higher learning

Part practical instruction and part insightful interviews, each MasterClass di ers somewhat based on the instructor and subject matter. The common thread, however, is that you receive guidance and invaluable advice from some of the greatest talents of our time.

“I love the idea that for $90, somebody who couldn’t a ord to go to film school would get to take this class,” o ers Shonda Rhimes, the awardwinning writer and producer of Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal “No matter where you are, what you were doing, where you were in life, you could stop for a little bit of time and take this class and get this education.”

Among the other boldfaced names involved are renowned architect Frank Gehry, inspiring conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, fashion designer Marc Jacobs and internationally acclaimed screenwriter, director, producer and playwright Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing, A Few Good Men and The Social Network). Sorkin is a powerful and nurturing teacher but also o ers up something equally valuable to his students—a view into his own very relatable struggles and insecurities to help prepare you for the realities that plague creative types.

That tenacity is also front and center with legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese.

“If the machinery of it all seems too big and scary and overwhelming, that’s great!” he says. “You do it anyway. That’s the greatest thing any teacher can give a student, the confidence and the inspiration to make you think, ‘Well, it’s crazy, but maybe I can do it.’”

Alongside the insights and passion is essential instruction.

“This is as close to a private lesson with me as you can get.” asserts tennis legend Serena Williams. “It’s about connecting with people that have supported me for many years and young girls who might want to be like me. I want to help them reach that goal.”

Prolific director Ron Howard reinforces the need for practical knowledge.

“We all have our own instincts,” he explains.

“What we have to do is back up that instinct with something called craft.”

And, of course, a healthy dose of pluck.

“As soon as you tell me I can’t do something, I’m going to do it,” declares famed children’s author Judy Blume. And as if finishing her thought, two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry o ers, “You don’t listen to what anybody says you can’t do, because you know that you can.”