard as an Oscar–winning director, a producer, an actor, and one of Hollywood’s great storytellers. Now, he’s your instructor. Meet Ron and learn why the director is the ultimate “keeper of the story.”
Ron believes anyone can direct a movie. The key is loving a story, understanding it, and then backing up your instincts with craft. Learn his technique for finding and telling fresh stories that will leave an impact on audiences.
Over the years, Ron has developed a personal checklist to evaluate and strengthen a script. Learn the key components of a great screenplay and how to build your own checklist to identify material that’s right for you.
Scripts must work on creative and intellectual levels. Ron knows there’s no shortcut to the rewriting process, and he shares how he ensures a script is “camera ready” before embarking on production.
Ron works on an idea when he feels a flush of inspiration, which can come from the theme, his personal relationship with the idea, or its freshness. Learn how this approach has helped him create some of his most enduring and beloved films.
Throughout the development process, your choices and beliefs as a director are going to be tested. Learn how Ron finds the best collaborators to navigate through development hell and bring his projects to life.
Learn Ron’s policy for collaborating on a movie and how working in groups of three can bring out the best in a creative team.
While collaboration is central to Ron’s process, he warns against directing by committee. Directors need to have the confidence to hear everyone, but listen to themselves.
The language of photography can overwhelm new directors. Ron talks you through how to find the right collaborator, rely on them, and work with them to define your movie’s visual tone.
Ron thinks about cinematic choices almost like a character in the movie. Learn how lighting, lenses, and stylistic choices can add visual power to your film.
Learn how Ron finds the right production designers and works to inspire them to create sets that help tell your story, using a mosaic of palettes and colors.
Ron revisits the cinematography and production design decisions that energized and surprised him when he made Frost/Nixon, including powerful lessons about turning compromise into creativity.
Seemingly small or trivial details can anchor a scene, reinforce a director’s vision, and forge a stronger connection with the audience.
Ron shares a story about how a lucky mistake—forgetting his headphones on an airplane—taught him how to better understand the mechanics of shots, camera setups, and sequences in an action scene.
Ron walks you through the movie’s iconic launch sequence and explains how meticulous research and shot planning energized a familiar historical moment.
Ron shares how he flipped the movie’s point of view at a key juncture in the film in order to underscore the realization of a powerful truth.
Ron encourages you to look beyond an actor’s tangible skills. Learn how to trust your gut and recognize the intangible qualities that a performer will bring to a role.
Ron urges you to collaborate with, inspire, and protect your actors. Learn how you can prepare yourself to work with them—and when to trust them to deliver the performance you need.
Learn why Ron always looks for moments where an actor’s instinct brings emotional truth to a scene.
A director’s job is to narrow the seemingly endless staging choices. Here, Ron offers a rare opportunity to watch his directorial process in action.
This approach most closely replicates the staging approach of the original movie. Watch Ron as he collects masters for each setup.
Ron shows you how he shoots all the coverage he knows he will need in order to optimize for creative choices in the edit.
Now that Ron knows he has all his master shots and additional coverage, he explores other possibilities—often following an actor’s natural instincts.
Ron reworks the scene for a Steadicam, which requires technical movement and choreography from actors.
Ron shows you an alternative approach he could have tried in the film: using a Steadicam to shoot from David Frost’s point of view.
If you need to compromise on set, Ron encourages you to keep the staging simple. This indie approach maximizes coverage with limited resources.
Reviewing the staging exercises, Ron talks you through what he was considering while blocking the actors and planning for each shot.
For Ron, the editing process is the time when you execute the final rewrite of a movie. Learn how to find the right editor and develop an editing style for your film together.
