20 Best MasterClass Courses 2022

A review of the best MasterClass courses and classes. Learn from the best.

The illustrious Tony Robbins is known for saying “Success Leaves Clues.” MasterClass took this idea to its pinnacle. The main selling point of the MasterClass course platform is the instructors. And, each instructor is well-reputed to be a top performer in their field.

MasterClass frequently releases new courses to offer unique learning experiences and perspectives for its members. Below we give you a tour of 20 of the best MasterClass courses and classes in 2022. Take this opportunity to learn from the best literally.

MasterClass Courses – What Is MasterClass?

 A masterclass is a popular online learning platform to help expand your skills and knowledge in various fields such as cooking, business, art, entertainment, writing, sports, science, tech, and health. Whatever topic you choose to study, you are assured an experienced of and knowledgeable instructor. Their credentials require no examination.

You can learn Negotiation from Chris Voss, Cooking from Gordon Ramsey, Leadership from Bill Clinton, Acting from Samuel L. Jackson, Voice Training from Mariah Carey, or Tennis from Serena Williams. Expect top-notch production quality across the board.

 

Lessons – In addition to the video lessons, each course provides a detailed workbook. Members also have access to Sessions, a convenient learning format to learn by doing in just 30 days. Watch MasterClass classes on the web or through mobile & TV apps.

Note:

 This review curates some of the best MasterClass classes but cannot cover all the courses available. We start with a list of the latest classes to keep things up to date.

Latest MasterClass Classes

·         Mariah Carey Teaches the Voice as an Instrument. 

·         Serena Williams Teaches Tennis.

·         Lewis Hamilton Teaches a Winning Mindest.

·         Metallica Teaches Being a Band.

·         Roy Choi Teaches Intuitive Cooking.

1. Gordon Ramsay MasterClass – Cooking

If you enjoyed his peppery wit on Hell’s Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay's MasterClass may be your flavor. You get Ramsay all to yourself, minus the hot retorts. He teaches you how to prep, plate, and pair 13 recipes. From appetizers to the main course, these are “restaurant-inspired dishes designed for home cooking.

Some items from the menu are Crispy Duck with Red Endive, and Pomme Puree, and for vegans, he threw in Cauliflower Steak, Olives, and Mushrooms. Dessert is a Raspberry Souffle. He even teaches kitchen layout and a lesson on choosing vegetables and herbs.

It’s safe to assume that you get full recipes and shopping lists in the course booklet. I suggest you watch the lesson of the recipe you want to do in its entirety at least once. Then, mise en place, play it again, and cook along!

Student comments comprised a conversation between aspiring cooks who shared their varying levels of success and questions about modifications that appear to have gone unanswered. Nevertheless, Ramsay has mastered the art of kitchen performance – cooking and talking at the same time. And, he does it with presence and finesse.

2. Chris Voss MasterClass – The Art of Negotiation

If you were to base your assessment of Voss and his laudable track record as a negotiator, you might misjudge him. His gruff voice and his authoritative mannerisms seem to want to make you an offer you cannot refuse. Nay, Chris Voss has succeeded in so many high-stakes situations with terrorists, kidnappers, or bank robbers not by strong-arming but with his high EQ.

In his MasterClass, lifted from his ‘Tactical Empathy' lesson, you learn about Voss’s perception of his counterparts in a negotiation. It is edification rather than intimidation. He promises to teach you this and other principles he has proven in practice. The lesson list includes a Case Study of the famous Chase Manhattan Bank Robbery, Creating the Illusion of Control, and a Mock Salary Negotiation.

Reviews overall are positive. Learners affirm that they learned new skills that they can apply in many areas of their professional and personal lives. Perhaps this is one of my personal best MasterClass courses and indeed comes with an offer you cannot refuse.

3. Robin Roberts MasterClass – Effective Communication

Your morning cup of coffee just became your MasterClass instructor. Robin Roberts came to MasterClass to help you make more meaningful connections. Indeed, communication is an indispensable skill, and Robin Roberts is an undisputed master of it.

Her class description promises to teach you how to communicate more effectively with everyone. She even gives you a rare look behind the scenes of Good Morning America. Nice! In Robin Roberts’ MasterClass course, you will learn how to embrace vulnerability, build resilience, and live with optimism.

Modules include “Make Your Mess Your Message”, “Making an Authentic Connection”, “Public Speaking”, “Interviewing for a Job” and “Communicating Your Value at Work”. I bet your inside voice is already saying yes to these lessons.

The only con is that the class is comparatively short. Clearly, learners wanted more of Robin Roberts. In her class sample, she made me smile when she said “success leaves clues” (cue the Twilight Zone theme song). There is some value for aspiring broadcast journalists. For everyone else, there are sage life lessons.

4. Kelly Wearstler MasterClass – Interior Design

Her wardrobe throughout this MasterClass is amazing! The class intro begins by describing her style as “eclectic and experiential”, which are accurate adjectives. Enjoy one of the best MasterClass classes in the design category.

This award-winning interior designer promises to teach you to “create spaces that tell a story.” She does this on Field Trips – one that focuses on Working with Space and another about Experimenting with Color. Lessons also include “Enhancing Your Space” and “Creative Journey.”

Reviewers say she delivers on her promises with confidence-instilling advice. Even in the class sample, she shares a nugget about simultaneous balance and asymmetry in a room. Aspiring interior designers should take this course. Indeed, this course could give you just what you need to uplift your own pandemic-weary home space.

5. Daniel Pink MasterClass – Sales and Persuasion

It has been said that everyone sells for one reason or another. The usual example given is that we sell ourselves – to potential employers or prospective partners in business or romance. Daniel Pink wants you to embrace the salesperson in you. He has a very simple and replicable set of rules that neatly package most of what you need to know to do that.

This MasterClass course gives learners “tactics for achieving better outcomes in any interaction” and teaches how to pitch. Lessons include “Sales Trends”, “Clarity: Making Your Message Count”, “Buoyancy: Develop a Resilient Mindset” and “Persuade Yourself: How to Self-Motivate”.

If you’ve never heard of Daniel Pink, his resume includes four NYT Bestselling books and he worked as US Vice President Al Gore’s speechwriter during Bill Clinton’s presidency. Pink has premium-priced courses on Acumen Academy and Udemy as well.

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive for this MasterClass. If you are a professional in sales and marketing or interested in both, this is one of the best MasterClass courses available. The class promises to level your game up if you apply Pink’s principles. No matter what industry you are in, the information in this MasterClass course is invaluable.

6. Sara Blakely MasterClass – Self-Made Entrepreneurship

If you don’t recognize her name, think Spanx. She definitely knows her topic, and Sara Blakely's MasterClass is here to show you how to “open doors and close deals” using a customer-centric style. She speaks specifically to people with a physical product idea. In a nutshell, you will learn her tactics for prototyping and branding.

In her class sample, in no more than 1 minute, she debunks the myth of the business plan prerequisite. Instead, she explains that her focus was “make it, sell it, build awareness.” Even if your business idea is not a physical product, that advice is encouraging indeed.

Class titles in the course include ‘Developing your Big Idea,' ‘Entrepreneurial Mindset,' ‘Build Awareness,' and ‘Building a Culture.' During the course, you get to sit in on sessions as she mentors three business owners at various stages of their journey. Blakely also gives Case Studies, including one on her own Spanx brand and her Survival Guide.

Reviews were generally favorable. Sara is a true business person with her direct, bottom-line-focused delivery. Even in her MasterClass, she clearly puts the customer at the center and gives you what you want. Overall, this is one of the best MasterClass courses for entrepreneurs interested in improving their branding and product portfolio

7. Garry Kasparov MasterClass – Chess

Some business and wealth strategists use the analogy of a chess game to characterize the kind of critical thinking one needs to succeed. Kasparov is officially a Chess Grandmaster, and in his MasterClass course, he begins with the fundamentals of the game and develops learners into advanced tactics.

Kasparov gives you case studies and offers “How to Analyze,” “Computers and Chess” and “Mental Toughness” among the 29 lessons in the course. Learners were generally pleased with the course, with one caveat. You need to have a basic understanding of the game going in, otherwise, you quickly become overwhelmed.

If you’re not sure why you should bother learning chess at all, the list of benefits is impressive. Once you decide, get started and then come back to Kasparov’s class. This is among the best MasterClass courses not only for beginners and Intermediates who are serious about improving their chess game but also for strategic thinking abilities.

8. Anna Wintour MasterClass – Creativity and Leadership

Anna Wintour has been at the top of her game for more than 40 years, still currently working as Editor-in-Chief of Vogue. Her MasterClass, often referred to as “How to Be a Boss,” promises to teach you “to lead with impact.” You get a rare look behind the scenes at Vogue’s history and its modern operations.

While watching her practice what she preaches, she oozes Miranda Priestly of “The Devil Wears Prada.” A particular review spoke of attempts at self-branding and mythmaking around herself. Let’s face it; this MasterClass course class is highly edited. Ms. Wintour is an editor. Nevertheless, like some of her MasterClass peers, she has earned her stripes.

I wouldn’t call Wintour’s Masterclass a must for any field. Nevertheless, if you want to either be able to say you took Anna Wintour’s MasterClass, then go for it. If you bought a one-year membership, you could mix this in with some of the other best MasterClass courses in your interest area. There’s value here, and there’s inspiration also.

9. Matthew Walker MasterClass – The Science of Better Sleep

What do Alzheimer’s disease and testicles have in common? According to Matthew Walker, they are both deeply affected by the amount and quality of sleep one gets. This British neuroscientist says sleep is like a Swiss Army Knife to your health.

In his MasterClass course, you will learn about sleep science and get the scoop on increasing the quality and quantity of your own sleep. The lessons include “How Sleep Works”, “Fire up the Brain”, “Overnight Therapy”, and “How to Sleep Better”.

Being a sleep specialist, Walker’s credentials speak volumes about what he can impart. Furthermore, as a professor of neuroscience and psychology at UC Berkeley, he is not only knowledgeable, but he is a seasoned teacher.

If you are in the medical field, this is among the best MasterClass courses and classes that could contribute to your continuous professional development. For the rest of us, this wake-up call to sleep better is timely and critical.

10. Paul Krugman MasterClass – Economics and Society

American economist Paul Krugman may not be a household name, but his MasterClass course may change the way you see the world. Krugman offers students a rare opportunity. You get to mine lessons from some of the most historical events of the last 50 years with the skillful guidance of a Nobel prize-winning economic mind.

His class sample is deceptively simplistic. Perhaps its goal is to make him seem more approachable. The trailer, on the other hand, lets you know that you’re in for a major paradigm shift. Class modules include How ’08 Happened, Economic Solutions to Crises, Understanding Taxes, and Understanding the Hyperglobalized World.

Learners were satisfied with the course in general, although one person said it lacked content. He said that having taken some econ courses before, he expected more graphs and charts with technical information. Nevertheless, even he found value in it.

For the gen pop, this course will equip you in decision-making and give you great fodder for cocktail party banter (if we ever have those again). For aspiring economists, this is one of the best MasterClass courses offering a chance to sit at the feet of a master. Heck, Krugman probably co-authored one of your textbooks.

11. Malcolm Gladwell MasterClass – Writing

What do ketchup, crime, and quarterbacks have in common? They were all subjects used by Gladwell to help his readers grasp the complex subject matter. He is a master at combining storytelling and reporting. His MasterClass course presents a great opportunity for aspiring non-fiction writers to take their writing to a higher level.

Still working as a staff writer for The New Yorker (25 years and counting), this journalist and author have a lot to offer. Thankfully, according to reviewers, he truly delivers in his MasterClass. No class sample is available, but his course description promises to teach you how to captivate readers by distilling “big ideas into simple, powerful narratives.”

Class titles include “Holding Readers” with the subtitles ‘Tools for Engagement' and ‘Controlling Information'. There is also “Developing the Story”, “Interviewing”, “Jargon” and “Working as a Writer”. In the class trailer, he promises all this… and semicolons.

As a writer, the chance to learn about semicolons from such an accomplished writer is tasty bait! Thus, this is one of the best MasterClass courses for aspiring writers, authors, journalists, and bloggers. And, there is much more to learn from Malcolm Gladwell.

12. Neil deGrasse Tyson MasterClass – Scientific Thinking

On a cool mid-autumn evening in the late 1990s, my date and I strolled on the green side of Central Park West. An hour later, we reclined as we experienced an amazing space experience under the dome at the Hayden Planetarium designed by Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Even then, this giant of scientific thinking created ways to help others perceive the universe with a more informed eye. In doing so, he made science more accessible to us all. He was inspired by a childhood trip to the Hayden, a class trip most of us NYC Public School System alumni have taken.

A giant in astrophysics, Neil deGrasse Tyson's MasterClass  will teach you how to “think like a skeptic” and “open your own mind through scientific literacy.” The most important learning outcome is that you will “deliver your ideas in ways that engage, excite, and inspire.” In general, learners said that this course contains a great deal of insight.

Nevertheless, some say the workbook doesn’t give you any practical learning activities and the information is more theoretical than practical. This is among the best MasterClass courses and classes for curious minds but not a must for people who have more than an intermediate background in science.

13. Marc Jacobs MasterClass – Fashion Design

In his MasterClass, Jacobs speaks in an honest, personable manner as you watch him sketch a car coat. I still don’t know what a car coat is, exactly, but in the four minutes, I learned a few things about the clothing design process.

The description says you will learn to “develop your own ideas from the first sketch to the final piece.” From an audience perspective, I picture a design student, freelancer, or design enthusiast getting inspired and actually working on designs while taking the class. Lessons cover teamwork, Runway Shows, and Construction Techniques via Case Study.

For designers at any level, Jacobs serves up great practical advice in the form of a full demonstration. You really can’t beat that other than actually physically working alongside him or another iconic fashion designer as an apprentice. If you can make that happen, then don’t bother with this MasterClass course. Otherwise, it is a great pick.

14. Jon Kabat-Zinn MasterClass – Mindfulness and Meditation

“I’m Jon Kabat-Zinn, and this is my non-MasterClass,” he proclaims at the end of the trailer for his course. While many who have studied under him would certainly dub him a “master,” he humbly ascribes his MasterClass curriculum to his students.

With more than 40 years under his belt as a student and teacher of mindfulness, he offers you this opportunity to glean from the best. Learn to cultivate your own mindfulness practice and lower stress levels. This Masterclass promises to “help you make the most of being alive.” Lessons include guided meditations, Hatha yoga, and healing the World.

One very pleased learner enjoyed the sound of his voice and his easy smile throughout the course. I must say, it’s kind of cool to follow along with this 76-year-old doctor sitting in lotus and doing yoga stretches with ease on a floor mat. This is one of the best MasterClass classes for anyone interested in personal growth and development.

 

15. Will Wright MasterClass – Games Design and Theory

Remember SimCity? This game upped the ante on computer simulation and marked the beginning of Wright’s prominent legacy in Game Design. The game also spawned a franchise with numerous spin-offs.

Will Wright's Masterclass aims to help you understand the psychology of the player. He also walks you through his methods for pitching, prototyping, and testing games. Lessons include Game Mechanics, Designing Visual/Sound Aesthetic, Leadership and Collaboration, and the Future of Game Design (two Game Demos).

As far as Game Theory, it doesn’t appear to me that Wright is an authority in mathematical study, so the course title is somewhat misleading. If you want to advance your career in the computer game industry, then Will Wright’s MasterClass certainly has a lot to offer you.

16. Alicia Keys MasterClass – Songwriting and Producing

It goes without saying that Alicia Keys is a Master of her craft. Her achievements as a singer-songwriter-musician-producer-actress are epic. On top of being a wife and mother of two, she walks with style and professionalism as a giant in her field.

For anyone, especially women, who are looking to move their career forward in music, this is one of the best Masterclass courses and classes you can sink your teeth into. You get to spend time inside Alicia Keys' studio to “share her process for creating music built from authentic emotion.” Lesson titles include Vocal Arrangements, Alchemy in the Control Room, and Sisterhood in the Music Industry.

Reviews were positive all around. The class is recommended for aspiring vocalists, musicians, and songwriters. Her fans would enjoy this class as well.

17. Bob Iger MasterClass – Business Strategy and Leadership

Three words: Former. Disney. CEO. Iger spent 45 years in the media industry. His MasterClass course promises to teach you “how to evolve your business and career.” Course offerings include Using Your time Effectively, Taking Giant Swings: Pixar Acquisition Case Study, Anticipating What Consumers Want, and Tenets for Success.

The reviews are mixed. Some say there is much value, while others say this appeared to be more of a vanity project for Iger. One reviewer noted that his book, The Ride of a Lifetime, had more valuable content than this MasterClass course.

Yes, the book was better than the movie. Nevertheless, at age 70, he has a lifetime of grand accomplishments in business. Speaking from those experiences could sound to some like boasting. Nevertheless, I’d say Iger has a lot to offer. He has certainly earned his bragging rights, which is why it is included in this list of best MasterClass courses.

18. Bob Woodward MasterClass – Investigative Journalism

For many years, Woodward, Bernstein, and Watergate were pervasive names in American culture. Although they aren’t spoken about anymore, they still hold a treasure trove of valuable insights for aspiring journalists. The Watergate scandal exposed corruption in the presidency of Richard Nixon.

Still working as the associate editor of The Washington Post, one of his recent big events was with another historic president: Donald Trump. His course description says you will learn how to “investigate a story, interview sources, and understand how the news is written.” Woodward promises to teach you how to find the truth.

Lessons include “Finding the Story”, “The Reporting Challenges of Watergate”, “Hunting Down the Documents” and “Navigating Interview Challenges”. Bob Woodward’s MasterClass course offers rare opportunities for journalists at all levels.

Reviewers concur, writing that it was rich with useful information. Even biographers and other non-fiction writers can gain some valuable nuggets from this two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. Overall, this is among the best MasterClass courses not to be missed.

19. James Patterson MasterClass – Writing

Not only has Patterson authored 19 consecutive No. 1 New York Times bestsellers but many of them were turned into major motion pictures and TV series. Remember Kiss the Girls? Along Came a Spider. If you are an aspiring novelist, this class may help you get closer to your publication goals and become a bestselling author.

Here’s another grandmaster, offering you nuggets at the ripe age of 73. The course description promises guidance “from the start to the finish of your book”. Class segments include “Raw Ideas”, “Outlines”, “Writer’s Block”, “First Lines” and “Getting Published”.

That said, reviewers had a different opinion. Unfortunately, they say that the content lacks depth, so don’t expect to be ready to write and publish a bestseller just because you took this MasterClass course. All nuggets and no boulders, and perhaps too many clichés thrown around on top is the word in the writing community.

The course was likened to something more akin to a documentary. Nevertheless, even in documentaries (much like in biographies), you can pick up clues from success.

20. Frank Gehry MasterClass – Design and Architecture

Mr. Gehry is an iconic Candian-American Architect known for such amazing buildings as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, and Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, CA, USA. The course description highlights the contrast between the humble start of his career and his rise to the status of master builder.

This class offers two rare opportunities: A look inside his personal model archive and a chance to sit at his feet. He’s 92 years old. If designing great buildings is your aspiration, this MasterClass course is a now-or-never event on your journey. His syllabus includes classes entitled ‘Frank’s Inspiration', ‘Design Obstacles', and ‘Expressing Movement'.

Now for the reviews. Members of the Architecture and Design community who took this course were generally disappointed. Summed up, detractors found that the content lacked technical detail. If you were looking to mine gold from this venerable giant, you panned in vain. Even the workbook was called “slim” with “very basic activities.”

The sample video does not contradict the general assessment. It, too, was very anecdotal. You just felt kind of in awe and wanted to like it because, well, it's Frank Gehry. If you are early in your architecture career, this course could be rather inspirational.

MasterClass Courses & Classes – Pros and Cons

MasterClass Classes Pros

·         Learning from Pros – The best MasterClass courses and classes are all taught by top professionals with well-proven resumes in their field. 

·         All for one deal – With a reasonably priced one-year membership, you have little to lose and much to gain from this platform. 

·         Wide range of topics covered – For some fields, such as writing and music, there are multiple MasterClass courses and classes. If you can, taking all of them can mimic a well-rounded certificate program. 

·         Rare opportunities – Many of these are inaugural online courses for the instructors. In addition, some teachers are rather advanced in age and this may be a rare chance to sit at their feet before they pass on. 

·         Rather entertaining – With excellent production, the MasterClass videos make for great TV. A set of lessons mimics the mini-series of old. I guess you could call it “edutainment”.

·         2 in 1 bonus offer – MasterClass occasionally offers a two-for-one deal. They allow you to gift a membership to someone when you sign up for your own. I know a few people who would really love that! Conditions apply.

MasterClass Classes Cons

·         Inconsistent experiences – Not all experts are good teachers. Teaching is a gift and a craft. While most of these presenters have the credentials, not all are engaging enough to deliver the material well. 

·         Mixed motives – Even some of the best MasterClass courses are simply “Celebrity Classes” aimed to further raise the profile of the instructor, while some are genuine efforts to pay it forward. It won’t always be easy to tell which is which. 

·         No certificates – While this need not be a deal-breaker, you need to be aware of this detail as you decide whether to sign up or not. 

·         Incomplete catalog – Some topics are very scantly covered or not covered at all. For example, there are no MasterClass courses on money and finance or education, and computer science (and the sciences in general) gets scant coverage. 

Best MasterClass Courses & Classes – Review Verdict 

Wrapping up our tour of the best MasterClass courses and classes. The credibility of micro-credentials is on the rise, and they make post-secondary and specialized education more accessible than ever before. Then along came MasterClass. While they don’t offer certifications, they do offer valuable opportunities to study under the best.

The in-person equivalent is an exciting guest lecturer in your 101 class. The fact is you need a well-curated collection of courses to prepare for your occupation. Indeed, that is what university degrees offered students. Now, you can self-curate your education online, and I recommend you include some of the above-mentioned best MasterClass courses.

Sure, Frank Gehry’s may not be rich with technical information. Nevertheless, if he showed up in Architecture 101 30 years ago at Columbia, you would still remember something he said. It’s Frank Gehry. That is the essence of what MasterClass has to offer online learners.

Best MasterClass Courses & Classes 2022

1.     Gordon Ramsay MasterClass – Cooking

2.     Chris Voss MasterClass – The Art of Negotiation

3.     Robin Roberts Teaches Effective Communication

4.     Malcolm Gladwell Teaches Writing

5.     Daniel Pink Teaches Sales and Persuasion

6.     Sara Blakely Teaches Self-Made Entrepreneurship

7.     Anna Wintour Teaches Creativity and Leadership

8.     Matthew Walker Teaches The Science of Better Sleep

9.     Paul Krugman TeachesEconomics and Society

10. Bob Woodward Teaches Investigative Journalism

11. Neil deGrasse Tyson MasterClass – Scientific Thinking

12. Kelly Wearstler TeachesInterior Design

13. Marc Jacobs Teaches Fashion Design

14. Frank Gehry Teaches Design and Architecture

15. Alicia Keys Teaches Songwriting and Producing

16. James Patterson Teaches Writing

17. Garry Kasparov Teaches Chess

18. Bob Iger Teaches Business Strategy and Leadership

19. Jon Kabat-Zinn Teaches Mindfulness and Meditation

20. Will Wright Teaches Games Design and Theory

How much is a Masterclass?

MasterClass classes start from $15/month billed annually. This will set you back $180/year. If you wish to access MasterClass offline and also want to learn on more than one device at the same time, you can choose the MasterClass Plus subscription plan for $20/month billed annually. Visit the website to see the MasterClass pricing table.