You’ve likely heard of Masterclass—the innovative learning platform that offers online courses led by an all-star roster of celebrities and industry experts, ranging from musicians like Alicia Keys to influential figures such as Hillary Clinton and renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay. Boasting over 180 courses, it lets you learn nearly anything—from cooking and business to singing and acting—for a budget-friendly monthly subscription. But with such a vast array of options, it can be tough to figure out where to begin or which classes are truly worth your time.
That’s precisely where our deep dive comes in. After more than a year of dedicated use, extensive research, and testing out dozens of courses ourselves, coupled with gathering comprehensive feedback from a diverse group of users—including bloggers, writers, and tech founders who collectively have experienced over 40 classes—we’ve curated an indispensable list. This guide highlights the top Masterclass courses across a multitude of categories, offering you an insider’s perspective on where to invest your learning time and resources. Whether you’re seeking to ignite a new passion or dramatically elevate existing skills, learning from these celebrated masters offers an unparalleled path to personal and professional growth.
In this first section, we’ll embark on a journey through some of the most compelling Masterclass offerings focused on the creative and practical arts. These courses are designed to help you unlock your inner master, whether you’re looking to capture breathtaking images, produce chart-topping beats, perfect your culinary repertoire, command the stage, craft captivating stories, design immersive digital worlds, or foster a better relationship with your furry best friend. Prepare to be inspired as we unveil the secrets and insights from these industry giants, making their invaluable wisdom accessible right from your home.
1. **Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography**
Step directly into the iconic world of Annie Leibovitz, a name synonymous with legendary portraiture, and discover the secrets behind her captivating work. As a staff photographer for esteemed publications like Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair, Annie Leibovitz has photographed an astounding roster of figures, from John Lennon and Queen Elizabeth to LeBron James. Her Masterclass is a rare opportunity to delve into the mind of a true visionary, offering students a comprehensive look at her distinctive philosophy and creative process.
This online photography course is meticulously structured into 15 video lessons, totaling over three hours of instruction. It’s an immersive experience where Annie Leibovitz shares the exact skills and techniques she employs to capture her award-winning shots. For anyone who is either a budding artist looking for photography as a stress relief tool or ready to elevate their art skills to the next level, this course provides foundational and advanced insights into creating images that truly tell a story.
Enrollment in this course means gaining access to a master’s approach to light, composition, and narrative, equipping students with the knowledge to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary visual narratives. It transcends mere technical instruction, offering a deeper understanding of the artistic eye and the emotional connection essential for impactful portraiture, a skill valuable to photographers of all levels.
2. **deadmau5 Teaches Electronic Music Production**
Dive deep into the pulsating world of electronic music production with deadmau5, one of the globe’s premier EDM producers. Joel Zimmerman, known professionally as deadmau5, demystifies the intricate process of creating electronic music in this comprehensive six-hour Masterclass. It’s an essential course for aspiring producers and enthusiasts alike, offering a pathway from the fundamental basics to advanced production techniques.
Across 23 video lessons, deadmau5 meticulously shares his wealth of experience and the secrets behind his global success. Students will learn everything from establishing their very own home studio, an often daunting first step for many, to developing intricate melodic structures that define modern electronic tracks. He guides learners through the entire electronic music composition process, importantly, emphasizing that expensive equipment is not a prerequisite for creativity and quality production.
This isn’t just about learning music production; it’s a deep dive into finding your unique sound, inspired by deadmau5’s creative process and studio secrets, empowering you to craft your next hit with insights straight from a superstar producer in the electronic music scene.
3. **Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking I**
Transform your home cooking into gourmet experiences with Gordon Ramsay, the legendary chef from “Hell’s Kitchen,” as he shares his essential techniques, ingredients, and recipes in his Masterclass, guiding you to create fresh, healthy, and delicious meals right in your own kitchen.
Signing up for Cooking I grants you access to 20 video lessons, spanning nearly four hours of expert instruction. You’ll learn critical foundational skills such as proper kitchen layout setup, which is paramount for successful meal preparation. Beyond the organizational aspects, Ramsay demonstrates how to prepare delectable dishes, including his signature poached eggs and mushrooms, allowing you to follow along in your own kitchen as he works in his personal space.
Ramsay, along with other world-renowned chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Thomas Keller, brings expert tips and tricks to your fingertips, helping you elevate your cooking game. This Masterclass provides a unique opportunity to learn professional techniques that will undoubtedly impress your family and friends at your next get-together, transforming everyday meals into culinary experiences. It’s a practical, hands-on journey into the world of fine cooking, guided by a master.
4. **Helen Mirren Teaches Acting**
Aspiring actors can gain invaluable insights from Oscar, Golden Globe, Tony, and Emmy winner Helen Mirren in her Masterclass on acting, offering a rare look into her glamorous career and sharing proven methods for both stage and screen performance, plus how to bring characters to life and dissect a script.
Comprising 28 video lessons and over six hours of instruction, Mirren’s course provides students with comprehensive tools to become versatile actors. She covers everything from preparing for an improv group session or an upcoming school play to laying the groundwork for a professional acting career. Her insights are particularly useful for understanding the intricacies of character development and scene analysis, drawing from her vast experience.
Helen Mirren, a truly gifted instructor, shares her wealth of knowledge and experience in a way that is both inspiring and instructive. Her class is highly recommended for up-and-coming actors or anyone interested in applying sophisticated acting techniques not just to performance, but to enrich their understanding of human interaction and storytelling in their daily lives. She equips students with the versatility needed to tackle diverse roles and deeply understand the text.
5. **Salman Rushdie Teaches Storytelling and Writing**
Discover the profound art of crafting memorable and engaging stories that truly stand the test of time with Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie. This popular online class is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to unlock and develop their creative side as a writer. Whether you are just beginning to explore the idea of capturing stories on paper or harbor the ambition of publishing your first book, Rushdie offers guidance rooted in decades of literary excellence.
Salman Rushdie shares his extensive literary wisdom in 19 video lessons, totaling over four hours, guiding aspiring writers on how to craft compelling characters that connect with readers and build captivating plots that could lead to their next bestseller, revealing the secrets of narrative storytelling.
This course is perfect for aspiring writers at any stage of their journey, providing not just inspiration but also practical techniques for transforming ideas into compelling narratives. Rushdie’s expertise helps students to discover their unique voice and to build the foundational skills necessary to construct stories that are both intricate and profoundly moving, ensuring their work leaves a lasting impact on readers.
6. **Brandon McMillan Teaches Dog Training**
For all dog lovers seeking to foster a more harmonious relationship with their canine companions, Brandon McMillan’s Masterclass on dog training is an absolute game-changer. This popular online course provides proven, practical tips designed to help your dog behave better, transforming unruly behaviors into positive responses. It addresses common challenges faced by pet owners, from simple obedience issues to difficulties with other animals or people.
Structured into 15 video lessons, spanning nearly three hours, this course equips you with the knowledge to interact properly with your furry friend. Brandon McMillan guides you through effective techniques that help your dog learn to respond positively to commands and social cues, fostering a stronger bond and mutual understanding. The class is packed with hands-on activities that you can practice directly with your pooch, ensuring immediate application of the lessons.
Before you know it, you will find yourselves enjoying one another’s company regardless of external stressors, creating a more peaceful and joyful home environment. This Masterclass focuses on practical skills that not only improve your dog’s behavior but also significantly enhance your quality of life together, making it an indispensable resource for any dog owner seeking effective and humane training solutions.
Transitioning from the artistic and creative pursuits, our journey through Masterclass offerings continues into a realm designed to elevate your daily life, mind, and strategic capabilities. This section explores courses that empower you with practical skills and crucial insights, ranging from mastering complex negotiations and refining your strategic thinking to understanding the universe and enhancing your performance. Get ready to unlock new potentials and refine essential life skills with guidance from celebrated experts who bring their unparalleled experience directly to your learning space.
7. **Chris Voss Teaches the Art of Negotiation**
Stepping into the high-stakes world of negotiation, Chris Voss, a former FBI lead hostage negotiator, offers an invaluable Masterclass that promises to equip you with communication skills and strategies to truly get what you want out of life. His course is not merely about conflict resolution; it’s about fostering collaborative, win-win situations for all parties involved, an expertise he has honed through years of critical, real-world experience. Voss stands as the current CEO of The Black Swan Group and is the renowned author of “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It,” making him an undisputed authority in the field.
This comprehensive Masterclass, structured across 18 video lessons and totaling over three hours, delivers the tools and insider advice necessary to become a more effective negotiator in every facet of your existence. You don’t need to be in a hostage situation to glean immense benefit from his teachings; whether you’re seeking a ‘yes’ to a proposal or aiming to find common ground, the insights shared by Chris Voss are universally applicable. The course is designed to yield tangible returns, as the skills you acquire can significantly impact both your personal and professional interactions.
Within the curriculum, Chris Voss meticulously shares proven negotiation tactics such as mirroring and tactical empathy. These aren’t just theoretical concepts; the course provides hands-on practice and practical exercises, allowing students to immediately apply these powerful techniques in their everyday interactions. This practical approach ensures that learners can confidently navigate discussions, build rapport, and ultimately achieve favorable outcomes, transforming their communication style and effectiveness.
8. **Garry Kasparov Teaches Chess**
For those looking to sharpen their strategic mind and engage in a truly captivating intellectual pursuit, Garry Kasparov, a world-class chess player, offers an exceptional Masterclass dedicated to advanced tactics, strategies, and techniques. While it might not be commonly perceived as an active physical endeavor, chess is officially recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee, underscoring its demanding mental and competitive nature. This course provides a unique opportunity to learn from one of the greatest minds the game has ever seen.
Kasparov’s class is a versatile journey into the depths of chess, designed not only to enhance your game on the board but also to exercise your brain and endurance in ways that profoundly impact other areas of your life. The strategic thinking, foresight, and problem-solving abilities cultivated through chess are invaluable transferable skills. This extensive course spans 29 video lessons, offering over seven hours of in-depth instruction, ensuring a thorough exploration of the game’s complexities.
Throughout the Masterclass, the world-class champion shares his fundamental principles and reveals some of his signature strategic moves, empowering students to master their next chess tournament with confidence and flair. By delving into his insights, learners will gain the ability to open their chess games like a true professional, establishing a strong foundation and a formidable approach from the very first move. It’s an unparalleled educational experience for both budding enthusiasts and seasoned players alike.
9. **Chris Hadfield Teaches Space Exploration**
Embark on an extraordinary voyage beyond Earth with Chris Hadfield, the distinguished former commander of the International Space Station, in his captivating Masterclass on space exploration. This unique online course offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn directly from someone who has lived and worked among the stars, providing profound insights into the science, realities, and future of humanity’s ventures into the cosmos. It’s an essential experience for anyone with a fascination for the universe and the human endeavor to explore it.
With over seven hours of instruction, Hadfield’s course meticulously covers the intricate science behind space travel, demystifying the complex physics and engineering that enable rockets to launch and satellites to orbit. Students will gain a deep understanding of what life is truly like as an astronaut, from the challenges of living in zero gravity to the rigorous training and mental fortitude required for such a demanding career. He shares personal anecdotes and practical wisdom, painting a vivid picture of existence far from our home planet.
Beyond the present, Chris Hadfield provides a compelling peek into what the future holds for humans beyond Earth, discussing the ongoing advancements and ambitious goals for space exploration. This Masterclass is more than just a collection of facts; it’s an immersive experience that encourages curiosity and inspires a deeper appreciation for our place in the universe. Learning from a former ISS commander offers a perspective few ever achieve, making this course truly out of this world.
10. **Judd Apatow Teaches Comedy**
For those with a penchant for humor and a desire to understand the mechanics of comedic storytelling, director Judd Apatow’s Masterclass on comedy stands out as one of the most popular offerings in the entertainment category. Blogger Mark Sandusky of Peer Through Media lauded Apatow’s “honest, straightforward” style, highlighting how the course delivers practical information that aspiring creators can immediately apply. Apatow masterfully dissects the various facets of the film industry, clarifying how different roles intertwine and even tackling the perennial question, “Should I quit my day job?”
As nonfiction writer Evie Yannakidis discovered, Judd Apatow’s Masterclass goes beyond just writing stand-up, exploring the heart of genuine humor and the idea that true comedy often comes from not trying too hard, a vital lesson for anyone in comedy or seeking to add more lightheartedness to their creative work.
This Masterclass is an accessible deep dive into the creative process of a comedic visionary, offering a unique blend of industry wisdom and philosophical exploration into the nature of humor. It’s perfect for aspiring filmmakers, writers, or simply anyone looking to develop a deeper appreciation for the art of comedy. Apatow’s engaging delivery ensures that students remain captivated while absorbing practical, actionable advice that can transform their understanding and application of comedic principles.
11. **Christina Aguilera Teaches Singing**
For anyone with a passion for vocal performance, Christina Aguilera’s Masterclass offers an exceptional opportunity to learn from one of pop music’s most iconic voices. Designed for enthusiasts and aspiring singers alike, this course provides a comprehensive range of lessons, covering various musical styles from pop to classical. According to Vanessa Kibsey, a brand strategist at Twitter and a student of the course, Aguilera thoughtfully begins by sharing her personal journey into singing, providing a relatable and inspiring foundation for her instruction.
The class then transitions into practical preparation for a show, where Aguilera meticulously details her vocal warm-ups and performance routines. Kibsey found the segment where Aguilera gives direct instructions to rookie students, guiding them on how to improve their singing as they perform for her, to be particularly helpful. This interactive approach allows learners to metaphorically step into the shoes of the students and identify with common challenges and solutions, enhancing the overall learning experience.
Mark Sandusky, another participant, praised the Masterclass for its expert balance between “concrete vocal exercise and insight into what it’s like to be Christina Aguilera.” He specifically noted that the course was instrumental in helping him develop a crucial “performer’s mind-set,” emphasizing that singing is as much about mental preparation and stage presence as it is about vocal technique. This holistic approach ensures students gain not just technical skills but also the confidence and psychological tools needed to excel.
Ultimately, Masterclass’s offerings create an incredible opportunity for continuous learning and self-improvement—whether you’re refining a craft, honing your strategic thinking, or simply seeking to enrich your daily life with wisdom from global experts. Seizing the chance to learn from the best isn’t just about acquiring skills; it’s about personal growth, igniting passions, and becoming the best version of yourself, one lesson at a time. Your next great skill or spark of inspiration is just a click away.
