Ask HN: How good are the “MasterClass” online classes?

Posted by coziestSoup on Sunday June 24, 2018 @10:50PM
from the ask-hn dept.

To be clear, I'm referring to https://www.masterclass.com/. I'm not really a professional in any of the fields they offer classes in, and am looking to take it out of curiosity, to get a sense of the different industries (like space exploration, investigative journalism etc). For those who have taken classes, how has your experience been? Is it worth the money and time? Do they come off more as a documentary (I felt the trailers do) or are there clear, useful takeaways?

( 8 comments | 15 points | on HN )

Re:Ask HN: How good are the “MasterClass” online classes? by coralreef on Sunday June 24, 2018 @11:22PM (#17389706)

I pirated the Steve Martin comedy one.

Generally, it was not very structured, just Steve talking about his experiences, telling stories, and generic tips. Not super technical, its almost like they just whipped it up on the spot, kind of expected when you're dealing with busy celebrities who may not have experience actually teaching.

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Re:Ask HN: How good are the “MasterClass” online classes? by techjuice on Monday June 25, 2018 @10:17PM (#17397423)

For those in the top of their industry for many years still pulling in millions of people every time they create something (music, movies, soundtracks, TV episodes) and have a large video, streaming, Youtube or TV presence, are pretty good along with those that have been doing their thing for 20+ years.

You can normally tell how good it is by how high quality their trailer video is (the best made their own and are actually doing things, besides just looking back at the camera) on the site along with viewing their free Youtube videos and interviews. Even better when their name is almost synonymous with their industry

Most notable on the site are: Armin Van Buuren, Hans Zimmer, Gordon Ramsay, R.L. Stine, Deadmau5, Samuel L. jakson, Gordon Ramsay, Christina Aguilera

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Re:Ask HN: How good are the “MasterClass” online classes? by spookybones on Monday June 25, 2018 @10:26AM (#17392660)

Though I don’t like any of James Patterson’s books, I decided to check out his class since he’s a top selling, prolific, fiction writer. He had some decent tips for banging outlines combined with unnecessary, though briefly motivating antidotes. I suspect the format of these classes are all similar. I’m of the opinion that if you’re in a mental rut, then do anything to get out of it. In that sense, Patterson's class was useful. I am curious if Werner Herzog’s class has any structure.

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Re:Ask HN: How good are the “MasterClass” online classes? by rayalez on Tuesday June 26, 2018 @05:04AM (#17398958)

They're okay, nothing mindblowing, some are good. I've really enjoyed Judd Apatow's class on screenwriting.

They offer a free trial, you can watch all the courses for a week for free without a limit.

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Re:Ask HN: How good are the “MasterClass” online classes? by HenryTheHorse on Monday June 25, 2018 @05:05PM (#17395781)

FWIW, Reddit has several reviews that answer your question. You may also want to skim through threads there.

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Re:Ask HN: How good are the “MasterClass” online classes? by andrei_says_ on Monday June 25, 2018 @04:27PM (#17395518)

I can recommend Kevin Spacey’s acting class and especially his work on monologue.

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Re:Ask HN: How good are the “MasterClass” online classes? by cm2012 on Monday June 25, 2018 @09:29PM (#17397253)

Depending on your geo you can do a free trial now.

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Re:Ask HN: How good are the “MasterClass” online classes? by zerr on Monday June 25, 2018 @01:25PM (#17394077)

Did anyone watch Hans Zimmer's master class?

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