Alicia Keys Teaches Songwriting and Producing

Anna Wintour Teaches Creativity and Leadership

Armin van Buuren Teaches Dance Music

Christina Aguilera Teaches Singing

Daniel Pink Teaches Sales and Persuasion

Danny Elfman Teaches Music for Film

deadmau5 Teaches Electronic Music Production

Elaine Welteroth Teaches Designing Your Career

Elevate Your Singing and Stage Presence

Es Devlin Teaches Turning Ideas Into Art 

Frank Gehry Teaches Design and Architecture

Futura Teaches Spray-Painting & Abstract Art

Hans Zimmer Teaches Film Scoring

Herbie Hancock Teaches Jazz

Issa Rae Teaches Creating Outside the Lines

Itzhak Perlman Teaches Violin

Jake Shimabukuro Teaches ʻUkulele

Jimmy Chin Teaches Adventure Photography

John Legend Teaches Songwriting

Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia Teach Creative Collaboration and Fashion

Marc Jacobs Teaches Fashion Design

Mariah Carey Teaches the Voice as an Instrument

Metallica Teaches Being a Band

Reba McEntire Teaches Country Music

Reframe Your Thinking

Ringo Starr Teaches Drumming & Creative Collaboration

Rosalind Brewer Teaches Business Innovation

Sara Blakely Teaches Self-Made Entrepreneurship

Sheila E. Teaches Drumming and Percussion 

St. Vincent Teaches Creativity and Songwriting

Timbaland Teaches Producing and Beatmaking

Tom Morello Teaches Electric Guitar

Usher Teaches The Art of Performance

Will Wright Teaches Game Design and Theory

Yo-Yo Ma Teaches Music and Connection

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Building and Leading a Team

Finding Connection and Common Purpose

Working With a Team

Collaboration

Working With Musicians: The Orchestra - Part 2

Collaborating With Brands

Collaborating With Like-Minded Creatives

Leadership and Collaboration

Meet Your Instructor: Elaine Welteroth

Build Your Career Blueprint

Game Plan for Financial Confidence

Forming a Creative Collaboration

Working With a Team and Collaboration

Vision

Creative Leadership and Collaboration

Developing Your Big Idea

Prototyping

Drive Change With Agile Teams

Pitching Like a Pro

Introduction

Designers: What It Takes to Succeed

Case Studies: Lessons From Creative Leaders

Boost Your Team's Creativity

Life of a Composer: Part 2

Making a Beat: Getting Warmed Up

Working As a Composer  

Case Study: Reharmonizing “’Round Midnight”

Ravel's Creative Harmonies

Expanding Your Harmonic Horizons 

Duets Part 1: Rehearsal Prep

The Beat

A Career in Music

Finding Melodic Inspiration

The deadmau5 Process: Theory

Remixes

Breaking Down the Classics: “Hallelujah”

Creating an Original Song

Alicia’s Musical Foundation and Influences

Making a Song Your Own

Craft Your Signature Musical Style

Closing Thoughts

Expanded Improv Techniques

Armin's Early Influences

Alicia, the Producer

Craft Your Unique Music Style

How to Persevere

Recording a Song

Surviving in the Music Industry

In the Studio, Part 1: Melody

Mixing and Mastering, Part 1

The deadmau5 Process: Practice

Building Your Home Studio

Beats: Part 2

Mixing

Mastering

Mastering Case Study: Snowcone

Starting Your Producing Career

Closing

Produce Dynamic Music

Adding Depth to Collaboration

Growing as a Bandleader 

Meet Your Instructors

“Savior” Songwriting Demo: Final Mix

Becoming “Promiscuous Collaborator”

Riff Rock Writing: Chorus, Solo, and Arrangement

An All-Starr Jam

Creative Collaboration

Write Hits Through Collaboration

Music

Lessons from Influential Black Voices

Black History, Black Freedom, and Black Love

Teaches the Art and Soul of Guitar

Carlos Santana

Carlos Santana Teaches the Art and Soul of Guitar

Teaches Music and Connection

Yo-Yo Ma

Teaches The Art of Performance

Usher

Teaches The Art Of Performance

Teaches Drumming and Percussion 

Sheila E.

Teaches Film Scoring

Hans Zimmer

Teaches Creativity in Choreography

Parris Goebel

Parris Goebel Teaches Creativity in Choreography

Teaches Filmmaking

Werner Herzog

Werner Herzog Teaches Filmmaking

Teaches Being a Band

Metallica

Teaches Producing and Beatmaking

Timbaland

Teaches Creativity and Songwriting

St. Vincent

Teaches Music for Film

Danny Elfman

A Documentary by Bess Kargman

Diane Warren: Relentless

Teaches Songwriting

John Legend

Teaches Jazz

Herbie Hancock

Teaches Poetic Thinking

Joy Harjo

Joy Harjo Teaches Poetic Thinking

Teaches Singing

Christina Aguilera

Teaches Violin

Itzhak Perlman

Teaches Country Music

Reba McEntire

Teaches the Voice as an Instrument

Mariah Carey

Teaches Dance Music

Armin van Buuren

Teaches Hip-Hop Storytelling

Nas Teaches Hip-Hop Storytelling

Teaches Electronic Music Production

deadmau5

Teaches Electric Guitar

Tom Morello

Teaches ʻUkulele

Jake Shimabukuro

Teaches Philosophy

Cornel West

Cornel West Teaches Philosophy

Teaches Drumming & Creative Collaboration

Ringo Starr

Teaches Music Curation and DJing

Questlove

Questlove Teaches Music Curation and DJing

Teaches Songwriting and Producing

Alicia Keys

Team collaboration is a form of joint problem-solving that invites a group of people to share ideas to reach team goals effectively. Collaboration strategies can lead to healthier work environments in which team members feel valued and encouraged to do their best and uplift their entire team. Effective collaboration is a valued part of [company culture](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/strategies-for-defining-your-companys-culture) and can bring in-person and remote teams together. Stakeholders will have an investment in collaboration efforts, which can realize and push company goals.
Cross-functional or [cross-team collaboration](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cross-team-collaboration) brings people from different departments together—such as <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-a-sales-team' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-a-sales-team","linkCopy":"sales teams","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>sales teams</a>, operations, customer support, and marketing teams—to unite different perspectives and accomplish a shared team project or cross-functional project. Effective cross-functional teams require strong <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> channels and project management software.
Collaborative work is beneficial to an organization for several reasons. Consider the following benefits of cross-team collaboration and team collaboration:

1. __Boost productivity__: Building team [collaboration skills](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/collaboration-skills) streamlines workflows and team communication, improving productivity and overall team performance.
2. __Improve workplace culture__: Information and file sharing also encourages a collaborative culture, one not defined by inter-workplace turf wars and inhibitive competition. 
3. __Increase employee retention__: Implementing teamwork and [teambuilding activities](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/team-building-activities-explained) for various initiatives increases employee engagement, leading to more satisfied employees and greater [retention](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/employee-retention-guide) rates. Over time, this can save the company time and resources on training new teams and hires.
Collaborative environments promote success. See how you can better break down [silos](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/silo-mentality) and bring peers together with these tips for improving cross-team collaboration:

1. __Bring people together on video calls__. Remote work can make employees feel separated from each other. Occasional team meetings via video conferencing can make communication easier. Sometimes, sharing ideas face-to-face, even virtually across time zones, is quicker than sending emails back and forth. This will also make team members feel seen and heard, especially if they are not seeing one another habitually in a physical workspace. 
2. __Define KPIs__. Clear [key performance indicators](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/key-performance-indicators-explained) help define metrics for success. Outlining KPIs is especially helpful in cross-team collaboration, so different departments’ teams all have the same units to illuminate success in the bigger picture. 
3. __Invest in collaboration software__. Collaboration tools may vary from team to team. Communication apps allow real-time messaging to improve communication, and project management tools can help streamline file sharing and knowledge sharing. 
4. __Lead by example__. Team leaders can foster successful collaboration by showing [humility](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/humility-in-leadership) and curiosity. Decision-making can be a collaborative team process, not just the leader’s process. These managers can improve their team’s success by asking questions and encouraging participation from all team members regardless of experience, background, or perspective. 
5. __Schedule brainstorming sessions__. [Brainstorming](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-brainstorm-creative-ideas) is a vital part of effective team collaboration. Successful teams meet regularly to have low-stakes collaboration sessions to combine different skill sets and test new ideas.
[MasterClass at Work](https://www.masterclass.com/for-business) is the learning platform to help unlock the full potential of your employees and inspire a learning lifestyle in everyone. From negotiation to mindfulness to baking—these are just a few things your teams can explore.
Teamwork is essential for thoughtful brainstorming, streamlined [project management](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/project-management-guide), and bringing team members together to achieve a common goal. Learn ways to improve team collaboration and cross-team collaboration.

Teamwork is essential for thoughtful brainstorming, streamlined [project management](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/project-management-guide), and bringing team members together to achieve a common goal. Learn ways to improve team collaboration and cross-team collaboration.

Team Collaboration: 5 Ways to Build Collaborative Teams

Team collaboration is a form of joint problem-solving that invites a group of people to share ideas to reach team goals effectively. Collaboration strategies can lead to healthier work environments in which team members feel valued and encouraged to do their best and uplift their entire team. Effective collaboration is a valued part of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/strategies-for-defining-your-companys-culture' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/strategies-for-defining-your-companys-culture","linkCopy":"company culture","category":null}'>company culture</a> and can bring in-person and remote teams together. Stakeholders will have an investment in collaboration efforts, which can realize and push company goals.

What Is Team Collaboration?

Cross-functional or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cross-team-collaboration' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cross-team-collaboration","linkCopy":"cross-team collaboration","category":null}'>cross-team collaboration</a> brings people from different departments together—such as <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-a-sales-team' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-a-sales-team","linkCopy":"sales teams","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>sales teams</a>, operations, customer support, and marketing teams—to unite different perspectives and accomplish a shared team project or cross-functional project. Effective cross-functional teams require strong <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> channels and project management software.

What Is Cross-Functional Collaboration?

Collaborative work is beneficial to an organization for several reasons. Consider the following benefits of cross-team collaboration and team collaboration:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Boost productivity: Building team <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/collaboration-skills' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/collaboration-skills","linkCopy":"collaboration skills","category":null}'>collaboration skills</a> streamlines workflows and team communication, improving productivity and overall team performance. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Improve workplace culture: Information and file sharing also encourages a collaborative culture, one not defined by inter-workplace turf wars and inhibitive competition. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Increase employee retention: Implementing teamwork and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/team-building-activities-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/team-building-activities-explained","linkCopy":"teambuilding activities","category":null}'>teambuilding activities</a> for various initiatives increases employee engagement, leading to more satisfied employees and greater <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/employee-retention-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/employee-retention-guide","linkCopy":"retention","category":null}'>retention</a> rates. Over time, this can save the company time and resources on training new teams and hires. </li></ol>

Why Is Team Collaboration Important?

Collaborative environments promote success. See how you can better break down <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/silo-mentality' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/silo-mentality","linkCopy":"silos","category":null}'>silos</a> and bring peers together with these tips for improving cross-team collaboration:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Bring people together on video calls. Remote work can make employees feel separated from each other. Occasional team meetings via video conferencing can make communication easier. Sometimes, sharing ideas face-to-face, even virtually across time zones, is quicker than sending emails back and forth. This will also make team members feel seen and heard, especially if they are not seeing one another habitually in a physical workspace. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Define KPIs. Clear <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/key-performance-indicators-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/key-performance-indicators-explained","linkCopy":"key performance indicators","category":null}'>key performance indicators</a> help define metrics for success. Outlining KPIs is especially helpful in cross-team collaboration, so different departments’ teams all have the same units to illuminate success in the bigger picture. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Invest in collaboration software. Collaboration tools may vary from team to team. Communication apps allow real-time messaging to improve communication, and project management tools can help streamline file sharing and knowledge sharing. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Lead by example. Team leaders can foster successful collaboration by showing <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/humility-in-leadership' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/humility-in-leadership","linkCopy":"humility","category":null}'>humility</a> and curiosity. Decision-making can be a collaborative team process, not just the leader’s process. These managers can improve their team’s success by asking questions and encouraging participation from all team members regardless of experience, background, or perspective. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Schedule brainstorming sessions. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-brainstorm-creative-ideas' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-brainstorm-creative-ideas","linkCopy":"Brainstorming","category":null}'>Brainstorming</a> is a vital part of effective team collaboration. Successful teams meet regularly to have low-stakes collaboration sessions to combine different skill sets and test new ideas. </li></ol>

5 Ways to Improve Team Collaboration

<a href='https://www.masterclass.com/for-business' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/for-business","linkCopy":"MasterClass at Work","category":null}'>MasterClass at Work</a> is the learning platform to help unlock the full potential of your employees and inspire a learning lifestyle in everyone. From negotiation to mindfulness to baking—these are just a few things your teams can explore.

MasterClass at Work

Teamwork is essential for thoughtful brainstorming, streamlined <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/project-management-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/project-management-guide","linkCopy":"project management","category":null}'>project management</a>, and bringing team members together to achieve a common goal. Learn ways to improve team collaboration and cross-team collaboration.

Teamwork is essential for thoughtful brainstorming, streamlined project management (https://www.masterclass.com/articles/project-management-guide), and bringing team members together to achieve a common goal. Learn ways to improve team collaboration and cross-team collaboration.


Business team practicing team collaboration by brainstorming in a conference room.

team-collaboration

Painter Devon Rodriguez grew up in the South Bronx in New York City and first became interested in art as a child. Now known for his portraits of everyday people—particularly NYC subway commuters—Devon is one of the most popular visual artists on TikTok. Devon’s self-marketing efforts on social media have garnered him more than twenty-seven million TikTok followers and landed him on the Forbes “30 Under 30” list for social media.
Marketing is a key component of pursuing a career as an artist. To market yourself as an artist means to “open up your art to a wider audience,” according to Devon. Consider these art marketing ideas:

1. __Attend gallery openings__. Market yourself in person by going to art shows and art fairs to meet gallery owners, curators, art lovers, and art world professionals. You can also meet potential clients and customers at events. It can be helpful to have business cards listing your website and contact information for networking opportunities.
2. __Build an online portfolio__. It is essential to have an artist website with an [artist statement](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-an-artist-bio), images of your work, pricing for your artwork, and perhaps an e-commerce store for your work. [Email marketing](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/email-marketing-explained) is another way to share information about your work with potential customers. You can have a sign-up option on your website and add contacts you receive from in-person meetings.
3. __Post on social media__. Through social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, you can create a robust online presence and expose your work to a vast audience, building a pool of potential customers.
Devon Rodriguez has a strong social media presence. Learn how to build your personal brand and market yourself with this social media marketing strategy:

1. __Create a good hook__. Find a way to immediately grab attention with your videos. The opportunity to hook the audience is very fast, “It's usually only three seconds,” he says. When posting videos of drawing strangers on the subway, Devon uses this hook: He starts with a shot of the person sitting down, then overlays the text, “Wait for the reaction” at the two-second mark to engage the audience.
2. __Do your research__. Studying viral videos from professional artists can help you create your own art content. Use popular art world hashtags, such as #artistsoninstagram or #artistsoftiktok, to find viral art videos. “Try to analyze why it went viral or how it was edited,” Devon says. “And try to copy it second-by-second, but insert your own artwork into it. Always try to keep stuff fast-paced, because it has to be entertaining.”
3. __Entertain the viewers__. Social media apps prioritize content that keeps people’s attention to drive ad revenue to make money. “One of the most important things to video on social media is having a good hook and keeping the viewer entertained throughout the video,” Devon says. “You have to find a way to keep people on the app while marketing yourself. [The apps] end up pushing your artwork for their own reasons—you could take advantage of that.”
4. __Keep it short__. “You need to learn how to edit video and have short form videos on social media in order to make it,” he adds. He’s found the optimal watch time for his videos is nine seconds. After he hooks the viewer at the two-second mark, he’ll present the finished product nine seconds later, at the twelve-second mark. “Most short-form content is, like, zero to twenty seconds,” he says. “Getting twelve seconds guaranteed watch time is a magic formula.”
5. __Plan a content schedule__. You want to create a robust online presence, so you should post on your social media account regularly, but not more than twice a day. “Two times a day annoys people and they end up unfollowing,” Devon says. “If you have a good quality post and a good quality formula, then you could post less.” 
If you want to learn to capture portraits on paper and canvas, start by building a toolkit of materials. Discover TikTok sensation Devon Rodriguez’s approach to drawing and painting realistic portraits, marketing yourself as an artist, [varnishing an oil painting](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-varnish-an-oil-painting), and more when you sign up for the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/homepage).
To be a successful artist, you must learn how to share your work. Learn tips for marketing yourself as an artist from portrait artist Devon Rodriguez.

To be a successful artist, you must learn how to share your work. Learn tips for marketing yourself as an artist from portrait artist Devon Rodriguez.

Devon Rodriguez’s Tips for Marketing Yourself as an Artist

Painter Devon Rodriguez grew up in the South Bronx in New York City and first became interested in art as a child. Now known for his portraits of everyday people—particularly NYC subway commuters—Devon is one of the most popular visual artists on TikTok. Devon’s self-marketing efforts on social media have garnered him more than twenty-seven million TikTok followers and landed him on the Forbes “30 Under 30” list for social media.

Who Is Devon Rodriguez?

Marketing is a key component of pursuing a career as an artist. To market yourself as an artist means to “open up your art to a wider audience,” according to Devon. Consider these art marketing ideas:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Attend gallery openings. Market yourself in person by going to art shows and art fairs to meet gallery owners, curators, art lovers, and art world professionals. You can also meet potential clients and customers at events. It can be helpful to have business cards listing your website and contact information for networking opportunities. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Build an online portfolio. It is essential to have an artist website with an <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-an-artist-bio' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-an-artist-bio","linkCopy":"artist statement","category":null}'>artist statement</a>, images of your work, pricing for your artwork, and perhaps an e-commerce store for your work. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/email-marketing-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/email-marketing-explained","linkCopy":"Email marketing","category":null}'>Email marketing</a> is another way to share information about your work with potential customers. You can have a sign-up option on your website and add contacts you receive from in-person meetings. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Post on social media. Through social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, you can create a robust online presence and expose your work to a vast audience, building a pool of potential customers. </li></ol>

How to Market Yourself as an Artist

To be a successful artist, you must learn how to share your work. Learn tips for marketing yourself as an artist from portrait artist Devon Rodriguez.

To be a successful artist, you must learn how to share your work. Learn tips for marketing yourself as an artist from portrait artist Devon Rodriguez.


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