How To Teach On MasterClass

MasterClass is a premium e-learning platform where celebrities and prominent figures offer online courses about design, home and living, science, and technology.

Compared to other online learning platforms, MasterClass is a bit unusual because its instructors are all extremely well-known in their fields.

This means that you need to have achieved a certain amount of fame before you can teach on MasterClass.

In this article, we answer a FAQ: “Can I teach on MasterClass?” and find out who can teach MasterClass courses, as well as what you need to know before you sign up for MasterClass as an instructor.

Who Can Teach On MasterClass?

If you’re wondering “Can I teach on MasterClass?”, we will have to disappoint you, because you cannot just sign up on MasterClass as a teacher.

Instead, MasterClass approaches celebrities and experts directly.

Unlike other online learning platforms where teachers can just sign up, MasterClass doesn’t offer this functionality for everyone.

This means that the only way to teach on MasterClass is by receiving an invitation from the platform itself.

MasterClass generally pays celebrities a large sum of money for each course.

What Do You Need To Teach On MasterClass?

There are certain requirements that MasterClass teachers need to fulfill before they can teach a MasterClass course.

This being said, MasterClass hasn’t published any specifics about these requirements but we found the following elements essential for MasterClass instructors.

Be A True Expert In Your Field

Similar to other e-learning classes, teachers on MasterClass need to have achieved a high level of proficiency and mastery of their field before they can teach others.

Be A Celebrity

What makes MasterClass so unique is that its many online classes are taught by celebrities and people who have achieved a certain level of fame.

While you may not recognize all the teachers’ names, MasterClass instructors are all famous in their own fields.

MasterClass features a diverse roster of instructors who are leading experts in their fields, demonstrating that renown doesn’t always equate to household name recognition. Here are a few examples:

• Dr. Matthew Walker: A neuroscientist and sleep expert who reveals the science behind better sleep.
• Chris Voss: A former FBI hostage negotiator who demystifies the art of negotiation.
• Neil Gaiman: A bestselling author who shares his secrets for crafting compelling stories.
• Dominique Ansel: A world-renowned pastry chef who teaches the fundamentals of French pastry.
• Ron Finley: A community activist and gardening expert who empowers others to grow their own food.

This means that students can be sure that they get a great quality online class for their MasterClass subscription money. (Find the most popular MasterClass courses here.)

Be A Good Speaker

If you want to teach on MasterClass, then you will naturally need to be a good speaker.

You will need to be able to present a topic clearly and in detail.

While many celebrities have an entire team to support them, it is essential that a MasterClass instructor can bring a concept across very easily (see also ‘What Is The Concept Of Masterclass?‘).

After all, MasterClass is not just supposed to be entertaining and fun but it should also be teaching its students the basics of a certain topic.

How Do You Know Teaching A MasterClass Is Right For You?

Teaching an online course isn’t for everyone. Since MasterClass doesn’t publicize teaching requirements, you can look at platforms like Coursera and edX’s standards and consider if you feel confident enough to present on your topic.

As MasterClass courses are usually taught by celebrities, you will need to have achieved a level of fame in your field already.

It’s also a good idea to consider if you have enough time to create online content. 

As all MasterClass classes are taught by experts, the online learning platform requires a high level of knowledge and a detailed lesson plan.

How Does MasterClass Get Their Teachers?

MasterClass approaches celebrities and well-known experts directly with a significant amount as an offer to teach an online course.

This is a common method to get celebrities on board. But MasterClass also offers some level of creative control to their celebrities.

They can teach in the style they like, which makes learning more enjoyable for many MasterClass students.

As the online learning platform continues to grow, more celebrities are becoming aware of MasterClass as a form of PR and to further their brand.

Celebrities who teach on MasterClass not only get to connect with a new audience, but also draw in their existing fans – something which is very beneficial for MasterClass.

How To Create A MasterClass Course

Although MasterClass courses are taught by celebrities, their structures are similar to many other online classes.

This means that they are also created in a similar way.

That said, the major difference is that celebrities likely have an entire team to help them with online course creation.

Plan Your MasterClass Course

At the beginning of every online learning course is a planning phase. Every e-learning teacher needs to plan their overall course by breaking it down into individual sessions.

As MasterClass online courses are typically either 60 or 90 minutes long, there are only two options for teachers to choose their format.

However, each course is divided into sessions that are clearly outlined in the lesson plan.

MasterClass teachers need to design the lesson plan and write up all the content for each session.

This includes an instruction guide for the course, related student materials, and also the course description on the website.

Record The MasterClass Video

The pre-recorded video is an essential part of every online MasterClass course. 

Celebrities usually rely on a team of videographers and marketers or a MasterClass support team to ensure that they produce high-quality MasterClass videos.

As MasterClass allows their instructors some flexibility when it comes to the teaching style, teachers can use this to their advantage and present their video lessons in a way that feels comfortable for them.

How Much Does MasterClass Pay Instructors? 

MasterClass doesn’t publish any official figures for how much their celebrity instructors are paid.

However, most celebrities are likely paid up to $100,000 before beginning to record their course.

MasterClass teachers also receive a percentage of the revenue that is generated from their classes.

David Rogier, the CEO of MasterClass, once said that many of their teachers create their classes as a type of legacy to the world, sharing their knowledge and expertise in a way that can inspire and educate future generations [1].

Still, there are no public records of the financial deals between MasterClass and their teachers as they are part of negotiations.

However, it is easy to assume that MasterClass must have a relatively high budget for their online courses as celebrities typically only work with a large up-front sum.

The MasterClass concept seems to work as the platform is growing ever more popular. In 2022, MasterClass reported a $100 million APR, which shows a 270% growth from $27 million in 2021.

It also starts to attract more interested celebrities who are keen to create a course and leave a legacy for their fans who can watch their MasterClass classes at any time on the MasterClass app.

Are Celebrities Good Teachers?

Yes, MasterClass teachers are experts in their fields.

This is not just because they are famous but also because they can provide a significant amount of insider knowledge.

MasterClass online courses aren’t just about the teachers, however. 

The high-quality MasterClass videos, together with detailed course material, create a convincing concept for many MasterClass students who watch MasterClass courses.

Whether you are interested in skateboarding with Tony Hawk or cooking lessons with Gordon Ramsay, the MasterClass app has a huge range of online courses.

One of the key concepts of MasterClass is to make online education accessible, appealing, and fun. This idea works for young children and adults alike. (See here for how to give MasterClass as a gift.)

By bringing in celebrities to give their courses, MasterClass creates online courses that are educational, entertaining, and have high-production values.

Some MasterClass student reviews mention that their online courses feel much more like entertainment, and this is exactly the approach MasterClass is taking.

Final Thoughts

MasterClass courses are only taught by celebrities. This means that you can only teach on MasterClass when you get an invitation from the platform.

Celebrities have a variety of reasons why they want to teach on MasterClass.

Many want to leave a form of legacy that allows their fans and new audiences to watch MasterClass videos of them on the MasterClass app.

In addition, the unique MasterClass concept of combining online education with celebrities appeals to a wide range of people and encourages them to buy MasterClass memberships.