MasterClass, the online education company that enables anyone to learn from the best in the world, announced today that Carlos Santana, legendary music icon and lead guitarist of his namesake band, will offer his first online class— making it the 50th MasterClass available exclusively through its platform. In his class, Santana will teach students how he approaches guitar to create distinct, soulful sounds that move audiences. Santana’s class is now available at www.masterclass.com/cs. Enrollment for the class is $90 for lifetime access, or $180 per year for the All-Access Pass, which grants unlimited access to all new and existing classes.
“To call Carlos Santana a musical icon would be an understatement,” said David Rogier, co-founder and CEO of MasterClass. “We’re so honored to launch our 50th MasterClass with one of the world’s greatest guitar legends, and share his bold, distinctive sound and genre-bending melodies with our community. We hope this class inspires the next generation of spiritual musical artists.”
For more than 40 years, Carlos Santana’s instantly recognizable sound — a genre-transcending blend of rock, jazz, blues, Afro-Cuban and Latin styles — has made him one of the most influential guitarists of all time. He first burst onto the scene in 1969 with his namesake band’s breakthrough set at Woodstock and their first LP’s top 10 hit, “Evil Ways”. The band’s 1999 all-star packed album Supernatural — bolstered by hits “Smooth” featuring Rob Thomas, “Corazón Espinado” featuring Mana, and “Maria Maria” featuring Wyclef Jean and the Product G&B — alone sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, and landed eight of Santana’s total ten GRAMMY® Awards and three Latin GRAMMY® Awards. Santana is the first artist to win both a Record of the Year GRAMMY® Award and a Record of the Year Latin GRAMMY® Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, bestowed the Billboard Latin Music Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009, and won the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors Award in 2013. “It is an honor to present my MasterClass, where I share the influences, as well as the musicaland spiritual moments in my life that have shaped my playing, songs, and heart throughout mycareer,” said Santana. “I hope my class inspires you to new musical and spiritual greatness asyou crystalize your identity as a musician and a human being.”
In his MasterClass, Santana will explore the multi-faceted spirituality and philosophy of guitar to help students become more authentic and expressive artists. Students can expect to walk away with an introspective look at Santana’s unique approach to the guitar, ranging from how to write and carry a melody, and incorporate various genres into his music, to advice on leading a band, and even a guide to his expressive guitar faces. Santana will also offer insight into the creation of his iconic songs including, “Oye Como Va,” “Black Magic Woman” and “Smooth.” Guitar enthusiasts at all levels will draw from his vast knowledge of musical history and genre-defying influences as he demonstrates his approach to composition, improvisation, and playing lead guitar, and in turn, deepen their own appreciation for how to listen to music and convey emotion in their own playing.
MasterClass continues to expand its catalogue into new categories, bringing leading instructors to its engaged base of subscribers. MasterClass provides educational, inspiring, and engaging classes taught by the world’s greatest minds. With 50 classes that dive into processes, techniques and philosophies, MasterClass helps students progress more rapidly towards their own mastery, explore a new passion, or learn a new skill. It offers a unique learning experience, including video lessons, interactive exercises, course materials, peer interaction, and more. All classes are available as part of an annual subscription for $180, or for individual purchase at $90 for lifetime access to the class, and can be accessed online at www.masterclass.com or on the MasterClass mobile app for iOS and Android.
