Course Curriculum

The Beautiful Mess consists of:

Four live Zoom Q&A sessions with Eric each year

An on-demand video series in which Eric distills the entire creative process, from the moment of inspiration to the final note

Within the course curriculum, you’ll have access to a "Things I've Learned" video series, a Forum to connect with other students, 15 perusal scores (including choral, band and orchestral), reference sheets and useful links.

In addition, there are extensive Teacher and Student Guides, written by Emily Crocker and Dr Christopher Peterson, which can be previewed ahead of enrollment.

  The Beautiful Mess: Masterclass in Composition & Creativity
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  Chapter 1
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  Chapter 2
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  Chapter 3
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  Chapter 4
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  Chapter 5
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  Chapter 6
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  Chapter 7
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  Chapter 8
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  Chapter 9
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  Chapter 10
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  Chapter 11
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  Chapter 12
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  Outro
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  Things I've Learned
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  Resources
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  Forum
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  Credits
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Look I made a hat
Where there never was a hat.

— Stephen Sondheim, Sunday in the Park with George

Creating something from nothing is a messy business, and in this masterclass we’ll dive deep into the mess. I’ll break down every part of my creative process, including all the important work done before the first note is written. I’ll go into great detail as to how I construct my music, building deep structure through emotional architecture and golden bricks. I’ll talk at length about how I deal with inspiration, writer’s block, deadlines, poetry, word painting, dissonance, and silence.

Above all, I hope the course will be a useful tool for anyone who longs to bring new ideas to life, to make a hat where there never was a hat.

Eric Whitacre

  • Gain a deep insight into composition and the creative process using specific pieces and projects as case studies.
  • Work through the challenges of identifying initial ideas and clarifying the overarching concept through some of the detail of composition to bring a new piece to life.
  • Get inside the mind of this highly experienced and successful composer, bringing new understanding and experience to performances of his works.
  • Study at a time of your choosing and go at your own pace; no coursework needs to be submitted.
  • Work through the Introduction, a series of 8 pre-recorded video lessons each containing several sections, and finish with Eric’s highly focussed 4-note challenge.
  • Designed for music-lovers, composers, students, directors, educators, singers, instrumentalists, life-long learners and curious minds.

Pricing & Enrollment

The Beautiful Mess is available to individuals as well as for use in education. The group access option is available to use in the classroom, as part of a blended learning programme and for choruses and ensembles.

Individual Access

  • For any individual who wishes to enroll in The Beautiful Mess
  • Access to the course for 3 years from date of enrollment
  • Suitable for all individuals including amateur and professional musicians, composers, music-lovers of all ages and life-long learners
  • 25% Student discount available for individuals in full time education. Email [email protected] for your personalized discount code.

$150

Group Access: Education or Ensembles

  • License to use The Beautiful Mess in the classroom or with your ensemble (virtual or in-person)
  • Access to the course for 2 years from date of enrollment
  • Suitable for general music ed., composers, choir, band, orchestra
  • Includes comprehensive Teacher and Student Guides written by Emily Crocker and Dr Christopher Peterson
  • Log In details provided for the teacher or director – the course is designed to be taught in-person or virtually via screenshare
  • Custom pricing plans available for different size groups, schools, school districts and performing arts organisations

$300 (up to 30 students/performers/users)

Please email [email protected] for custom pricing options.

The Beautiful Mess is also available from the following retailers:

Live Events

Saturday April 5th, 2025

9am PT | 12pm ET |5pm GMT

Live Presentation and Q&A with Eric Whitacre

This session is open to anyone enrolled in The Beautiful Mess.

Educational Resources

A comprehensive series of Teacher and Student Guides has been prepared to support the use of The Beautiful Mess in education. Written by Emily Crocker and Dr Christopher Peterson, there are three editions available dependent on the experience and ability of the students.

Level 1: Curiosity Edition

  • Suitable for middle school; early years of high school (ages 11 – 16)

Level 2: Creator Edition

  • Suitable for high school or college entry level (ages 14 – 18)

Level 3: Composer Edition

  • Suitable for advanced high school, college, university (age 16+)

More Information

The Perfect Gift

Would you like to give The Beautiful Mess as a gift for a friend, family member or loved one?

All you need to do is purchase their individual subscription on this page and then create your
personalized gift card which can then be sent digitally or printed to gift in person.

Create a Gift Card

...so many different perspectives on music, art, creativity, and even existential aspects of life as a creative — it was a truly special experience for everyone...

Dr. Steven M. Sano, Professor, Stanford University (US)

Eric is blessed with the gift of communication that enables him to bring us behind the curtain into his creative process and inspire us.

Paul Thomson, Spitfire Audio

Our young composers were completely engaged and inspired by Eric’s teaching and his accessible grace. Many have tapped into their new-found creativity and gone on to write exciting new pieces of music as a direct result of their time with him.

Dorothy Gates, Salvation Army