Skip to main content

    MasterClass

    Learn from world-famous experts.

    What is MasterClass?

    • Online video classes by famous experts.
    • Gordon Ramsay (cooking), Steve Martin (comedy), etc.
    • Annual subscription — $120–$240/year.
    • Watch as many classes as you want.
    • 200+ classes across many topics.
    • Beautiful production quality.

    Best classes for seniors

    • Gordon Ramsay — cooking techniques.
    • Bob Ross — happy little trees painting.
    • James Patterson — writing.
    • Annie Leibovitz — photography.
    • Wolfgang Puck — entertaining.
    • Most classes 4–8 hours of video.

    Worth it? Pros + cons

    • Pro: top-tier teachers, beautiful production.
    • Pro: learn at your pace, rewatch anytime.
    • Pro: workbook included with each class.
    • Con: $120/year is significant.
    • Con: not interactive — no feedback on your work.
    • Con: YouTube has free alternatives for most topics.

    Cheaper alternatives

    • YouTube — most topics free.
    • Skillshare — $14/month, hands-on classes.
    • Coursera — university courses, often free to audit.
    • Khan Academy — completely free, all subjects.
    • Library DVDs — Great Courses, Teaching Company.
    • Free online courses cover similar ground.

    Free trial first

    • Often 7-day free trial offered.
    • Try one class before committing yearly.
    • Set calendar reminder to cancel if not loving it.
    • Gift subscriptions also available.
    • Adult children sometimes gift to retired parents.
    • 2 people share Premium plan — split cost.

    Other learning platforms

    • The Great Courses Plus — $20/month, professor lectures.
    • Wondrium — same content, similar price.
    • Audible audiobooks for educational content.
    • OLLI — Osher Lifelong Learning at universities.
    • Free OLLI memberships for retirees.
    • OLLI tuition often $50–$150 per semester.

    Try Khan Academy free first

    Before paying $120 for MasterClass, try Khan Academy (free) and Coursera (free auditing). For most seniors interested in learning, the free options provide thousands of hours of quality instruction. MasterClass is worth it if you specifically want celebrity instructors and don't mind the price. Look up your local OLLI program for in-person learning + social benefits.