USHER

T E AC H E S T H E A R T O F P E R F O R M A N C E

CLASS WORKBOOK
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USHER TEACHES THE ART OF PERFORMANCE

HOW TO USE THIS CLASS

Before you dive in, we have a few recommendations for getting the most out
of your experience.

THINGS YOU MIGHT NEED

To enjoy this class you only need your
A
computer and a desire to learn. We’ve 

found that some learn best when using C L AS S WO R K B O O K

A printable PDF filled with chapter
a few other tools, so here’s a short list of recaps and assignments.

‘nice-to-haves’ to maximize your learning 

potential: B

S U GGESTED VIEWIN G SCH E DULE
Usher explains his performance techniques
to you in 15 chapters. Like his performances,
it’s tempting to watch them all in one sitting.
We’d like to recommend our suggested viewing
schedule, which you’ll find on page 3 of the
Class Workbook.

C
P EN O R P EN C IL
Studies show that students recall more mate-
rial if they record it with handwritten notes.1
We’ve included space for jotting down your
thoughts on each page of the Class Workbook.
 

D
WEB CAM O R S M ART- PH ONE
Record and upload questions, performances
and assignments to the Office Hours page.

1 (Kiewra, K. A., DuBois, N. F., Christian, D., McShane,

A., Meyerhoffer, M., & Roskelley, D. (1991). Note-taking
functions and techniques. Journal of Educational Psy-
chology, 83, 240-245)

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USHER TEACHES THE ART OF PERFORMANCE

CLASS OUTLINE
Here’s your six-week suggested viewing schedule.

WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3

01 INTRODUCTION 05 SINGING 08 PREPARING FOR LIVE

▶▶ Things you might need ▶▶ Find Your Range PERFORMANCES
▶▶ Listen to Yourself ▶▶ Visualize Your Entire
02 GETTING STARTED ▶▶ Be Good to Your Voice Performance
▶▶ The First Step ▶▶ Watch What You Eat ▶▶ Power Through Your
▶▶ Always Be Performing Mistakes
▶▶ Build Endurance
▶▶ Gain Real World ▶▶ Perform at Every
▶▶ Warm Up
Experience Opportunity
▶▶ Warm Down
▶▶ Start Sharing ▶▶ Create a Pre-Show
▶▶ Do Your Best 06 DANCING Ritual

03 GATHERING INSPIRATION
▶▶ Find Your Style 09 CAPTIVATING AN
▶▶ Watch and Learn AUDIENCE
▶▶ Identify Your Heroes ▶▶ Practice, Practice, ▶▶ Read the Room
▶▶ Identify THEIR Heroes Practice ▶▶ Trust Your Instincts
▶▶ Look Beyond Your
07 ▶▶ Listen to The Moment
Discipline ACTING

04 APPLYING INSPIRATION
▶▶ Usher’s Road to Acting 10 SHOW TIME
▶▶ Research Your Character ▶▶ Leave Room for Magic
▶▶ A Thief Steals ▶▶ Become the Character
A Genius Borrows ▶▶ The Show Goes On
▶▶ Improvise (Lessons
Go From Imitation to
▶▶
Inspiration
From Broadway) 11 PERFORMANCE REVIEW

▶▶ Let Trends Inspire You

▶▶ Sit back and enjoy
watching Usher review
▶▶ Get Personal
performances
▶▶ Get to Work

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WEEK 4 WEEK 5 WEEK 6

12 COLLABORATION 14 MENTAL TOUGHNESS 16 FINAL THOUGHTS

▶▶ Rules of Collaboration ▶▶ Persistence ▶▶ Setting Goals
▶▶ Choose a Collaborator ▶▶ Getting Past Failures/ ▶▶ Measures of Success
▶▶ Stay Connected and Obstacles ▶▶ Keep Fighting
Flexible ▶▶ Dealing with Haters
▶▶ Add a Feature Artist ▶▶ Work Through Stage
Fright
13 CREATING A ▶▶ Meditation
PERSONAL BRAND
▶▶ Usher’s Brand Evolution 15 USHER’S CAREER
▶▶ Identify Your Personal JOURNEY
Brand ▶▶ Usher’s Early Goals
▶▶ Sex Appeal ▶▶ Being Discovered
▶▶ Let Your Fans Get to ▶▶ Debut Album
Know You ▶▶ My Way
▶▶ Engage and Maintain a ▶▶ Here I Stand
Fan Base ▶▶ Raymond vs. Raymond
▶▶ What’s Next
▶▶ Making a Legacy

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GETTING STARTED

The most important part in being

fearless is being vulnerable. You have
to allow yourself to remain open. — USH E R

TAKE I T F U RT H E R N OTES
Congratulations on taking the first step towards a more successful artistic performance. 
We are so thrilled you’ve decided to join Usher on this journey.
ASSI GN M E N TS
When you’re just getting started it’s important to write and speak your goals and
intentions. And forget the new car and house for now! How do you want people to view
you as an artist? Usher started his career with a few basic goals.
1. Have fans.
2. Be respected and compared to other great artists.
3. Start acting.
Make a list of goals using Usher’s suggestion to NOT focus on status symbols. You
can make them creative goals to start: A new vocal style, a new dance move, a new
instrument, or maybe even a fine art like painting or sculpting. Use the printable chart
on the following page to write down 3, 6 and 12 month goals along with steps you plan on
taking to reach them.

LESSON RECAP
▶▶ THE FIRST STEP ▶▶ START SHARING
▶▶ ALWAYS BE PERFORMING ▶▶ DO YOUR BEST
▶▶ GAIN REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE

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GETTING STARTED

SET YOUR GOALS

Here’s your instructions for this assignment.

1 MONTH 3 MONTHS 1 YEAR

YOU R G OA L YO U R GOAL YO U R GOA L

YOU R P L A N YO U R P L AN YO U R P L AN

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GATHERING INSPIRATION

Artists truly live in a delusional state. You have to live

in this place that only you believe. — U S H E R

TAKE I T F U RT H E R N OTES
The great artists that came before you are meant to inspire Below are some of Usher’s 
inspirations, as well as a link to of their most iconic performances.
   JAMES BROWN — LIVE ON THE T.A.M.I SHOW IN 1964
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09qbhwcpA6A
   MARVIN GAYE — 1983 NBA ALL-STAR GAME AMERICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRvVzaQ6i8A
   SAMMY DAVIS JR — MR. BOJANGLES LIVE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5voM2HExV_Q
   FRED ASTAIRE — 1970 OSCARS PERFORMANCE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnrbdNjf-aw
   LUTHER VANDROSS — WEMBLEY STADIUM 1989
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiFQ8S0lkyQ
   STEVIE WONDER — LIVE IN LONDON 1995
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxoBaEQGMPo
   MICHAEL JACKSON AND HIS BROTHERS—1983 MOTOWN 25TH ANNIVERSARY
SPECIAL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0EQSDFovfc

LESSON RECAP
▶▶ IDENTIFY YOUR HEROES
▶▶ IDENTIFY THEIR HEROES
▶▶ LOOK BEYOND YOUR DISCIPLINE

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GATHERING INSPIRATION

ASSI GN M E N TS N OTES
Many performers doubt their creative ability which, in turn, hinders them from working 
on their craft. You have to open yourself up to inspiration and record it as often as
possible. Usher uses a journal to process ideas, thoughts, or inspiration for new songs
and performances. We suggest you do the same.
▶▶ Gather a fresh journal or notebook for this exercise. This will be your dedicated
space for your artistic inspiration.
▶▶ Start by challenging yourself to write five interesting sources of inspiration each
week. It can be a museum exhibit you visited, a conversation you heard at the coffee
shop, or a new piece of choreography you saw on YouTube. If it stuck out enough for
you to remember it at the end of the day, write it down.
▶▶ After a few weeks of gathering what you’re attracted to, see if any trends are
forming. Are half of your inspiring sources dances you saw? Maybe it’s time to
take the dance class you keep putting off. Are you consistently writing about
how inspiring a teacher, friend, or classmate is? Ask them to watch your next
performance and provide you with feedback.
Now that you know who Usher draws inspiration from, let’s see if they can inspire you.
Watch a performance by one of Usher’s heroes linked below. When you’ve found one
that resonates with you, dig deep to find out why. Write down what emotions you think
they were trying to convey, and what artists or styles you think inspired them. If you
watch the same performance without sound, is the same energy and emotion there?
You’ll be using this research for next chapters assignment.
   JACKIE WILSON — ‘LONELY TEARDROPS’ LIVE
HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=2NEFUE8PW4U
   SAVION GLOVER — TAP DANCE IMPROVISATION PERFORMANCE
HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=RXHHLTG_IGQ
   NICHOLAS BROTHERS — ‘LUCKY NUMBER’ 1936
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IBteauWsHA
   BOJANGLES — “LITTLE COLONEL” WITH SHIRLEY TEMPLE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtHvetGnOdM

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APPLYING INSPIRATION

Create something of substance, from substance.

— U SH E R

TAKE I T F U RT H E R N OTES
A great example of how to evolve from imitation to inspiration is Usher’s “Singing In 
The Rain” tribute. Watch the complete performances he references here:
   GENE KELLY’S ORIGINAL PERFORMANCE OF “SINGING IN THE RAIN” FROM THE
1952 BLOCKBUSTER MUSICAL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1ZYhVpdXbQ
   USHER’S TRIBUTE TO GENE AT THE 2008 MOVIES ROCK CEREMONY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJBOZqZGNhk
   IN “YOU GOT IT BAD”, USHER DANCES IN THE RAIN AS A TRIBUTE TO HIS IDOL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3IWTfcks4k
After you identify who you admire, it’s time to break down what it is that makes them
unique. Another MasterClass instructor, Serena Williams, applied Muhammad Ali’s
boxing footwork to her tennis game. By always being on her toes and “dancing” on the
court, like Mohammed did in the ring, she was able to bring his agility and improvisation
to her game. Having this level of awareness when you’re watching other performers is
crucial to your own evolution.
Michael Jackson owned the moonwalk for years, but Usher reminded us that he wasn’t
the first to create this move. Some credit dancer Bill Bailey with the signature move,
but it was Jeffrey Daniels, one of Jackson’s choreographers, who taught him the smooth
footwork. Track the evolution here:
▶▶ Bill Bailey
▶▶ Jeffrey Daniels, the choreographer who taught Jackson the moonwalk, performs
with his dance troop in 1979
▶▶ The first time Michael Jackson performed his moonwalk on live television

LESSON RECAP
▶▶ A THIEF STEALS, ▶▶ LET TRENDS INSPIRE YOU
A GENIUS BORROWS ▶▶ GET PERSONAL
▶▶ GO FROM IMITATION TO ▶▶ GET TO WORK
INSPIRATION

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APPLYING INSPIRATION

ASSI GN M E N TS N OTES
In this chapter you saw Usher’s tribute to Gene Kelly’s “Singing In The Rain”. 
Remember the performance you analyzed last chapter? Imitate the performance until it
becomes second nature. And not just the dance moves. If you’re a singer, mimic the tone
and inflections. If you’re an actor, use the same hand gestures and stage blocking. Once
you’ve got it down, it’s time to take your favorite elements and adapt them to fit your
style and audience. Take the elements that you like the most and apply them to your
performance. Record your original performance inspired by your tribute. Upload it to
the Rate and Review tool for your peers to watch and provide feedback.
▶▶ Introduce yourself at the start of the video and share with us which performance or
performer you’ve drawn your inspiration from. e.g. “My name is _________ and I was
inspired by Bob Fosse’s cat-like choreography in Chicago.”

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SINGING

You have two strips of muscle in your throat. These

muscles are not like the rest of your body. Once you
destroy these muscles, they don’t rejuvenate. —U S HE R

TAKE I T F U RT H E R N OTES
To kick off this chapter on singing, we’d love for you to watch this moving acoustic 
tribute to Marvin Gaye that Usher performed for One.org. It’s not often we get to see our
favorite musicians perform without the glitz and glam. We think this medley perfectly
highlights Usher’s incredible vocal capabilities.
   MARVIN GAYE MEDLEY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gov1WDIgybk
When Usher was first starting out, his favorite vocalists to emulate were Boys II Men,
Wanyay, Tedman Campbell, R. Kelly and Jodice, among others. By singing along to his
favorite records he was able to define and expand his vocal range. In particular, Usher
recommends looking into Take 6, an A Capella music group that features six singers
with unique vocal ranges. Usher would follow along with each line of harmony in a Take
6 song, helping him find his vocal sweet spot. Give it a try yourself.
   TAKE 6 PERFORMING THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qZe8aB7plU
The muscles in your throat are sensitive and susceptible to damage if you overwork
them. Just like a regular muscle, you can stretch and strengthen them; you can also
destroy them beyond repair. Here are some of Usher’s tried and true methods for
keeping his voice and vocal chords healthy.
▶▶ Drink lots of water before and after performances to keep your vocal
chords lubricated.
▶▶ Usher warms up for at least 30–40 minutes before he performs. He runs scales
and arpeggios to stretch his vocal chords. You can download an easy vocal warm
up app for both iPhone and Android devices here — http://warm-me-up.com/,
and for iPhone only try https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vocal-warm-up-by-
musicopoulos/id467571560?mt=8

LESSON RECAP
▶▶ FIND YOUR RANGE ▶▶ BUILD ENDURANCE
▶▶ LISTEN TO YOURSELF ▶▶ WARM UP
▶▶ BE GOOD TO YOUR VOICE ▶▶ WARM DOWN
▶▶ WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

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SINGING

Warm down after a performance. Some singers are skeptical about the importance of N OTES
warming down their voice, but Usher swears by it. Take 5–10 minutes to perform a few 
hushed scales in reverse. Slide down a five note scale using a lip-trill or softly singing Ah,
Eh, or Oo.
▶▶ Drink a cup of warm herbal tea after a performance. Warm tea helps reduce the
inflammation that can happen when straining your muscles. You can add a slice of
lemon, which helps break up any mucus buildup, or honey which coats and calms
your throat.
▶▶ Protect your voice before a performance by reducing how much you talk. You can
take it even further by lowering your vocal register or whispering.
▶▶ Avoid acidic foods or anything that gives you acid reflux. Common foods that can
cause acid reflux include alcohol, spicy foods, chocolate, and caffeinated drinks.
Citrus fruits are very acidic; Usher avoids fruit and dairy before hitting the stage.
▶▶ Once you start performing regularly, find an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor to help
you keep an eye on the health of your vocal chords.

ASSI GN M E N TS
It’s important to take every opportunity to perform when you’re first starting out. If
you’re not being offered opportunities, start making your own! Plan your next party at a
karaoke bar. If you have a family barbecue coming up, croon for your family. Audition to
sing the National Anthem for your local sports team. Make sure you’re connecting with
your audience, and record your performance so you can critique yourself after.
Build endurance and expand your lungs to confidently get through longer performances.
Whenever Usher does cardio, he’s singing. So when you’re running or biking start singing
your lyrics. If you’re not a singer, you can still use this technique to build your on-stage
stamina. Don’t worry about being pitch perfect, just focus on singing the entire song.

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DANCING

You really dictate who you are through your

individuality. You don’t have to dance like me.
— U SH E R

TAKE I T F U RT H E R N OTES
Usher says he wasn’t a great dancer when he first started out. Through his dedication, 
practice, and work with talented choreographers, he was able to become one of the best
dancers performing today. Watch some of his iconic live performances here:
   USHER DANCES WITH HIS PERSONAL IDOL
MICHAEL JACKSON AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq0H5jcHOvE&feature=youtu.be
   USHER’S 2014 PERFORMANCE OF “GOOD KISSER” ON THE VOICE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpXgBivSwTs
   REHEARSING FOR A GRAMMY PERFORMANCE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYS683HnD2U

ASSI GN M E N T
Lots of choreographers have been breaking down their signature dance moves on
YouTube recently. Take advantage of this incredible access and resource. Here are some
of our favorites:
▶▶ Start with a basic routine.
   MARK RONSON’S “UPTOWN FUNK”, https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=UDG4wPKPR28
▶▶ For a more challenging dance, give this a shot!
   USHER’S “GOOD KISSER”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfWtQ-ELQpA
If you want to take it a step further, choreograph your own dance, record yourself
teaching the steps, and upload it to YouTube. Use the language and techniques you’ve
learned from your favorite video tutorials and take this opportunity to connect with new
fans and friends. Post a link in the comments section of this chapter, or to the dedicated
Usher MasterClass Facebook group.

LESSON RECAP
▶▶ FIND YOUR STYLE
▶▶ WATCH AND LEARN
▶▶ PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

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ACTING

I never went to acting school . . . I tried to find the

connection between what was relevant to me and
was relevant to this character. — U S H E R

TAKE I T F U RT H E R N OTES
In 2006, Usher took a turn performing as lawyer Billy Flynn in the Broadway 
production of Chicago.
   WATCH THIS SNEAK PEEK OF HIM ON STAGE AND A BRIEF INTERVIEW ABOUT HIS
BROADWAY EXPERIENCE
http://www.broadway.com/videos/17398/on-the-scene-usher-takes-on-chicago/
Usher credits his personal mentor Ben Vereen with introducing him to the fine art of
performing on Broadway. In 1972 Vereen was a part of the original cast of the hit musical
Pippin. Bob Fosse, another personal hero of Usher’s, choreographed the incredible show.
   WATCH VEREEN PERFORM ON THE JOHNNY CARSON SHOW
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPmVUX5SIVE
See if you can spot elements of his performance and personal demeanor that might have
directly inspired Usher.

ASSI GN M E N TS
Don’t be afraid to open yourself up to new, different, or uncomfortable opportunities.
You may not consider yourself an actor, but Usher found acting on Broadway to be
incredibly beneficial to his stage performances. Choose one of your favorite songs to
perform. It can be a song you sing, play, or dance to. Using the outline below, come up
with a character who performs this song. Once you know your character’s background,
perform the song again as the character. Try to channel someone other than yourself.
You might end up liking your new persona, and add some of their courage, boldness or
vulnerability to your next performance.
▶▶ What’s your character’s name? ▶▶ Where is your character from?
▶▶ What kind of clothing does your ▶▶ What do they do for a living?
character wear? ▶▶ Are they introverted or extroverted?

LESSON RECAP
▶▶ USHER’S ROAD TO ACTING ▶▶ IMPROVISE (LESSONS FROM
▶▶ RESEARCH YOUR CHARACTER BROADWAY)

▶▶ BECOME THE CHARACTER

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PREPARING FOR LIVE PERFORMANCE

I also think that a really great thing to do to build your

confidence up in performing is to sing live, all the time.
I mean, everywhere I was, every opportunity that I got,
I was singing. — US H E R

TAKE I T F U RT H E R N OTES
Usher has employed the power of visualization from a very young age. Visualizing 
a successful performance before you step out onto the stage is a great technique for
working through your pre-show jitters. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some
tips to get you started:
▶▶ Start small — If you’re unfamiliar with the practice of visualization, start with
familiar objects and places. Close your eyes and lay down or sit in a comfortable
spot. Start to picture your bedroom or living room. What color are the walls?
Where is the bed or desk? Is there sunshine streaming in the windows? Walk
around the room and touch the fabrics and furniture. Experience the sights, smells,
and sounds of the space until it feels like you’re actually there. After you’ve done this
exercise with two familiar spaces, it’s time to start visualizing your performance.
▶▶ Get specific — It’s important to think about the specific parts of your performance
that you’d like to improve. If you’ve having trouble with anxiety before you hit the
stage, visualize yourself backstage, relaxed, warming up and enjoying the sound of
the audience taking their seats. If you’re worried about hitting that high note you’ve
been working on, visualize yourself singing that portion of the song flawlessly.

ASSI GN M E N TS
It’s so important to power through your entire performance during a rehearsal. Whether
your voice cracks, or someone starts talking, you gotta get through it. Try this: Tap two
friends who think they’re good pranksters. Have them come up with two or three ways
to interrupt or generally disrupt your next rehearsal. Make sure they don’t tell you what
they’ll be getting into.
See if you can get through your performance without skipping a beat or busting up.
Better yet, record the performance and share with your fans. They’ll see your dedication
and get a good laugh out of it. Remember, the more you run it, the better you’ll get.

LESSON RECAP
▶▶ VISUALIZE YOUR ENTIRE ▶▶ PERFORM AT EVERY
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY
▶▶ POWER THROUGH YOUR ▶▶ CREATE A PRE-SHOW RITUAL
MISTAKES

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PREPARING FOR LIVE PERFORMANCE

▶▶ With the provided practice schedule (modeled after Usher’s rehearsal days) N OTES
practice your assignments from the Singing, Dancing and Acting chapters. Film 
your performances at the start of the week and again after a week of training.
Review and discuss your progress with MasterClass students in your Facebook
group. See the practice schedule on the next page.

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 PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Write out a schedule you are comitted to keeping to each week.

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

MORNING MORNING M O R N IN G MO R N IN G MO R NIN G M OR N IN G M OR N IN G

DAY DAY DAY DAY DAY DAY DAY

E V ENING E VE NING EVEN IN G EVEN IN G EVEN IN G E V E N IN G E V E N IN G

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CAPTIVATING AN AUDIENCE

Being able to read the room is one of the things that

I think makes you a great performer. — U S H E R

TAKE I T F U RT H E R N OTES
Trust Your Instincts — When Usher was starting out, he was like us. He didn’t have all 
the bells and whistles that he has now. All he had was his conviction and his instincts.
When he was signed performing at the Atlanta Talent search, in the theater where he
filmed his MasterClass, Usher recognized that his audience needed a more immediate
connection to him. He walked off the stage and started performing directly to ladies
in the audience. Understand that you need to be daring in order to make a meaningful
impact on potential fans.
Usher talks about three particular audiences that you can be performing for at any given
time. Jot down ideas for captivating an audience in these situations:
▶▶ You’ve prepared for a full stage production but you show up at the venue and they
say the sound isn’t working and you must perform an acoustic set.
▶▶ Your friend’s birthday party is in a noisy public park. She’s asked you to perform her
favorite song, but your microphone isn’t that loud, and people are busy eating cake.
▶▶ Your office is throwing a holiday party and they’ve asked you to sing “Winter
Wonderland.” By the time you go on stage, your co-workers have had a few drinks.

ASSI GN M E N T
Whatever size the audience, it’s important to know and speak to their sensibilities.
Pretend you’re getting ready for your best friend’s birthday party. You’ve been asked
to toast the guest of honor in front of all of their friends and family. Write a 1-2 minute
speech about your friend and make sure it’s a crowd pleaser. When you’re done, share
it with your friend and ask them to critique your work. Better yet, host a real party and
deliver it in front of a room full of people. The more you stand up and test yourself, the
better you’ll get.

LESSON RECAP
▶▶ READ THE ROOM
▶▶ TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
▶▶ LISTEN TO THE MOMENT

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SHOW TIME

From the moment you walk on that stage to the

moment you have walked back stage until the light can
no longer see you, you have to be committed. —U S HER

TAKE I T F U RT H E R N OTES
Leaving room for magic and improvisation is what lead Usher to execute one of his 
favorite performances to date. At the 2005 Grammy Awards, Usher performed Caught
Up with the venerable James Brown. He left the tail end of the performance for a few
moments of improvisation with James, connecting with the audience and giving them a
performance of a lifetime. Notice the kick split in hard bottom shoes, per Brown’s special
request.
   “CAUGHT UP” WITH THE JAMES BROWN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY6zpvqoojo
Usher references a BET awards show performance in which his microphone
doesn’t work.
   WATCH HIS RECOVER WITH STYLE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VJqdf17Gk0

ASSI GN M E N T
This entire MasterClass won’t work unless you do work. It’s time to put yourself
out there, stop making excuses, and perform. If you have an agent or manager, push
them to find you a gig in the next 30 days. If you’re just starting out, make your own
opportunities. Plan a block party, plan a high school talent show. Invite your family over
for dinner and a show. Record your performance and post it to the Rate and Review
interactive assignment.

LESSON RECAP
▶▶ LEAVE ROOM FOR MAGIC
▶▶ THE SHOW GOES ON

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PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Sometimes the most potent part of your performance

can be silent. It’s your energy. — U S H E R

TAKE I T E ASY N OTES

Get an unprecedented look into Usher’s state-of-mind when he performs live. Gain 
insight as he critiques his own performances and breaks down his decisions on stage.

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COLLABORATION

Ego getting in your way can definitely stop what could

be the most incredible moment of your career . . .
Don’t allow your ego to lead you away from great
collaboration. — US H E R

TAKE I T F U RT H E R N OTES
In this chapter, Usher mentioned some of his most successful collaborations to date. 
Here’s a short list:
▶▶ Usher’s critically acclaimed single “Climax” was a 2012 collaboration with
producer Diplo.
   “CLIMAX”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNTyfVh3nm
▶▶ “Confessions” is Usher’s most sucessful album to date, a song-writing collaboration
with Jermaine Dupri.
   “CONFESSIONS”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sy19X0xxrM
▶▶ “Without You” is Usher’s collaboration with celebrated DJ and producer David
Guetta.
   “WITHOUT YOU”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUe8uoKdHao
▶▶ One of Usher’s best-selling records was a collaboration with Lil John and Ludacris.
   “OK!”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxBSyx85Kp8
Producing, writing, fashion. Collaboration is all about bringing people together who
think creatively and challenge you to do your best work. Here are some of our favorite
resources for preparing yourself for a successful collaboration:
   A BRIEF INTRODUCTION ON SUCCESFUL COLLABORATION STYLE
http://www.inc.com/kevin-daum/how-smart-people-collaborate-for-success.html
   CHECK YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR
http://www.forbes.com/sites/dinagachman/2012/12/05/check-your-ego-at-the-
door-tips-for-creative-collaboration/
   AMAZING OVERVIEW OF HOW TO DO SUCCESSFUL CREATIVE COLLABORATION
http://www.designingcollaboration.com/Essi_Salonen_DesigningCollaboration.pdf

LESSON RECAP
▶▶ RULES OF COLLABORATION ▶▶ ADD A FEATURE ARTIST
▶▶ CHOOSE A COLLABORATOR
▶▶ STAY CONNECTED AND
FLEXIBLE

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COLLABORATION

ASSI GN M E N T N OTES
Above are some of Usher’s most legendary collaborations. It’s time for you to make your 
own history. By signing up for this MasterClass you’ve joined a huge collaboration pool.
Write a small summary on the MasterClass Facebook page of the kind of collaboration
partner you’re looking for, like a feature artist with a specific sound, a producer who can
make some great beats for you, or a vocalist to enhance your instrumentals.
▶▶ Make sure you do your research! When you receive a request for collaboration,
or reach out to a potential partner, ask them for links to previous work or
performances. See if they have something that sparks your interest, and write down
what it is you’d like to accomplish with them.
When you’re ready to join forces organize your thoughts, goals and process with the help
of these powerful tools
▶▶ The ubiquitous Google Docs is amazing at collecting and sharing ideas with your
creative partners. Chances are they already have an account, making setup a breeze
   GOOGLE DOCS, https://www.google.com/docs/about/
▶▶ Share larger files music and video files with the help of a free Dropbox account.
   DROPBOX, https://www.dropbox.com/

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CREATING A PERSONAL BRAND

If you want be an artist, you have to find a way

to market and sell what you’ve created.
Create your commodity. — U S H E R

TAKE I T F U RT H E R N OTES
Social media is a necessity for building a personal brand. Sharing who you are and what 
you’re doing with prospective fans lets them see a side of you that they might connect
with. You may already have a personal Twitter or Instagram account, but think about
expanding your reach with these tips:
▶▶ What if my public persona is different than my private one? Make an Instagram,
Twitter, or Facebook account for your public persona. Your fans don’t need to see
your messages to uncles or cousins. Keep the information relevant to who you are
as a performer. Be purposeful in what you share, as it’s a direct reflection of how you
want your brand to appear.
▶▶ What should I be sharing? Start following artists and performers you love. What
type of content are they creating? It’s OK to gather ideas of what you’d like to share,
and what you want to keep private.
▶▶ What avenues are there besides social media? Start a personal website. If you’re
serious about booking gigs and establishing a name for yourself, give your fans and
prospective employer a place to land. You can easily register a domain name for less
than $20/year.
If you’re still having difficulty wrapping your head around where to start, we found this
amazing online resource “The Complete Guide to Building Your Personal Brand.” In
this eight chapter series, you’ll be guided through a workshop-like experience to help
you create your own story and share it with the world. While it’s not completely aimed at
performers, we found that a lot of the resources and exercises can been easily adapted to
help grow your artistic career.
   THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO BUILDING YOUR PERSONAL BRAND
https://www.quicksprout.com/the-complete-guide-to-building-your-personal-
brand/

LESSON RECAP
▶▶ USHER’S BRAND EVOLUTION ▶▶ LET YOUR FANS GET
▶▶ IDENTIFY YOUR PERSONAL TO KNOW YOU
BRAND ▶▶ ENGAGE AND MAINTAIN
▶▶ SEX APPEAL A FAN BASE

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CREATING A PERSONAL BRAND

ASSI GN M E N T N OTES
When you’re just starting to build your career, it’s important to focus on your artistry. 
What makes you an individual? What makes you stand out in the crowd of other
performers? Define your personal brand with the help of the following questions:
▶▶ What do you hope people walk away from your performances feeling?
▶▶ If you were to ask a fan to describe your performance style in three words, what
would they be?
An important aspect of building your brand is working with other established artists and
brands to expand your audience and reach. For this assignment, identify brands that
you would like to partner with. For example, Usher has partnered with Pepsi, Yoobi,
Tidal, and Samsung in a variety of different ways. Create a pitch for the chosen partner
highlighting why your brands align, what you’d like to collaborate on, and who the target
audience would be. Dream big! This is your time to visualize a big life for yourself.

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MENTAL TOUGHNESS

Any artist who tells you they haven’t failed, they’re

lying. You are greeted with many, many No’s before you
get a Yes. Everybody starts from a perspective of having
to prove something. — U S H E R

TAKE I T F U RT H E R N OTES
Usher practices Transcendental Meditation (TM), which grew in popularity in the 
United States in the ’60s and ’70’s. Some of our most creative artists, entrepreneurs and
leaders swear by TM, including:
▶▶ Russell Simmons ▶▶ Oprah Winfrey ▶▶ Rick Rubin
▶▶ Jerry Seinfeld ▶▶ Sheryl Crow

If you’re interested in studying meditation here are some of our favorite ways
to get started:
▶▶ Download the HeadSpace App for your phone. It will give you a 10 day free trial
and walk you through a basic meditation practice.
   HEADSPACE APP, https://www.headspace.com/
▶▶ Study Transcendental Meditation with the organization that brought the practice
to the US. TM.org is rich with resources and options for learning the ancient
tradition.
   TM.ORG, http://www.tm.org/
ASSI GN M E N T
In this chapter Usher dedicated an entire segment to meditation. Try this practice and
see if it helps calm your nerves and focus your performance:
▶▶ Find a comfortable, quiet spot to sit or lay down. Set a timer for 5 minutes and close
your eyes. Start to visualize your ideal performance space. What does it sound like?
What color are the walls (or stadium seats!)? Watch your fans slowly fill up the
space. Picture yourself backstage calmly preparing for your show. Once you’ve set
the scene, stay in that moment until your timer goes off. That’s all it takes. Try it a
couple more times this week, once in the morning, and once again after school.

LESSON RECAP
▶▶ PERSISTENCE ▶▶ WORK THROUGH STAGE FRIGHT
▶▶ GETTING PAST FAILURES/ ▶▶ MEDITATION
OBSTACLES
▶▶ DEALING WITH HATERS

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USHER’S CAREER JOURNEY

I was always the kid who was performing

no matter where I was. I just had this energy
to get people’s attention. — U S H E R

TAKE I T F U RT H E R N OTES
Watch 13-year-old Usher perform with his first group NuBeginnings on WRCB 
Chattanooga. This endearing performance was one of his first live television
appearances
   13-YEAR-OLD USHER, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRJj16YLLOg
To date, Usher has released seven studio albums, with an eighth on the way. They are:
▶▶ Usher (1994)
▶▶ My Way (1997)
▶▶ 8701 (2001)
▶▶ Confessions (2004)
▶▶ Here I Stand (2008)
▶▶ Raymond v. Raymond (2010)
▶▶ Looking 4 Myself (2012)

Usher is a prolific philanthropist and has used his success to advance the awareness of
various worthy causes.
▶▶ In 1999 Usher launched his non-profit New Look with his mother Jonetta Patton.
Usher’s New Look provides positive role models and resources to under served
school-age youth in the United States.
   FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED, http://ushersnewlook.org/
▶▶ In October 2015, Usher released “CHAINS” with Nas and Bibi Boureley to bring
awareness to racial injustice.
   WATCH THE MOVING VIDEO EXPERIENCE, http://chains.tidal.com/

LESSON RECAP
▶▶ USHER’S EARLY GOALS ▶▶ HERE I STAND
▶▶ BEING DISCOVERED ▶▶ RAYMOND VS. RAYMOND
▶▶ DEBUT ALBUM ▶▶ WHAT’S NEXT
▶▶ MY WAY ▶▶ MAKING A LEGACY

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FINAL THOUGHTS

I want you to apply everything that I’ve told

you. I want you to try it. Find the things that
are significant to you, and then nurture
those things. — US H E R

ASSI GN M E N T N OTES
You’ve finished your MasterClass with Usher! Congratulations! We hope you feel 
inspired to share your art with the world. We want to make sure that your experience
with Usher and your peers doesn’t end when you finish watching the video chapters.
Here are a few ways to make sure we stay in touch:
Usher’s Masterclass Facebook Group
▶▶ From work shopping your next performance to lively online discussions, the
Usher MasterClass Facebook group is the best resource to stay in touch with the
community. Be sure to check-in with your fellow students and be on the lookout for
future community activities promoted in the Facebook group. You can also use the
Facebook group to get peer reviews or access any resources that the community has
put together.

Office Hours With Usher

▶▶ Submit your questions on the Office Hours page of the MasterClass site. Keep your
eyes peeled for Usher’s personal responses.

LESSON RECAP
▶▶ SETTING GOALS
▶▶ MEASURES OF SUCCESS
▶▶ KEEP FIGHTING

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