The Best Classes on MasterClass
Martin Scorsese on Filmmaking
The Oscar-winning director steps in front of the camera to explain how he channelled his influences, developed his own style and established a process that works for him. Later on, there’s some more technical advice and insight into why, for example, he shot Raging Bull in black and white. By the end of this 30-part course, don’t necessarily expect to be putting yourself forward for the 2021 Best Director Oscar, but do expect to be richly entertained and to gain a new appreciation for staying true to yourself whatever your life’s work.
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Daniel Negreanu on Poker
Daniel ‘Kid Poker’ Negreanu collects World Series of Poker bracelets like rappers collect watches – he’s got six on his wrist at the moment. His 38-lesson MasterClass is more immediately actionable than Scorsese’s: there are ideas here that you can take straight into your next game, whether that’s online or with the lads IRL. From basic early, middle and late position strategies to detecting and executing bluffs, it’s all here.
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Annie Leibovitz on Photography
This 15-lesson series from Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair photographer Annie Leibovitz zooms in on portraiture and photojournalism, then pullbacks to explore core principles, working with light and the technical side of photography. There are three fascinating behind-the-scenes case studies along the way and Leibovitz will also explain why it’s not really a photographer’s responsibility to put their subject at ease, and why your family are probably your best subjects.
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Chris Hadfield on Space Exploration
Chris Hadfield was Commander of the International Space Station. The first Canadian to walk in space, he was also a fighter pilot – and a farmer’s boy who was inspired by watching the 1969 moon landings on TV. His first lesson is on overcoming the impossible. From there, he dives deeper into how rockets work, what it’s like to be an astronaut on launch day, and the challenges of a spacewalk. Along the way, he’ll reveal how he managed his elite leadership position and the tricks he used to learn vast amounts of information.
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Thomas Keller on Cooking Techniques
There’s some serious culinary competition on MasterClass. Wolfgang Puck, the man who caters the Oscars, and Gordon Ramsay have both uploaded their own tutorials, but this one stands out for its accessibility. Thomas Keller won three Michelin stars for his Napa Valley restaurant The French Laundry in 2006 and has held onto them ever since. Here, he keeps things simple: essential kitchen tools; how to source ingredients; veg prepping from glazing carrots to braising artichokes; and a comprehensive introduction to his own favourite ingredient, eggs. Crucially right now, he’s also got homemade pasta covered.
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Neil Gaiman on Storytelling
British author Neil Gaiman has written some of the most acclaimed graphic novels out there, including The Sandman series. Now he’s on hand to help you find your own, distinctive voice. He’s also got pointers on developing a story – you’ll need a big idea first, though – writing realistic dialogue and building whole new worlds. His methods for staying organised and committed through a project have universal application.
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Serena Williams on Tennis
Never quite nailed the top-spin backhand? Serena Williams is here to show you how it’s done. She’s got drills you can try next time you’re on court, alongside more theoretical concepts like controlling the court that you can be thinking about from your sofa right now. Williams’s view that tennis is 70% mental also gives hope to those whose mastery of physical technique leaves something to be desired.
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David Lynch on Creativity
The unique mind that gave the world Twin Peaks (and The Elephant Man and Blue Velvet and so many others) is ready to give you an insight into his creative process. Learn how to ‘catch’ an idea, to learn through experience, and to break the rules. The focus of David Lynch’s class is film-making, but the lessons within have much wider applications. There’s even a bonus chapter about the value of transcendental meditation.
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Chris Voss on Negotiation
Chris Voss was the FBI’s lead international kidnapping negotiator. Despite the formidable title, he believes success in negotiation is rooted in collaboration and empathy – it’s nothing to do with who’s best in battle mode. Key techniques such as mirroring and labelling get dedicated lessons, while a case study of one of Chris’s own negotiations during a New York bank robbery brings everything vividly to life. Complete this 18-lesson course and you should be newly equipped to negotiate with skill, diplomacy and tact.
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GORDON RAMSAY ON COOKING
Small-screen superstar Gordon Ramsay serves up a 20-lesson cookery course. He explains why you only need some basic equipment and a hot plate to start cooking at a high level, then runs through some ageless recipes such as chicken supreme, as well as the signature dish from three Michelin-starred Restaurant Gordon Ramsay: lobster ravioli. For dessert, he’s filmed an extra eight-part series including personal how-tos for an array of dishes including crispy duck with red endive and spinach.
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