Hans Zimmer MasterClass Review 2025: What to Expect

Suppose you’ve seen movies like Sherlock Holmes, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Lion King. In addition to the great stories, another factor that undoubtedly turned them into absolute classics is, of course, the score.

The film score enhances the viewers’ emotions by creating an aural mood for every scene, accompanied by sound effects. And it is what Hans Zimmer is known to be best at. He is a renowned expert in the industry when it comes to film scoring. 

If you have a basic knowledge and background in film scoring and composing music and want to elevate your skills and be a better composer, Hans Zimmer’s MasterClass might intrigue you.

This MasterClass, taught by an A-list film scorer, Hans Zimmer himself, is a curriculum that aims to teach aspirants how to find their voice and apply the lessons learned to their craft. However, before hitting that registration button, it’d be best to know if this class is really for you and understand if the course is worth your time, effort, and money.

Check out this Hans Zimmer Masterclass Review and let this article help you decide for yourself. Without delay, let’s get started.

Who is Hans Zimmer

If you haven’t heard the name, we’ll let his work speak for himself.

As mentioned earlier, Hans Zimmer is a German music composer who’s been in the industry for 45 years. He is a recognized personality in music production and film scoring and won multiple awards for his art. Those include:

Award	Year Archived
Academy Award for Best Original Score	2022. 1995
Golden Globe Awards for Best Original Score	2022, 2001, 1995
Satellite Award for Best Original Score	2022. 2010, 2004
BAFTA Award for Best Original Score	2022
Saturn Award for Best Music	2011, 2009
Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media	2009, 1996
American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Album	1995
Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Music in a Feature Production	2017, 2009
Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals	1995
Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Score	2022, 2001
American Music Award for Favorite Soundtrack	2001
ASCAP Film and Television Music Award for Top Box Office Films	2006, 2003
Grammy Award for Best Musical Album for Children	1995
BMI Film Music Award	2003
Classic Brit Award for Composer of the Year	2013
Echo Award for Best Music Film	1994
Classic Brit Award for Soundtrack of the Year	2009
Classic Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music	2013

Out of over a hundred music compositions, some of his legendary film scores (apart from those listed above) are Interstellar, The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, Crimson Tide, Gladiator, and The Last Samurai and Oppenheimer 

His passionate work ethic, excellent versatility, and record-making style capture every viewer’s heart and give substance to every movie he’s worked on. Thus, making him stand out and giving him the credibility to teach hopeful beginners and even professionals.

Overview of the Class

Yes, there are hundreds of classes that you can acquire online. So, what makes this course outstanding? What can you expect when you enroll in this class?

The Hans Zimmer Masterclass course comprises well-structured and excellently arranged pre-video lessons. The videos would run for more than five hours in total, which is by far the longest among all the courses in Masterclass. The lesson plan for this Masterclass is:

1. Introduction

In this video, Hans Zimmer tells his journey in the music industry and what he did wrong so you, as a starting aspirant, won’t do the same things.

2. Themes

In the themes section, you’ll be given tips and tricks in film scoring while preserving your own style.

3. Story

In this section, Hans shared how he grasped the idea of making the film score for Interstellar. He explains that the first step was talking to the film director and asking about the story’s depth. If others would relay what Interstellar is about, they’d probably say, “It’s about space.” However, Christopher Nolan, the movie’s director, told Hans that it’s about a father’s love for his children. That said, knowing the film’s story is essential before the composition starts.

4. Directors: Part 1

It’s all about talking to the right people and the production team and how to navigate potential conflicts of vision.

5. Directors: Part 2

Learning to have an effective conversation with the director. 

6. Directors: Part 3

He also discussed what attributes a great director possesses and what level of relationship the director and the composer should have to develop the best film score.

7. Sound Palettes

This part is about finding inspiration and creating a sound palette for every movie.

8. Creating with Synths

This part of the lesson is focused on the importance of using synthesizers. Yes, instruments are essential, but manipulating them to create an abstract sound is important to give that new flavor and matching feel to the film.

9. Scoring to Picture

In this section, Hans explains why a film score should complement the story in the best way possible. Plus, he also shares when and when not to incorporate music. Sometimes, it’s best to leave a part quiet and let the audience’s emotions prevail.

10. Scoring Under Dialogue

Yes, incorporating music is vital. But it’s crucial to know sound perspective. This means learning to use an assortment of microphones, allowing the dialogue to prevail.

11. Tempo

Ensure to be working with the editor very well, as they help you recognize the tempo of a particular scene.

12. Tempo: Sherlock Holmes Scene

To put this in a bubble, Hans talks about the importance of tempo and music speed. He also explained how he scored a complicated scene from Sherlock Holmes.

13. Music Diary: Sherlock Holmes

Hans emphasized that writing a film score for a specific movie doesn’t happen overnight. Excellent music composition comes from a series of thoughts written in his music diary.

14. Character

Another essential thing to consider when making a film score is the story’s main character and what is happening in the scene.

• Character Theme: Batman
• Character Theme: The Joker
• Character Theme: Jack Sparrow

Hans Zimmer explained how he managed to pull off a well-edited film score in these three outstanding films.

15. Case Study: Frost/Nixon

The movie Frost/Nixon shows that a score can be minimal but still come out beautiful.

16. Case Study: The Dark Knight

Remember the boat scene from The Dark Knight? Learn how he accentuated the tension.

17. Working With Musicians

Great music also needs great musicians, which is precisely what he points out in this section.

18. Working With Musicians: The Orchestra – Part 1

It’s best to earn your musicians’ respect to work with them effectively.

19. Working With Musicians: The Orchestra – Part 2

How to get the best performance from your musicians? Learn that here.

20. Feedback & Revisions

Excellence isn’t always promised on the first try. There will be times when you need to revise a non-working piece to develop a better one.

21. Audience Feedback

Hans also uses his audience’s feedback and assesses if the score is working or not.

22. Writing Tips: Part 1

Hans shares some tips on effectively writing music.

23. Writing Tips: Part 2

Here, Hans talks about creativity and how one should never numb it.

24. Hans’ Journey

Hans was originally a radio star but became a renowned film composer as he pursued his dream. Here, you will find out about his journey on the way to the pedestal.

25. Learning by Listening

A music composer should always have the ears to listen and identify whether a piece is working.

26. Life of a Composer: Part 1

Never give up. That’s what Han’s story as a composer is all about.

27. Life of a Composer: Part 2

How did he end up a composer? Here, you will find out what inspired him.

28. Closing

The final words from the master as you move along your next steps to success. 

Keep note that it’s best to weigh the reality and assess if this course would work for you or not. Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons of Hans Zimmer’s MasterClass.

Pros & Cons

Pros
The teacher is a legend in the field of film scoring.
You’ll see some of his exclusive works from his past projects.
It feels like a documentary.
It’s a lengthy journey, covering many areas, including composing, working with other people, and more.

Cons
Not a how-to guide but more of an inspiration, principles, and guidelines in film scoring.
Hard to follow for beginners but a bit easy for professionals.
Hans’ thoughts and explanations can sometimes be hard to follow.

Who is This Class for

Hans Zimmer Masterclass would be right for you if you’re:

A Hans Zimmer Fan

Someone who’s into electronic music composition and production and wants to venture out into a different genre

An aspirant who wants to level up their skill and talent in film scoring.

On the other hand, this might not work for you if:

You’re not interested in this line of industry.

You don’t have an idea or even a little knowledge about film scoring.

How Much Does the Class Cost

Masterclass offers unlimited access to all the classes offered on the website under the three Masterclass subscription options:

1. The Individual Plan

• One device can access the platform.
• You cannot download videos and workbooks for offline viewing.

2. The Duo Plan

• Two devices can access the website.
• You can download video lessons and a PDF workbook.

3. The Family Plan

• Six devices can access the website, which is ideal for family use.
• You can download the video lessons and pdf workbooks.

Subscribing to any of these plans entitles all members to enjoy classes taught by professionals in numerous fields. Along with the videos are pdf workbooks which you can also download later. 

Aside from that, they also offer a refund policy within 30 days of subscription. That’s if you don’t like the course (which might very seldom happen).

Users’ Experience 

Here’s what people are saying online about Hans Zimmer’s MasterClass:

I was about to give up on my dreams when I started Hans Zimmer’s class. It was like someone slapped me in the face. He said, “Are you wasting your life or are you not wasting your life?” And that’s when I realized, I don’t want to waste another minute of it. 

-Mirko (Comment from the Masterclass)

Would I recommend the Hans Zimmer Masterclass? For an average person, it’s probably not going to be fair to you. However, if you love movies, you want entertainment, absolutely get it now! If you’re a musician of any sort, it’s an investment. 

Final Conclusion About Hans Zimmer Masterclass Review

Hans Zimmer is one of the best in the film score industry, and no one can dispute that.

If you want to learn or get inspired, or you’re simply a huge fan who wants to dive deeper into the world of film scoring, Zimmer’s MasterClass is the right choice for you. Moreover, you’ll get access to exclusive videos from his past blockbuster projects, which is awesome!

Though this class won’t give you cookie cutters in music composition for movies, it’ll guide you to find your voice and be original in your chosen craft.

Frequently Asked Questions