Inside the Placement
Analyzing and Breaking Down Sync Placements In International Media
Live Sync Licensing Masterclasses for Songwriters, Composers and Producers
What makes a song or instrumental cue work in a production?
Join songwriter, composer and producer Robbie Hancock for an inside look at 3 of his instrumental cue placements in productions featuring Kevin Costner, David Duchovny and Morgan Freeman.
You’ll hear the original music, examine how it was used on screen and discover what each placement can teach composers about writing effective instrumental music for sync by opening up and showing the Logic session for each cue.
This is a practical breakdown of real placements and the creative decisions behind the music. Every registered participant will receive the Zoom recording after the masterclass, whether or not they attend live.
Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
1pm PT
Live on Zoom
$39 CAD
Three Real Placements. Three Different Creative Lessons.
Kevin Costner
Robbie’s instrumental “Not Guilty - Tension Cue” was placed in the HISTORY Channel series Kevin Costner’s The West.
We’ll examine how tension, pacing and arrangement helped the music support the historical storytelling without competing with the dialogue.
David Duchovny
This placement “New Evidence - Tension Cue” demonstrates how instrumental music can support dialogue, atmosphere and the emotional movement of a scene.
We’ll look at where the music enters, how it develops and why restraint can be just as important as impact.
Morgan Freeman
“Nevada Sun,” co-written by Robbie Hancock and his longtime collaborator Shayne Green, was placed in History’s Greatest Escapes with Morgan Freeman.
We’ll explore what made the cue suitable for the production and why creating useful, adaptable music can lead to repeat placements within the same series.
What You’ll Learn
During this masterclass, Robbie will break down and analyze:
How each instrumental cue was written and structured
How the music supported dialogue, pacing and emotion
Where the cues entered and exited each scene
Why certain musical choices worked for the production
How editors may shorten, reposition or reshape a cue
How to balance creativity with practical usefulness
What composers can learn from hearing their music in context
How metadata, organization and presentation affect sync opportunities
How these placements fit into Robbie’s journey from zero to more than 10,000 international television placements
You’ll leave with practical ideas you can apply to your own instrumental cues and sync catalog.
Who This Masterclass Is For
This session is designed primarily for:
Composers writing instrumental music for film and television
Songwriters and producers interested in creating instrumental cues
Creators already pursuing sync who want to improve the usefulness of their music
Writers who want to understand what happens after music is delivered
Anyone interested in seeing and hearing how real television placements work
You do not need to have previous placements to attend.
Live Q&A
Following the two-hour presentation, Robbie will answer questions from attendees.
“Robbie's masterclasses are like no other. His ability to answer questions based on where you are in your journey and give solid advice is his wonderful gift. Robbie is a natural teacher and generously shares and and all information that he has gathered about sync licensing, music production, songwriting and more. Robbie is also generous with his time and he will make sure your specific question gets answered. I have been able to learn and grow so much since joining Robbie's group and classes and I highly recommend his programs!”
Chrissy Roberts - Singer/songwriter
“Robbie is really good at simplifying things that can be really complex so anyone can understand. I didn’t know much about the mixing/mastering side of things, and in just one masterclass, Robbie gave practical tips that I was able to put to use immediately. He helped me take my music up a notch, close to broadcast quality. Robbie also genuinely wants to help people and share in their successes, and that really shines through in all of his interactions. I highly recommend working with him, whatever level you are at.”
Matt Glickstein - Songwriter
“I feel like the pieces really fell together for me when I took Robbie's Masterclass, and now I can confidently take on more of the music production myself, going forward. His Masterclass definitely helped me move to the next level and gave me exactly the kind of guidance that I needed.”
Cheri Smith - Songwriter
"No matter how long you’ve been on the Sync journey, there are always several juicy tidbits to be found when you attend one of Robbie’s Sync or Swim Music Masterclasses. His “sounding contemporary” Masterclass wowed me with some simple truths: Playing with your DAW’s eq, compression, and reverb are all ways to make almost anything sound contemporary. Robbie shows you how he did it, simple clear and great. Thanks Robbie, nicely done"
Carl Wurzbach - Composer / singer-songwriter
"Robbie is an excellent clinic facilitator and masterful at creating a safe and positive meeting environment. I left the Sync or Swim Music Masterclass feeling motivated to write more, write better and continue to build my catalogue. I will definitely attend other clinics Robbie will offer on Sync and other music industry topics." -
Mike Regimbal - Producer, Composer, Performer
Need personalized guidance? Book a one on one sync licensing consultation
“I came to so many realizations during Robbie’s Sync or Swim Music masterclass. His analyses and conclusions make so much sense yet had never occurred to me! His kind and gentle sense of humor lightens the time together and he is never boring! I highly recommend his masterclass to anyone interested in stepping up their sync game!
Leslie Ellis - Grammy award winning vocalist
"Robbie Hancock's Sync or Swim Music masterclasses are OUTSTANDING! He deep dives into successful cues to explain what works and doesn’t work. He also provides attendees with a realistic look into the world of sync - what to expect, what not to expect. His insights have helped me navigate a recent licensing opportunity of my own."
June Biancalana Musician/Composer
"Robbie Hancock really knows the industry of music for film / TV. He has been through the process himself -the composing, the learning, the making mistakes, the waiting, the rejections... And also the huge successes! In these Sync or Swim Music Masterclasses, he is willing to share all of this knowledge and he genuinely wants to help other composers. Thanks, Robbie! I learned a lot."
Veronica Pellegrini Musician/Composer
"My biggest takeaway was how you used EQ to manipulate the strings to create an atmospheric sound. I wasn’t able to absorb everything that you taught because it was so packed, but there were so many gems and I loved being able to see what a fellow pianist did to create music that’s had amazing placements! This gave me confidence to continue building my solo piano and piano/cello library".
Teporah Bilezikian Singer/songwriter
"Robbie's knowledge and experience of working in music for film and T.V. sync licensing is proven, as are his methods. His approach as an educator with soul can truly help your raise your ability to get your music into the industry so you can make it your living. Nothing in the music industry is easy, but with Robbie’s direction and relationship based approach, you too can build a business making music in this exciting field."
Stewart McLellan
Need personalized guidance? Book a one on one sync licensing consultation