Saturday January 4th, 2025
10am PT | 1pm ET |6pm BST
Live Presentation and Q&A with Eric Whitacre
This session is open to anyone enrolled in The Beautiful Mess.
Eric Whitacre's Virtual School
The Beautiful Mess
Masterclass in Composition & Creativity
Course Curriculum
The masterclass consists of two main sections. The first is a 12 part video series in which Eric distills the entire creative process, from the moment of inspiration to the final note. These chapters are intended to run sequentially. The second section is called “Things I’ve Learned”, a compilation of wisdom Eric has received throughout his career from teachers, mentors, and his own life experience.
Within the course curriculum, you’ll have access to 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
- Twelve video chapters + "Things I've Learned" + Perusal scores + Reference sheet + Lesson plans with comprehensive Teacher Guides & Student guides
- Look inside the mind of this highly experienced and successful composer, bringing new understanding and experience to performances and the appreciation of his works.
- How to capture creative ideas and build them. Practical solutions to writer’s block. How to start a new work and create an overarching concept.
- Study at a time of your choosing and go at your own pace. Watch and listen on any device.
- Complete the course and receive a personalized certificate.
- 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.
* Please email [email protected] for all queries including student discounts and other pricing options.
The Beautiful Mess is also available from the following retailers:
Live Events
Educational Resources: Lesson Plans & Student Guides
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+)
Gift Certificates
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.
...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