- MasterClass is an e-learning platform that features classes taught by well-known celebrities and industry leaders.
- A single course costs $90, but $180 will get you an all-access pass to every course on the site. Right now, Masterclass is offering a buy-one, get-one-free promotion, so you can get two annual memberships for the price of one.
- Below, you’ll find a personal review, some common FAQs, and 13 of the best MasterClass courses.
Who better to teach you how to shoot a free throw than Steph Curry, or how to deliver a joke than Steve Martin? If you want to learn something new, there’s really no better teacher than an expert in their field. Unfortunately, for most of us, getting a one-on-one cooking class with Wolfgang Puck or a writing lesson taught by Judy Blume probably isn’t realistic. But MasterClass is bridging the gap by recruiting the greats to teach us regulars the secrets to their crafts.
Unlike most e-learning platforms focused on teaching hard skills like cloud computing or UX design, Masterclass targets a different audience: creatives who are looking to learn and gain some inspiration along the way.
The site has courses in categories like writing, cooking, sports, and politics, and each of them are taught by (you guessed it) masters of the field. For $180 a year, you can get an all-access pass, which gives you access to all of the courses on the site. If you’re only interested in one course, you can buy a single class pass for $90. Each class gives you access to video lessons, a course workbook, and class feedback – which, if you’re lucky, could come from the star themselves.
If you're craving something to inspire you, help you hone in on a craft, or just looking to get advice from a respected expert, you'll find good use of MasterClass. The videos are well-produced, which makes each lesson really engaging, and the workbooks that accompany each lesson give you some extra insight to help reflect on what you've learned. You can even download the MasterClass app on your phone so you can squeeze in quick lessons whenever you have free time during your day.
What you'll find below:
- A personal review of MasterClass
- Some common FAQs
- A list of the 13 best MasterClass courses
A review of MasterClass:
MasterClass is one of my favorite online learning platforms, and I've had personal experience with a fair share of them (Coursera, Skillshare, edX, Rosetta Stone, etc.).
In comparison to many online courses, MasterClass follows the format of a one-sided conversation more than an academic setting, which can make learning feel more engaging if you're in the course to satisfy your curiosity more than you are to master the finer points of Python.
I love that I'm able to learn conventional and not-so-conventional tricks and tips from giants of any industry - some of whom are on my shortlist of favorite authors, actors, musicians, and chefs. Classes are pretty short (2-5 hours total), and the lessons are between 5-25 minutes each.
You'll also get access to notes, additional reading resources, and to a community. And it's nice that you can download lessons for the plane, or use Audio Mode in the car.
I love the diversity, quality, and flexibility of its online classes. If I'm going through a cooking phase, I can watch bite-sized clips that are interesting and useful - and, if it's not my number one passion, the allure of a "master" helps me remain engaged.
Personally, I enjoy having yearly access. If you're a lifelong learner, it gives the ability to jump around different topics with the efficient insight of experts and tools like "topic playlists" that queue up stuff you might like. And single courses make excellent, thoughtful gifts.
But, while I've found I get enough use out of $180 for an annual subscription, I think $90 per class may be too high of a price if you're paying for yourself - unless taking an acting class from Samuel L. Jackson is your greatest dream, and that sort of proximity and specialty is worth more to you than diversity and flexibility. Personally, I'd pay that for a gift, but I'd rather audit a class at Coursera or edX that's in the same field than drop $100 for two hours of video alone. - Mara Leighton, senior reporter
MasterClass FAQs:
- How much does it cost? MasterClass costs $180 for the All-Access Pass, which is an annual membership that gives you unlimited access to all its classes until you cancel. You can also gift yourself a pass for a single class, which is $90 and difficult to find on the site. For that, you have to gift it to yourself, and click a much smaller section that says "Or continue with a single class" underneath a banner for its annual membership before you hit checkout.
- Is it worth it? If you will use MasterClass more than a few times, yes, it is worth it. If you won't, or you need something more intensive or traditionally academic, consider other online learning sites like Coursera or edX.
- How does MasterClass work? MasterClass classes are about 2-5 hours on average, with individual lessons ranging from 2-5 minutes. Classes include pre-recorded video lessons by your instructor, a class workbook, interactive assignments, and sometimes community activities. MasterClass may have opportunities for students to submit work to instructors for feedback, but that's not the norm.
Some of the best MasterClass classes:
Thomas Keller teaches cooking techniques
Learn cooking techniques with Thomas Keller
Chef Thomas Keller's restaurants, like The French Laundry, have been awarded quite a few Michelin stars and have people eagerly waiting months at a time for reservations. In his Masterclass, he breaks down the basics of some of the most essential cooking techniques, like braising meats and making stocks.
Annie Leibovitz teaches photography
Learn photography with Annie Leibovitz
Annie Leibovitz claims the title of first-ever female chief photographer at Rolling Stone, along with plenty of other accomplishments. Here, she sheds light on her photography philosophy and teaches how a great photo comes to life.
Samuel L. Jackson teaches acting
Learn how to act with Samuel L. Jackson
It's hard to believe now that Samuel L. Jackson had a stutter growing up, one that actually stopped him from talking for a year. You can learn about how he overcame this obstacle to become an Oscar nominee in this course on acting - particularly, how to get into and develop a character.
Margaret Atwood teaches creative writing
Learn the art of creative writing with Margaret Atwood
Writer's block is a major challenge, but hopefully, some inspiration from Margaret Atwood can bring you out of your funk. The Man Booker Prize-winner's lesson delves into character development, point of view, structuring a novel, and more.
Serena Williams teaches tennis
Learn how to play tennis with Serena Williams
If you want to be a pro, you have to practice like one. Get the chance to experience the same drills Serena runs every day, as well as some insight into the importance of mental strength in the game.
Bob Iger teaches business strategy and leadership
Learn business strategies and leadership skills with Bob Iger
As the former CEO and current Executive Chairman of the Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger was responsible for some of the brand's most important acquisitions, including Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. With 45 years in media under his belt, he knows a thing or two about what it takes to be a successful businessperson.
His lesson delves into everything from business insights gained from the acquisition process to how to use your time effectively and be productive.
Neil deGrasse Tyson teaches scientific thinking and communication
Learn how to think like a scientist with Neil deGrasse Tyson
Ivy League degrees, bestselling books, and a Grammy award are just some of Neil deGrasse Tyson's accolades. In this course, the renowned astrophysicist will help you see into the mind of a scientist, giving you plenty of skills to help you strengthen the way you think and communicate along the way.
Kelly Wearstler teaches interior design
Learn how to design your space with Kelly Wearstler
Ever wondered how to make your space look like it's plucked off a page of Architectural Digest while still feeling like it's distinctly yours? It's a tall order, Kelly Wearstler has designed plenty of celebrity homes, boutique hotels, and now she's giving you all the tips and tricks you need to know to redefine your own space, like how to choose colors for any room, how to make a space feel larger, and how to curate an art collection.
Chris Voss teaches the art of negotiation
Learn the art of negotiation with Chris Voss
During his time as an FBI hostage negotiator, Chris Voss mastered all of the facets of a great negotiation. While your everyday negotiations may not be as high-stake, Voss's strategies can help you get the outcomes you want - whether it's a promotion at your job or a decision in your relationship.
Christina Aguilera teaches singing
Learn how to sing with Christina Aguilera
Whether you want to fine-tune your craft or have no musical experience beyond singing "happy birthday" to your friends and family, Christina Aguilera has the techniques to help you take it up a notch. The Grammy-award winning artist will give you practical tips on how to polish your sound as well as share some stories about her career trajectory.
Dominique Ansel teaches French pastry fundamentals
Learn French pastry fundamentals with Dominique Ansel
Dominque Ansel is revered for his creative takes on delicious pastries, like the Cronut, a croissant-donut hybrid that garners hours-long lines outside of his SoHo bakery in New York. In this course, you'll learn the precise technique Ansel uses to bake his famous treats. Fruit tarts, chocolate cakes, and mini madeleines are just some of the desserts you'll learn to bake.
Carlos Santana teaches the art and soul of guitar
Learn how to play the guitar with Carlos Santana
If you're looking for a classic, technical guitar lesson, this course probably isn't for you. If you're looking to understand how one of the world's most popular guitarists approaches the instrument, draws inspiration for his music, and found his unique sound, you'll love this class with Carlos Santana.
Daniel Negreanu teaches poker
Learn how to play poker with Daniel Negreanu
There's no one better to help you perfect your poker face than Daniel Negreanu - he's won the World Series of Poker six times. He'll help you learn even the most complex poker concepts so you can increase your win rate the next time you sit around the felt.