MasterClass is an immersive online learning platform that offers access to video lessons taught by celebrated instructors at the top of their fields. With over 180 courses available across categories like cooking, photography, writing, communication skills, sports, and even space exploration, MasterClass provides inspiring educational content for learners of all interests looking to expand their knowledge and develop new skills.
Courses feature roughly 10-25 video lessons spanning 1-6 hours in length. Through beautifully produced classes filmed in the instructor‘s natural environments, students gain unprecedented access to some of the world‘s most gifted minds – from Christina Aguilera to Stephen Curry to Chris Hadfield.
MasterClass courses offer excellent value to learners at all stages hoping to improve existing skills or delve into completely new interests. For as little as $180 per year for their All-Access Pass, you can explore subjects that pique your curiosity taught directly by renowned masters.
To help you determine which courses may be best suited for your individual learning goals, let‘s explore 11 of the top MasterClass offerings praised for their educational impact and ability to open new worlds for students.
1. Perfect Your Home Cooking Technique with Gordon Ramsay
The boisterous British chef Gordon Ramsay has built an empire on culinary excellence infused with his fiery signature passion. In his MasterClass, Ramsay invites aspiring home cooks to boost their skills andconfidence in the kitchen through 20 video lessons and nearly 4 hours of insightful instruction.
Filmed in his London townhome, Ramsay‘s course spans must-have gear for setting up your kitchen properly to preparing refined dishes like beef wellington. Yet what sets this MasterClass apart is Ramsay‘s personable teaching approach as he generously imparts wisdom from his decades training under legendary chefs in Europe.
Students praise Ramsay‘s teaching style and the production value of seeing an elite chef cooking in his natural environment:
"Gordon keeps you entertained and gives you some simple tips to elevate your home cooking. Seeing him cook dishes from start to finish in his own kitchen brings a level of insight few other classes capture."
Key Takeaways:
- Pro techniques for selecting quality meat, fish and produce
- Master essential knife skills like chiffonade, brunoise and julienne cuts
- Prepare sophisticated dishes step-by-step you can recreate at home
If you want to take your culinary prowess to new heights, learning from the masterful Gordon Ramsay himself is a delicious treat.
2. Unlock Creative Storytelling with James Patterson
As the world‘s highest-paid author of the past decade with over 400 million books sold, James Patterson knows a thing or two about crafting irresistible page-turners. Aspiring authors can gain tremendous value from Patterson‘s 22 video lessons amounting to over 3.5 hours of insightful writing instruction.
From generating ideas and developing characters to constructing gripping dialogue and clever twists, Patterson walks students through his intuitive creative process based on four decades of award-winning writing success.
Fans praise the unprecedented access Patterson grants into his world and craft:
"I loved seeing Patterson‘s writing office and learning his step-by-step process. You really feel like you‘re developing that intimacy and trust to keep readers hooked."
Key Takeaways:
- Learn what makes openings and endings pop
- Patterson‘s outlining method to organize ideas
- Editing process to refine dialogue and pacing
Patterson teaches writing with infectious enthusiasm and creativity – inspiring authors-in-training with storytelling techniques they can apply immediately.
3. Master Photography with Annie Leibovitz
Celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz has taken iconic snapshots of John Lennon, Queen Elizabeth II and countless other cultural icons. In her MasterClass, Leibovitz generously shares lessons from her prolific career capturing visually striking portraits brimming with intimate emotion.
Across 13 video lessons spanning over 3 hours, Leibovitz empowers students to tell impactful visual stories utilizing natural light, intentional composition and strategic directing of subjects captured in-the-moment.
Aspiring photographers praise Leibovitz‘s teaching style and the remarkable stories behind her most famous photos:
"It‘s one thing to take nice portraits. It‘s another to deliberately craft revealing character-driven narratives like Annie does. Her class takes your work to a whole new level."
Key Takeaways:
- Connect authentically with subjects
- Enhance images through thoughtful posing
- Consider context to share compelling narratives
For portrait photographers hoping to grow their creative vision, Leibovitz shares profound technical and philosophical lessons to inspire masterful imagemaking.
4. Launch a Business Empire with Sara Blakely
After turning $5,000 in savings into a multi-billion dollar shapewear company, the inventor of Spanx Sara Blakely knows a thing or two about bootstrapping lean startups.
In her MasterClass, Blakely transparently recounts lessons from her entrepreneurial journey – from patenting prototype undergarments to pitching giant retailers like Neiman Marcus as an unknown founder. Covering 14 lessons over 3+ hours, this class provides aspiring entrepreneurs an inside look at the resilience and strategic decision-making enabling Blakely to dominate an untapped market.
Students praise Blakely‘s openness and the motivational value of learning from a self-made billionaire:
"I started my business shortly before taking this class. Sara gave me the extra push and priceless advice needed to get my products into stores. Truly life-changing!"
Key Takeaways:
- Identify underserved consumer needs
- Protect your intellectual property
- Confidently sell the value behind your brand
Blakely delivers a high-impact MasterClass sharing hard-won startup advice worth its weight in gold.
5. Lead with Vision Thanks to Bob Iger
As CEO of the Walt Disney Company for 15 years, Bob Iger led historic acquisitions of powerhouse entertainment brands like Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm – forever transforming the pop culture landscape.
In his MasterClass, Iger distills insightful leadership and negotiation strategies that empowered him to evolve Disney into the world‘s preeminent storytelling powerhouse. Across 13 video lessons totaling over 2 hours, Iger trains students to lead with optimism, take calculated risks, foster talent, and "leap into the unknown" like the visionary Walt Disney himself.
Fans call Iger’s business leadership advice game-changing:
"I was completely inspired by Iger’s vision and ability to spot potential in brands, much like his recognition of Steve Jobs’ brilliance. My leadership skills grew tremendously after this class."
Key Takeaways:
- Tap innate creativity and thinkloads big
- Build trusting relationships and coach mentees
- Make decisions guided by clear principles
Iger’s MasterClass provides rare insight into the leadership mindset driving historic success – applicable across industries.
6. Craft Cinematic Masterpieces with James Cameron
Responsible for the two highest grossing films worldwide ever (Avatar and Titanic), the iconic director James Cameron invites aspiring filmmakers to glimpse inside his creative process for building spellbinding movie magic.
From developing captivating stories to fostering team collaboration to utilizing cutting-edge technology, Cameron covers it all across 20+ lessons amounting to over 3 hours of film school-caliber education.
Aspiring directors praise Cameron’s technical prowess and constant innovation:
“Every lesson was absolutely packed with hands-on advice for elevating your filmmaking. Cameron pushes you to experiment with new tools and technology to realize ambitious creative visions.”
Key Takeaways:
- Craft emotionally resonant scripts
- Storyboard sequences for effective planning
- Incorporate new tech to enhance immersion
James Cameron delivers a MasterClass sure to unlock any film buff or aspiring director’s potential for movie making excellence.
7. Master the Art of Comedy with Judd Apatow
Responsible for knocking our guts out in raunchy hits like Knocked Up, 40-Year Old Virgin, and Bridesmaids, comedy filmmaker Judd Apatow invites fans into his joke writing and screenplay development process for creating gut-busting hilarity.
With over 6 hours of content across 32 video lessons, there‘s no shortage of comedy wisdom Apatow packs in here – with unprecedented access to his writing techniques for developing multidimensional characters and laugh-out-lines that land masterfully.
Aspiring comedians praise the remarkable vulnerability and insight Apatow exhibits into his creative approach:
“I took away so much from understanding Apatow‘s writing rituals to watching him bomb on stage. He teaches comedy with such refreshing honesty and humility.”
Key Takeaways:
- Comedy writing exercises to battle writer’s block
- Directing actors for natural, improvised performances
- Editing tips to perfect comic timing in scenes
For any comedy lover aspiring to write funnier scripts or perform better onstage, Apatow‘s MasterClass is downright hilarious medicine.
8. Master Shotmaking Secrets with Steph Curry
Arguably the best shooter in NBA history thanks to his slick handles and ability to sink baskets from anywhere on the hardwood, 4-time champion Steph Curry deconstructs his shooting technique, dribbling skills, and scoring moves across nearly 4 hours of video lessons.
Hoop junkies rejoice having Curry literally shoot around as he demonstrates recreating his lightening-quick release, executing advanced dribbling combinations, and even detailed footwork for eluding defenders with various screens.
Basketball fans praise the intimacy and just pure fun Curry brings breaking down the foundations fueling his legendary game:
“Between the one-on-one drills and behind-the-scenes practice footage, this is an NBA nerd‘s dream come true. Steph teaches shooting fundamentals with so much heart – it‘s infectious!"
Key Takeways:
- Master Curry‘s grip, footwork and weight transfer for sharper shooting
- Drills for developing ambidextrous ball-handling and change of pace
- Mental routines to increase focus and confidence
For aspiring ballers hungry to elevate their skills, Steph dishes out lessons that unlock new levels of performance – with his signature passion and humility.
9. Negotiate Anything Thanks to FBI Hostage Expert Chris Voss
Nobody understands the intricacies of high stakes negotiations better than Chris Voss.
As an esteemed former FBI hostage negotiator, Chris Voss mediated tense life-or-death crises by leveraging empathy, active listening, and strategic communication frameworks covered in his MasterClass.
While Voss teaches tactics honed saving lives and catching criminals, his 18 video lessons spanning 3+ hours arm everyday folks with battle-tested techniques for landing raises at work, resolving business conflicts, and hammering out tough agreements in various walks of life.
Students consistently highlight the power of Voss‘ empathetic approaches:
"Chris completely changed my perspective on conflicts with others. By better understanding motivations, I‘ve become much more empathetic and successful brokering win-win deals."
Key Takeaways:
- The art of deep listening and asking strategic questions
- Tools for uncovering negotiation motivations
- Creative problem solving and conflict resolution
Thanks to renowned mediator Chris Voss, now anybody can manifest better outcomes and relationships through masterful negotiation.
10. Reach for the Stars with Astronaut Chris Hadfield
Retired astronaut Chris Hadfield made intergalactic headlines by recording an enchanting zero-gravity music video aboard the International Space Station. Now in his MasterClass, Hadfield offers unprecedented access to life in orbit – fueling civilians’ cosmic dreams and curiosity about space travel.
From preparing freeze-dried "astronaut ice cream" to running scientific experiments, Hadfield‘s 31 video lessons amounting to nearly 8 hours recaps eye-opening stories from his pioneering space missions.
Fans are united in their praise of Hadfield‘s ability to Make space excitingly tangible:
"I was absolutely mesmerized start to finish. Chris Has unmatched storytelling that makes space exploration feel wondrous yet accessible."
Key Takeaways:
- The exhilaration of rocket launches and spacewalks
- Fascinating science experiments conducted on the ISS
- How astronaut training builds skills for overcoming adversity
A truly stellar MasterClass, Hadfield infectiously sparks our collective sense of wonder for the mysteries of the galaxy.
11. Conquer the Wild Thanks to Survival Expert Jessie Krebs
U.S. Air Force veteran Jessie Krebs specializes in wilderness survival instruction. Leveraging adventure racing experience traversing rugged natural expanses under extreme conditions, her MasterClass readies everyday folks with fundamental skills needed if caught in a life-or-death situation Outdoors.
From building shelters and fire to procuring drinkable water and scavenging for nourishment, Krebs packs 17 video lessons spanning over 4 hours with immersive training so civilians can beat wilderness emergencies.
Outdoor enthusiasts praise Krebs’s actionable techniques taught with high stakes in mind:
“Between hands-on trap building and invaluable mindset shifts when lost, Jessie’s class goes beyond basics – truly preparing you for worst case scenarios even most survival shows skip over.”
Key Takeaways:
- Orient yourself navigating without modern tools
- Construct debris shelters and start fires without matches
- Methods for snaring small game and gathering edible plants
Whether camping or considering emergency prep, Jessie Krebs equips anyone to confront dire circumstances in the natural world drawing from military-grade survival tactics.
We‘ve only highlighted a glimpse of the incredible learning experiences waiting for you on MasterClass. From baking perfect pastries with Dominique Ansel to shooting cinematic photos like Annie Leibovitz to acing comedy like Steve Martin, there‘s no shortage of brilliant minds ready to share their genius.
Each instructor intimately welcomes students into their worlds – candidly providing mentorship and wisdom that unlocks new professional capabilities while also nurturing personal growth.
Truly, a MasterClass subscription represents the democratization of education, making high caliber learning accessible for any driven individual regardless of background. The platform is specifically designed for flexibility – so you can develop real-world skills and expand your horizons around your lifestyle.
With an annual membership unlocking unlimited access for only $15 per month, now is the time to feed your curiosity and invest in yourself by learning from masters across hundreds of inspiring topics with MasterClass. The possibilities are endless – so why not start your journey today?
