MasterClass Subscription Review

About MasterClass

MasterClass is an educational video platform in which users can learn about different fields of study taught by well-known experts online. This streaming service has classes on business, cooking, writing, acting, sports, and much more.

MasterClass features celebrities to teach lessons, including Gordon Ramsay, Anna Wintour, Stephen Curry, and Tony Hawk. Various publications such as Vox, Business Insider, and New York Magazine have featured MasterClass for the unique learning opportunities it provides.

This MasterClass subscription review will take an in-depth look at their services, tutorials, customer ratings, and their brand as a whole to help you decide if this online learning service is worth giving a try. 

Overview of MasterClass

MasterClass was the result of an urgent call of action towards the accessibility to education. At least, that was David Rogier’s vision when he came up with the idea of his future streaming service for learning. Rogier was inspired by a story told by his grandmother, who applied for a job at a factory in Poland after the Nazi invasion, and was rejected over 20 times. 

Her moral of the story, which motivated Rogier to found MasterClass, was that “education is the one thing in life that no one can ever take away from you.” Intending to make quality education accessible to everyone, Rogier, with the help of co-founder Aaron Rasmussen, created MasterClass in Spring of 2015.

“I wanted to build a school which teaches things that people can’t take away from others. I wanted to create a school that made it possible for anybody in the world to learn from some of the best minds and masters of their crafts,” Rogier said in an interview with Forbes.

Before we get into this MasterClass subscription review, let’s go over some initial pros and cons:

Pros

• 90 classes (and counting) across different fields of study, all taught by experts
• High-quality and inspiring educational videos
• Offers the convenience of learning at home 
• Bypasses the requirement for acceptance into a college or university institution to learn specific skills, if one doesn’t have the portfolio or credits necessary
• Reasonable pricing considering the level of expertise offered
• Flexible streaming options including internet-enabled smartphones, tablets, through Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku devices

Cons

• Cannot be used in portfolios or counted as a credit when applying to educational institutions 
• The community area provided by MasterClass is reportedly more like a ‘bulletin board’ and less like a welcoming community 

Now that you’ve been educated on the basic principles of MasterClass, let’s open a new chapter in this MasterClass subscription review and bookmark how the classes work, some of the courses offered, and how you can sign up. Class is in session.

How Does MasterClass Work?

With a MasterClass subscription, you can choose whatever classes they’d like to learn. Each class includes 20 video lessons, approximately 10 minutes each. This MasterClass subscription review discovered other learning materials beyond the videos, including access to worksheets, workbooks, and newsletters.

Each course has a duration of 2 to 5 hours of video content. With a MasterClass subscription, users also have access to a community hub, where they can participate in class discussions and provide feedback on other people’s insights. Do you need to complete the homework assigned to each class? That’s up to you, as you’re not required to submit anything to MasterClass. 

This MasterClass subscription review found only one type of membership, their annual subscription, which offers users unlimited access to current and future classes. This includes access to the MasterClass mobile and TV apps, high definition videos, and downloadable class workbooks. The fortunate thing about their streaming service is that you can watch at any time when it’s convenient for you. 

MasterClass offers flexible options for viewing videos. You can stream courses on any internet-enabled smartphone or tablet using the MasterClass app. The service is also available through Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku devices.

Most Popular MasterClasses

There are currently 90 classes offered in this streaming service, with MasterClass continually adding new content. The most popular categories on MasterClass include:

1. Photography 
2. Leadership 
3. Arts and Entertainment 
4. Cooking
5. Science and Technology 

Though we will go over the top names in MasterClass and what they have to offer, many more influential figures make appearances that deserve honourable mentions, including: 

• Christina Aguilera MasterClass on singing
• Judd Apatow MasterClass on comedy
• Shonda Rhimes MasterClass on writing for television
• Natalie Portman MasterClass on acting
• Tan France MasterClass on style

This MasterClass subscription review will go over their most viewed (and loved) courses, such as learning how to cook with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and the wonders of space exploration with renowned astronaut Chris Hadfield. 

Margaret Atwood Teaches Creative Writing

Renowned for her award-winning and genre-defining literature, Canadian author Margaret Atwood shares her secrets on creative writing in Margaret Atwood Teaches Creative Writing. The prolific writer has won multiple prestigious literary awards including the Giller Prize, the Franz Kafka Prize, and the Booker Prize. 

In the Margaret Atwood MasterClass, students learn the basics of prose and literature, as well as tips on how to improve their craft and how research enriches writing. The lesson plan includes topic titles such as Bringing Characters to Life Through Detail, Point of View: Case Studies, and Working With Time in Fiction.

The MasterClass delves into her process of finding inspiration in real-life experiences and events. If you were moved by The Handmaid’s Tale, the reason it’s so chilling, beyond her exceptional writing, is because Atwood made it a rule to only draw material from historical precedence.

For Atwood, the most important aspect of creative writing is to make the reader feel enticed to continue with the story. You can learn how to achieve that reader pull through Margaret Atwood Teaches Creative Writing. The class includes 23 lessons in total, which amounts to 3.75 hours. 

Timbaland Teaches Producing and Beat Making

Here’s a fun bit of trivia for you: what do songs Promiscuous Girl by Nelly Furtado, Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake, and Get Your Freak On by Missy Elliot have in common? They were all produced with the help of Timbaland. 

Known for his catchy discography and collaborating with numerous well-known artists, Timbaland has been considered a legendary producer within the music industry, which is showcased in the Timbaland Teaches Producing and Beat Making MasterClass.

If you’re curious about Timbaland’s creative process in beat-making, the Timbaland Teaches Producing and Beat Making gives viewers insight into his music-making process. Timbaland has 15 video lessons in total, which is equivalent to 3 hours of watching time.

Lessons include topics such as Song Origins: Dirt Off Your Shoulder, Making a Beat: Creating a Breakdown, and Making a Beat: Manipulating Vocal Samples. Throughout the Timbaland MasterClass, the producer’s positive and energetic spirit towards his music is enough for you to keep on watching. 

Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking I

If you’re tired of feeling like an ‘idiot sandwich’ when it comes to cooking, MasterClass offers Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking I, where cooking enthusiasts can get a one on one session with the three Michelin star celebrity chef, and Cooking II, where home chefs can further develop their skills. Gordon Ramsay has been featured on many television shows, including: 

• Hell’s Kitchen
• Kitchen Nightmares
• Masterchef
• Gordon Ramsay Uncharted 

In Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking I, Ramsay teaches the essentials. Ramsay’s MasterClass shows his students the basics of cooking, such as how to perfectly poach an egg, how to hold a knife properly, and what key kitchen utensils you’ll need. 

There are 20 videos in total in this Gordon Ramsay MasterClass with close to 4 hours of lessons. The lesson plan includes classes like Method: Kitchen Layout, Mastering Ingredients: Vegetables and Herbs and recipe videos like Make: Elevated Scrambled Eggs. 

Get ready to up your skills in the kitchen, and who knows, maybe one day you’ll be on Masterchef yourself. Or you’ll start hosting legendary dinner parties.

Chris Hadfield Teaches Space Exploration

For those curious about space exploration and what it takes to enter the field, one famed Canadian astronaut addresses these elements in Chris Hadfield Teaches Space Exploration. 

Hadfield has an impressive resume leading up to his exciting first launch into space, including being a part of the Royal Canadian Air Force and creating Canadarm2, a robotic arm used for maintenance outside of the international space station.

In Chris Hadfield Teaches Space Exploration, he describes his experience launching into space in vivid detail. In the Chris Hadfield MasterClass, he notes the importance of knowing ‘your stuff’ when it comes to becoming an astronaut and surviving in space.

There are 28 lessons in Chris Hadfield Teaches Space Exploration, amounting to 7.75 hours of watch time. The lesson plan includes courses like Rockets: How Rockets Work, Rockets: What it Feels Like to Launch, and Spaceships: Shuttles and Beyond. Hadfield also gives his take on what the future holds for humans in terms of space exploration. Exciting stuff!

Stephen Curry Teaches Shooting, Ball-Handling, and Scoring

Basketball is all about strategy. In his exclusive MasterClass, famed NBA player Stephen Curry teaches the mechanics of the game in Stephen Curry Teaches Shooting, Ball-Handling and Scoring. Curry, who plays for the Golden State Warriors, is well known as a professional basketball player and has been called the all time master shooter in NBA history. 

In the Steph Curry MasterClass, b-ball legend teaches you how to perfect your skills in basketball by dissecting his own performances in real-time. In the course, he also offers an inside scoop on his own techniques, on shooting the perfect score and the correct stances to be in for offense and defense. 

Stephen Curry Teaches Shooting, Ball-Handling and Scoring has 17 video lessons in total, which have a watch time of close to 3.75 hours. The lesson plan includes useful topics like Form Shooting Practice, Ball-Handling: Foundations, and Creating Space From Your Defender. Whether you’re looking to become a professional player yourself, or just like to play ball with your friends, Curry’s course offers immense value.

Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography

Taking the perfect picture isn’t about the kind of camera you’re using, it’s about the story you’re trying to tell. Annie Leibovitz, an acclaimed American photographer, shares her career story as well as tips and tricks in the photography world in her Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography. 

Leibovitz has worked with prominent publications including Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair. She is also known to have taken the last picture of John Lennon before he died. From lighting to setting, Leibovitz gives watchers an in-depth look of how she takes her signature pictures in the Annie Leibovitz MasterClass. 

For the world famous photographer, it’s all about understanding natural light, and how to use it effectively to portray her subjects in a ‘true’ setting. Throughout the MasterClass, Leibovitz encourages you to stop thinking about getting fancy high tech camera gear and to focus on creativity and capturing the moment. 

Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography includes 15 video lessons, which round up to 3 hours of watch time. Featured topics include Portrait Photography, Working With Light, and Studio vs Location. Between budding professional photographers and social media enthusiasts wanting to take quality photos, there’s much to learn from the Annie Leibovitz MasterClass.

RuPaul Teaches Self-Expression and Authenticity

All aspects of life are about expressing who you truly are. In his MasterClass, RuPaul Teaches Self-Expression and Authenticity, the celebrity teaches his viewers the value of looking your best and most importantly, feeling your best. The eight Primetime Emmy award winner, who is known as the host of the critically acclaimed RuPaul’s Drag Race, is recognized as one of the world’s famed drag queens. 

Throughout RuPaul Teaches Self-Expression and Authenticity, the icon himself teaches the importance of finding your inner truth, self care, how to find inspiration, and the value of finding people who share your morals. He also teaches the basics of drag queen makeup, ranging from prepping foundation on the face to adding contour and color for some extra ‘pop’. 

In the RuPaul MasterClass there are 16 video lessons in total, which are about 2 hours long. The topics that are discussed include titles such as Owning the Room, There is No Such Thing as Failure, as well as Proportion and Presentation. Be your best and let your most authentic self shine through to bring you confidence and inner peace.

How Much Does MasterClass Cost?

This MasterClass subscription review discovered that the annual MasterClass membership is $180, which includes unlimited access to all of their current and future classes, including downloadable course materials. 

Note that you may be charged taxes atop your annual MasterClass membership bill. Tax rates are calculated based on the billing information provided at the time of purchase. If customers aren’t happy with their service after 30 days, they can request a full refund. 

You can also give someone the gift of knowledge by purchasing an individual MasterClass, priced at $90. 

MasterClass Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

This MasterClass subscription review found that the majority of customers shared positive experiences using this streaming educational service. Trustpilot gives the company a 4.1/5-star rating from close to 500 reviews. Most viewers commented that they were able to learn something new and described the experience as very inspiring. 

Reviewers also liked how convenient the service was, which allows them to rewatch or pause any class they were on. Based on my research, there are several media outlets such as PC Mag and Business Insider that rate MasterClass with two thumbs up. 

Most reviewers comment on the quality of videos and how engaging they are. “I’ve learned a positively immeasurable amount of things from Timbaland and Natalie Portman. It gave me a sense of possibility. Like I can actually do it,” One MasterClass subscription review read. 

This MasterClass subscription review revealed a few red flags and customer complaints. In the MasterClass Reddit forum, others questioned the authenticity of the experts teaching said courses, saying that some were overrated. 

Some reviewers on the Reddit MasterClass forum state that the courses don’t offer solid teaching advice and will at most inspire you. “I paid the $180 for these titles mislabeled as Master ‘class’ with little to no material or structure of curriculum, assignments, hands on projects, files, or supporting material,” one MasterClass subscription review says. 

Is MasterClass Worth It?

While signing up for a MasterClass subscription won’t count as a credit if you’re applying for an academic program, it will definitely inspire you to pick up a new hobby or improve upon it. This MasterClass subscription review encourages you to check out their streaming service to find some top quality videos that showcase inspiring people loving what they do. 

There may be an argument saying that you could find lessons on acting, cooking, photography, and other professions for free if you searched hard enough. But with MasterClass, all of this is curated. Additionally, all of their videos are shot in high quality resolution, making it feel like it’s a documentary feature. 

MasterClass continues adding to its library of courses, with 90 classes available at the moment. This subscription offers the most value for people who want to expand their knowledge on subjects or refine their skills in multiple areas. If that’s you, try out MasterClass and experience motivating lessons taught by the greats—from the comfort of your couch!

MasterClass Promotions & Discounts 

Bogo! Right now when you sign up for one membership, you get two. That means instead of paying $360 for two yearly memberships, you’re only paying $180. That would make an amazing gift for a loved one, and it’s not costing you anything extra. 

Sign Up for MasterClass

To purchase a MasterClass membership, following these steps:

1. Go to MasterClass.com
2. Click on ‘Log in’. 
3. Click on ‘Need an Account? Sign up’
4. Create an account by logging into your Google or Facebook account or by entering an email and password.
5. Click ‘Create Account’.
6. Enter your payment details.
7. An annual subscription fee of $180 will be charged to your payment card.
8. Once your payment has gone through, you have unlimited access to classes 

Alternatively, you can set up your MasterClass subscription directly from Amazon Fire TV and Roku devices. You’ll be asked with subjects you’re interested in and prompted to choose six classes to start. Then get learning!

MasterClass offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you don’t love your annual membership.

FAQ

How much does MasterClass cost?

The all-access MasterClass pass costs $180 annually, plus any applicable taxes. You can also give MasterClass as a gift, with classes priced individually for $90.

Does MasterClass have a free trial? 

MasterClass does not have a free trial, however, if you are unsatisfied with the service, you can receive a full refund within 30 days of trying it out. 

Can I pay MasterClass monthly? 

No. The all-access MasterClass pass is an annual subscription and you will be billed $180 plus any applicable taxes once per year. 

Can you put MasterClass on your resume? 

You can put your completed MasterClass on your resume, however, MasterClass currently does not issue official certificates of class completion. They do send students an email confirming the completion of the course, containing a congratulatory message along with tips on how to use the site to continue their studies. 

Can MasterClass be shared? 

MasterClass was designed to be taken individually, so group viewings are discouraged. They can’t stop you from sharing the information or watching the class with other people, however, they ask that students do not copy or redistribute class materials in any way. 

How long does a MasterClass subscription last?

Your MasterClass subscription lasts as long as you like. Subscription fees are automatically renewed based on the day you signed up for an annual subscription.

Can I cancel MasterClass at any time?

Customers can cancel their MasterClass subscription at any time. But it’s important to note that after 30 days, no refunds are issued for unused services. 

Follow the steps below to cancel your MasterClass subscription:

1. Use your MasterClass login to access your Account page
2. Select the Cancel button in the Subscription section of the page
3. On the page, select Continue to Cancel; your account will not renew at the end of your current subscription period

For in-app subscriptions through Apple or Google Play, cancellations can be managed through the respective App stores in the subscription sections. 

How to Contact MasterClass

If you have questions that weren’t covered in this MasterClass subscription review, you can contact the team through: 

• Contact form on MasterClass.com
• Email: [email protected] 
• Phone: 1 (855) 981-8208, Monday-Friday 9 am to 6 pm PST (excluding major holidays)

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Curious about more MasterClass courses? Check out our reviews for these popular lessons:

Garry Kasparov MasterClass

Neil Gaiman MasterClass