I went to the Taylor Swift Masterclass in Glasgow – I learned everything from fan chants to 'granny vibes'

Carla McCormack was Glasgow Clyde College's Taylor Swift lecturer.

Attempting to find the Taylor Swift masterclass may have just been like one of the superstar’s puzzles, but there was plenty to be gained from it.

Taylor Swift fans are some of the most dedicated on the planet, and for an evening Glasgow Clyde College were offering Swifties and non-Swifties alike the chance to learn everything you need to know about the superstar.

The college held a one off Taylor Swift Masterclass ahead of the record-breaking, globe-trotting Eras Tour arriving in Edinburgh for three nights at Murrayfield Stadium in June.

And even though I was, unfortunately, unable to get tickets to the gigs, I decided to brush up on my Swift knowledge.

Getting to know our Swiftie expert

Arriving at the masterclass, I ended up just a wee bit turned around – however the trail of signs pointing toward the right building on GCC’s Langside Campus almost felt like I was following some of the Taylor Nation clues on social media ahead of The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD) release.

Taylor Swift music was playing throughout the building ahead of the lecture beginning.

A small group of attendees had already gathered around, sitting in seats which each boasted a custom Taylor Swift tote bag, which included a bottle of water, Taylor Swift fact book and friendship bracelet kit (more on that later).

The small goodie bag I received from Glasgow Clyde College's Taylor Swift Masterclass.

Our seasoned Swift expert of the evening was 38-year-old Carla McCormack, a charity campaigns manager who has been a fan of the star since her debut album back in 2006.

She started off the evening by saying that she was “enchanted” to meet us, as well as sharing her favourite song as well her favourite albums – because one is never enough – and then we went around the room.

I was up first, and then around the room she went.

Both older and younger Swifties and non-Swifties were there; many of whom were family members and partners of fans. Carla made sure to reassure everyone that this was a “safe space for non-Swifties”, something which may have been needed given how intense some fans can be.

One couple were preparing to take a gaggle of teenagers to the Eras Tour, while another older gentleman announced that he had decided to come along to the class in order to see if his “idol” Harry Styles was at risk.

And once we had all shared, it was onto the meat of the masterclass.

Lesson one: Taylor Swift’s background and baddies

Kicking off with the basics, Carla gave us a whirlwind tour of Taylor Swift’s background. From the star being named for James Taylor – who she once shouted out on stage during the Grammys via phone call – to how she grew up on a Christmas tree farm, we were quickly caught up with the star’s background.

Then, as Carla put it, the next thing we needed to know were the “villains” of Swift’s story.

What followed was a crash course on the feud between Taylor Swift and Kanye West, and later Kim Kardashian, as well as Scooter Braun.

For those not in the know, I will keep it brief.

Kanye West jumping onstage after Taylor Swift won the "Best Female Video" award during the 2009 MTV VMAs. Image: Getty

Kanye West infamously interrupted Swift on stage as she won the award for best female video during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, which was the beginning of a tumultuous public relationship between the two and led Swift to write songs such as “Innocent”.

For years, they appeared to bury the hatchet. Then, in 2016, West’s included lyrics such as “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex / Why? I made that b—h famous,” in his song “Famous”.

This reignited the feud and Kim Kardashian – West’s wife at the time – became involved, leading to Swift writing 2017 album Reputation and tracks such as “thanK u aIMee” on TTPD.

Carla explained all of this with good humour and despite planning to quote the song, she did hedge around the swear words given one particularly young student who was there with her mum.

Scooter Braun, left, with Justin Bieber. Image: Getty

Then, with boos included, she briefly covered Scooter Braun and Taylor’s masters dispute which I have covered previously for those interested.

However, proving the worth of the masterclass, Carla was able to offer even greater insight into the situation.

I knew all about Taylor’s Version of her first six albums, but not that Swifties theorised that she hadn’t re-recorded her self-titled debut and Reputation as she was waiting to claim back both her name and reputation. Mind blown.

Lesson two: The boyfriends

Though I am tempted to refer to this section as Swift’s “seven evil exes”, there are in fact nine and this has nothing to do with Scott Pilgrim.

Carla felt “bad talking about this so much” during a lecture on Taylor Swift, however, given her semi-autobiographical songwriting style it is hard to avoid discussing her former flings.

We got the rundown of each boyfriend, from 2008 right up to her most recent partner Travis Kelce.

In brief, the boyfriends are as follows:

• 2008: Joe Jonas
• 2009: Taylor Lautner
• 2009: John Mayer
• 2010–2011: Jake Gyllenhaal
• 2012–2013: Harry Styles
• 2015–2016: Calvin Harris
• 2016: Tom Hiddleston
• 2017–2023: Joe Alwyn
• 2023: Matty Healy
• 2023: Travis Kelce

Highlights from Carla include calling out Joe Jonas for breaking up with Swift over the phone, Taylor Lautner and Swift staying friends, how unsubtle “Dear John” is, Jake Gyllenhaal being enemy no. 1 for the scarf thing, Harry Styles’ alleged cheating, Swift forgetting all about our poor Scotsman Calvin Harris, Hiddleswift, the silence surrounding Alwyn’s relationship with Swift, how controversial Matty Healy is – plus a brief interlude to applaud “But Daddy I Love Him” and its takedown of fans – as well as Travis Kelce’s alleged songs “The Alchemist” and “So High School”.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift after one of his American football games. Image: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Still with me?

If it all seems a little overwhelming, it didn’t feel that way during the masterclass despite just how much knowledge Carla was sharing – I am not able to live up to her sheer energy and enthusiasm.

Lesson three: What is the Eras Tour?

Carla’s next lesson was on the Eras tour and each Era as it appeared during the last leg of shows.

Covering just how vast the tour is, she made sure to emphasise that the show Swift puts on night after night is more of a full on theatrical production than it is a concert with its three hour runtime.

And ahead of her explaining each Era, Carla also made sure to mention the Taylor Swift friendship bracelet tradition – gesturing with her own friendship bracelet laden arms.

Swifties swapping friendship bracelets ahead of the Eras tour. Image: Getty

Taking very literal inspiration from “You’re on Your Own, Kid ”, each show fans trade handmade bracelets with one another which the college’s goodie bag made sure to include so no one there had an excuse not to.

Given that I know of at least one colleague who has already started gathering supplies for bracelets I’m sure it was very appreciated – I plan to make a few and pass them on to people I know are going.

Andrew Jack, a 21-year-old fashion student and the vice president of the college’s student union, also helped out with this portion of the lecture. After Carla broke down each Era, Andrew stepped in with moodboards and suggestions on how to fit the themes – mainly by shopping at the Barras market and checking out charity shops.

Era 1: Lover

Going by tour appearance, first up is Lover. Carla highlighted that Calvin Harris and Joe Alwyn were key characters from this album and shared which songs typically pop up on the setlist which includes Cruel Summer – ridiculously catchy as it is – which we all sung along along to.

Andrew then stepped in to share the vibes of this set which were hearts, rhinestone eye makeup, dip dye hair, pastels, floaty dresses and rainbows.

Andrew Jack showing off ways to dress for Taylor Swift's Lover Era.

Era 2: Fearless

Next up is Fearless. One of her earlier albums, Carla made sure to share two fan rituals which take place during this section of the show. During “Fearless”, Swift will raise her hands over her head and make a heart and you should do it back.

Carla made sure to emphasise that it should be the “millennial heart” and not the new heart that us Gen Z’s tend to use (IFYKYK).

Then, during “You Belong With Me”, fans should also double clap after the lyric “I'm the one who makes you laugh / When you know you're 'bout to cry”.

Andrew then stepped in, cowboy boots in hand, to break down this Era’s trends: cowboy boots and hats, gold everything, fringe, curly hair, and Swift’s lucky number 13 painted on the back of people’s hands.

Era 3: Evermore

Carla then dove into Evermore, the sister to Swift’s first 2020 release. The set list here typically includes “Tis The Damn Season” even though it’s a Christmas song, and sadder songs such as Champagne Problems and Marjorie, which is about the star’s grandmother who Carla shared a brief video of. During this track anticipate phones waving with torches on.

Andrew was very enthusiastic here about his love of “Cottagecore” which I agree Evermore and Folklore very much align with. Floaty dresses, and colours such as green, yellow and cream are very much on theme here.

Era 4: Reputation

“Taylor’s angriest” and even “vindictive” era, as Carla put it, the key characters involved in Reputation include Kanye West and Joe Alwyn. Carla also informed us that there are three fan chants during this Era. I almost felt as though she was a drill sergeant, demanding that Eras Tour energy from us.

During “Don’t Blame Me” just before the breakdown when she sings “Every time you're, every time you're lovin' me” fans chant “Take us to church, Taylor”.

In “Delicate” after she sings “But you can make me a drink,” during the introduction fans should scream “1, 2, 3, let’s go bitch”.

"Snakes" were among Andrew's suggestion for Swift's Reputation era.

Then there’s the chant during “LWYMMD” when she asserts that the old Taylor can’t come to the phone fans will scream “Why? Cause she’s dead.”

Then Andrew, hilariously, began his outfit demonstration with the phrase “you’ll be gagged”. He showed off a black, red and pink jumpsuit he just had in his wardrobe (which is incredible on so many levels). I was indeed speechless, and felt as though I would be in very safe hands following his advice for this section which included this bullet point: “Snakes, snakes and MORE SNAKES!”

Era 5: Speak Now

Another early Era, one which introduced Swift calling out her exes, key figures are John Mayer and Taylor Lautner. There’s essentially just one song from this Era included in the tour, “Enchanted” which fans will scream themselves hoarse singing along to “Please don’t be in love with someone else,” much like I do in the privacy of my own home.

Andrew’s advice here was lots of purple and floaty dresses, though he also wanted to share a cost-effective way of getting the iconic album dress effect. Going to a fabric store and picking up around a metre of purple chiffon would be a cheap way to avoid buying a whole new outfit by tucking it into shorts or another skirt as though you would pleat a traditional kilt.

Era 6: Red

The next Era Carla educated us on was Red – the only album to feature chronologically – which is purely pop and where tracks such as “All Too Well (10 minute version)” come in.

While there’s no fan chants, during each performance of “22” Swift will select a child from the audience to give a hat to.

Carla watching Andrew as he gives examples of what to wear for the Red Era.

As for what to wear? Andrew not so gently reminded us that 2014 was both yesterday and forever ago, and that charity shops would likely be where many trendy items from the time now live. Otherwise, red lips, the iconic scarf, trilby hats and even Swift’s past ringmaster costume would be good options.

Era 7: Folklore

I’m unashamed to admit that I perked up when Folklore was mentioned as it’s my personal favourite. After a brief explanation of the album’s narrative – built around characters and less personal than usual – Carla gave her first Eras Tour tip which was to plan your bathroom breaks. I believe that she mentioned one of hers would be during “Betty”.

Andrew then popped up to walk us through “Granny vibes”, with plaid, plaits, flowers and even coats and cardigans appropriate to represent this Era – but perhaps not the weather.

Era 8: 1989

And moving on from Folklore, 1989 was up next – an upbeat follow up from the more mellow album. Fully pop, and with many of Swift’s biggest hits, Carla let us know about one chant in particular.

During “Bad Blood”, which features Kendrick Lamar, fans step in to chant “forgive, forget and never let go” following Swift’s line of “bandaids don’t fix bullet holes”.

Another sparkly pop Era, Andrew immediately pulled out a fully sequin dress, highlighting other key elements such as blues and pastels, red lipstick and sunglasses.

Era 9 (but not really): Acoustic set

Not quite another Era, but definitely a learning point for me, Carla shared that during each show, Swift performs two acoustic songs – one on piano and another on guitar – which often feature guest appearances.

Taylor Swift does two surprise acoustic songs on piano and guitar during the Eras Tour.

With more than 200 songs in her discography, repeats are rare so it will be interesting for those attending in Edinburgh to see exactly which tracks she selects.

Era 9: Midnights

And the last Era – for now as Carla highlighted – is Midnights. Mostly written about Joe Alwyn and Scooter Braun, Midnights saw Taylor Swift become the first artist to win four Album of the Year awards at the Grammys.

There are chants and interaction aplenty during this Era, and Carla highlighted multiple moments though demonstrated only a few – such as the “Where are you going, Taylor” chant in “Bejewelled” alongside the hand shimmers, which she taught not only to a room full of students at Glasgow Clyde College, but also her two year old.

Carla McCormack gave students a crash course through each Taylor Swift Era.

There’s more such as the “Taylor you’ll be fine chant” during “Anti-Hero”, with others including fans yelling “Karma is the guy on the chiefs” during “Karma” for her relationship with Travis Kelce – which feels like a cultural thing to me so I’d be interested to see how it translates.

As for what Andrew had to say about Midnights: more sequins, metallics, stars and the moon and tassels – as well as fur coats, potentially acquired from the older women in your life if you want to be really dramatic.

Will TTPD be an Era?

While being a huge Swiftie, and having been in the Top 1% of her Spotify listeners for many years now, Carla prepared most of her lecture pre-TTPD release and just like those she was teaching she didn’t know how the album would impact the Eras Tour.

Now, following the first show in Paris, we do know that TTPD is an Era - and that Folklore and Evermore have been merged on the setlist.

Lesson four: Learning how to do hair and makeup for the Eras Tour

All while Carla was getting us up to speed on Taylor Swift lore, there were also several sections dedicated to Angela McConnachie, a hair and beauty lecturer at the college.

Having selected several of Swift’s best looks, throughout the slides we would stop to listen to her explain how to achieve hair and makeup like Swift’s using Amber, a fashion student at the college, as a model.

Taylor Swift at the premiere of her Eras Tour concert film.

Hair tutorials: The faux bob and the fishtail

Angela then stepped in to walk us through creating a faux bob at home, to help out the parents whose children may not want to commit to a full chop.

This is the type of information I really wished I had known before I insisted that I wanted a bob just like Alice from Twilight at 11 or again when I chopped off all my hair just before university.

Then Angela made sure to show us how to do the star’s fishtail pony braid which made its debut during one of Travis Kelce’s football games. Allegedly one of the easiest braids for parents to do, it requires only two strands, not three, and she very kindly offered an up close tutorial after the lecture.

Angela McConnachie, a GCC lecturer, demonstrating how to achieve Taylor Swift's signature looks.

Makeup tutorials: Red lip and cat eye ‘sharp enough to kill a man’

Unsurprisingly when it came to makeup Angela of course had to show us how best to achieve Swift’s signature red lip and winged eyeliner.

When it came to the lips, her first professional tip was to “neutralise” them with concealer or foundation first. She then went in with lip liner, making sure to share the best ways to apply it – such as filling your lips in with liner first – and to remind us that you can use concealer to clean things up after if need be.

Angela also made sure to state that a violet red lipstick would be best over those with more orange undertones, as they can make teeth look more yellow.

Later, Angela’s next tutorial was how to do black winged eyeliner. I really tried to pay attention here, since I can’t do eyeliner to save my life, but I fear her tips to start from the bottom and move slowly upwards as well as stretch the eye will have little impact on my lack of coordination.

Lesson five: Swiftie expert’s top Eras Tour tips

Before ending our Swift masterclass, Carla made sure to share her top tips for those going to the Eras Tour.

Top eras tour tips:

• Bring earplugs (Swifties are loud)
• Comfy shoes
• Stay hydrated
• Plan your toilet breaks (especially around songs you don’t care to miss as much)
• Check the bag policies
• Try to book parking and plan your route home
• Have fun

What I thought about the Taylor Swift Masterclass in Glasgow

I had a great time at the Taylor Swift Masterclass, for a few reasons.

While I had feared there wouldn’t be much for me to learn, I was very wrong. I don’t really call myself a Swiftie because I have far more dedicated Taylor Swift fans in my life than myself, and I feel this lecture helped cement my opinion there – there’s always more to learn as a Swift fan.

It was also just fun to see the variety of people who chose to go along. This masterclass isn’t the first time academia and Swift have intersected but it feels like a very concrete acknowledgement of her impact and how it ripples in the real world.

The masterclass was well rounded and very much covered the need-to-know for those who may not be overly familiar with Swift outside of “Love Story” or “Shake It Off”.

Also, I really loved the little gift bag.