BBC Maestro Review:
Is BBC’s Course Worth the Hype?

Best BBC Maestro Courses Review

As mentioned, BBC Maestro courses span several creative disciplines, including writing, cooking, wellness, acting, and music. Like MasterClass, BBC Maestro courses feature stunning production quality—a testament to the platform’s collaboration with BBC Studios.

BBC Maestro courses typically range from 3 to 7 hours in length, consisting of an average of 20 lessons per course. Lessons, on the other hand, have an average duration of 20 minutes. This structure is purposely designed to make it easy for you to consume the course in manageable chunks. They also come with detailed course notes to enhance your understanding.

With that said, let’s delve into each BBC Maestro category in detail to help you determine whether they offer what you’re looking to develop in the specific skills you wish to enhance.

BBC Maestro Writing Courses

BBC Maestro offers a variety of online writing courses that provide real value for all kinds of levels of writers. From creative techniques to understanding the intricacies of getting published, BBC Maestro’s writing courses offer insights, techniques, and practical advice to advance your writing skills and career. If you’re a beginner, I recommend starting with Lee Child’s Writing Popular Fiction course. It’s a fun and insightful course that allows you to understand the magic behind the author of the Jack Reacher series.

The BBC Maestro writing category has 11 classes. They cover everything from writing children’s books and poetry to writing for TV and Film. For a quicker learning experience, consider David Walliams’s Writing Books for Children which is only 3.5 hours long. For a more in-depth course, consider Jed Mercurio’s Writing Drama for Television course, which runs for up to 7 hours, would be a great fit.

Course Title	Description	Instructor
Writing Love Stories	Craft compelling love narratives focusing on plotting, character, and dialogue.	Jojo Moyes
Writing Bestselling Fiction	Learn to create page-turning fiction with emphasis on suspense and engagement.	Ken Follet
Storytelling	Explore unconventional narrative techniques including structure and symbolism.	Alan Moore
Writing Children’s Picture Books	Delve into creating engaging stories for young readers.	Julia Donaldson
Writing Popular Fiction	Master the essentials of popular fiction, character development, and pacing.	Lee Child
Writing Thrillers	Uncover secrets to writing heart-pounding thrillers.	Harlan Coben
Writing Comedy for Television	Learn crafting witty and entertaining comedy scripts for television.	Bill Lawrence
Writing Poetry	Discover the beauty and power of poetry exploring poetic expression, form, and imagery.	Carol Ann Duffy
Writing For Young Adults	Master engaging storytelling for young readers.	Malorie Blackman
Writing Drama For Television	Explore character-driven storytelling on the small screen with Jed Mercurio.	Jed Mercurio
Writing Books For Children	Learn how to weave enchanting tales for young readers.	David Walliams

Overall, BBC Maestro’s writing courses offer valuable insights and practical advice for writers of all levels. The platform provides access to esteemed instructors and diverse topics, making it a valuable resource for aspiring writers. However, to enhance the learning experience, more interactive elements and opportunities for feedback could be incorporated. When compared to platforms like MasterClass, BBC Maestro stands out for its focus on writing and the caliber of its instructors. MasterClass, while offering similar writing courses, comes at a higher price point, making BBC Maestro the pocket-friendlier option.

Instructors

A big part of BBC Maestro’s appeal lies in its master instructors, or as the platform likes to call them, maestros. Their inherent charisma makes each and every one of them engaging, as that’s one of the traits BBC Maestro uses when choosing its instructors. Some of the more well-known instructors in this category include:

• Harlan Coben: Writing Thrillers – Harlan Coben is the number one New York Times author of more than 36 novels, and in this course, he uncovers his secrets to writing heart-pounding thrillers.
  
  
• Bill Lawrence: Writing Comedy for Television – Crafting witty and entertaining comedy scripts is not an easy ask for anyone, which is why you should consider this course by Bill Lawrence, the genius responsible for Friends and Scrubs. In this course, he focuses on the nuances of writing humor for television.
  
  
• Carol Ann Duffy: Writing Poetry – If you’re going to learn how to write poetry, it might as well be under the tutelage of a former UK Poet Laureate – Carol Ann Duffy. In this course she will help you discover the beauty and power of poetry exploring topics such as the art of poetic expression, form, and imagery.

Our Favorites

Alan Moore Maestro Class : Known for his groundbreaking graphic novels like “Watchmen” and “V for Vendetta,” Alan Moore’s course offers unique insights into the art of storytelling, especially within the comic realm.

BBC Maestro Julia Donaldson: With beloved children’s books like “The Gruffalo” and “Room on the Broom,” Julia Donaldson’s course discusses storytelling techniques tailored to young audiences.

Lee Child at BBC Maestro: Famous for his Jack Reacher series, Lee Child’s course offers invaluable advice on crafting compelling characters and gripping plots within the thriller genre. His engaging teaching style makes the learning experience enjoyable and informative for students.

BBC Maestro Cooking Courses

The cooking category on BBC Maestro offers a delightful array of culinary courses taught by renowned experts. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned foodie, there’s something for everyone. If you are a beginner, I recommend starting with Delicious Food Cooked Simply by Marco Pierre White. He’ll show you how to simplify complex recipes while maintaining exquisite flavors.

The BBC Maestro cooking courses are six in total and they cover a wide spectrum of culinary skills, techniques, and knowledge ranging from basic cooking principles to advanced topics like wine appreciation and nutritional science. For a quicker learning experience, “The Science of Eating Well” by Professor Tim Spector is a great choice. For a more in-depth lesson, take “Classic French Bistro Cooking” by Pierre Koffmann and learn how to prepare coq au vin, bouillabaisse, and other rustic delights.

Course Title	Description	Instructor
Delicious Food Cooked Simply	Learn essential techniques to simplify complex recipes with exquisite flavors.	Marco Pierre White
Modern Indian Cooking	Explore the vibrant world of Indian cuisine, blending traditional with modern.	Vineet Bhatia
Classic French Bistro Cooking	Dive into the heart of French bistro cuisine, mastering rustic delights.	Pierre Koffmann
An Understanding of Wine	Become a confident wine connoisseur, exploring varieties, terroir, and pairings.	Jancis Robinson
Delicious Vegetarian Cooking	Create vegetarian dishes even meat lovers will adore, from stuffed peppers to risottos.	Marco Pierre White
The Science of Eating Well	Understand the science behind healthy eating, exploring gut health and nutrition.	Professor Tim Specto

The BBC Maestro Cooking category offers a diverse range of culinary courses taught by renowned experts, which is one of its main strengths. Moreover, the courses cover a wide range of culinary topics, including various cuisines, cooking techniques, wine appreciation, and nutritional science. This allows learners to explore different aspects of the culinary world and broaden their culinary skills and knowledge. Nonetheless, there may be opportunities to enhance interactivity and engagement to further enrich the learning experience, especially when compared to platforms like MasterClass.

Instructors

The instructors featured in the BBC Maestro cooking category are highly reputable figures in the culinary world, with impressive accolades that validate their expertise and credibility. Some of them include:

• Pierre Koffmann: Pierre Koffmann is a legendary French chef with three Michelin stars. His influence in the culinary world extends beyond his own accomplishments, as he has trained other legendary chefs, including Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White.
  
  
• Vineet Bhatia: Vineet Bhatia is an acclaimed Michelin-starred chef known for his innovative approach to Indian cuisine.

Our Favorites

Marco Pierre White: As the youngest chef to have been awarded three Michelin stars, Marco Pierre White’s reputation precedes him. His approach to cooking resonates with many because it demonstrates that you don’t need elaborate techniques to create delicious dishes.

Jancis Robinson: Jancis Robinson is a world-renowned wine critic and Master of Wine, with decades of experience and expertise in the field of wine. Her course, “An Understanding of Wine,” offers unparalleled insights into the world of wine, covering grape varieties, terroir, tasting techniques, and food pairings.

BBC Maestro Wellness Courses

The BBC Maestro wellness courses are designed to give you practical “how-tos” for navigating life’s numerous challenges. Consequently, the courses typically go into great depths to break down the concepts, making them ideal for people looking for practical tried-and-tested wellness tools. The courses cover a wide range of topics, including breathwork, healthy living principles, happiness, resilience, and inner strength.

For a quick course, I recommend “A Blueprint for Healthy Living” by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee. This course aims to simplify health principles for everyday life and distills over 20 years of medical experience into actionable steps. Dr. Chatterjee offers practical and concise guidance that can be easily implemented to improve one’s well-being without extensive time commitment.

Course Title	Description	Instructor
The Power Of Your Breath	Delve into breath and learn conscious breathing techniques to enhance well-being.	James Nestor
A Blueprint for Healthy Living	Simplifies health principles for everyday life, distilling 20 years of medical experience into actionable steps.	Dr. Rangan Chatterjee
Happiness	Explore happiness from a scientific and practical perspective, discovering insights to increase overall well-being.	Mo Gawdat
Finding The Inner Strength	Journey through resilience and advocacy, exploring inner strength and the power of community.	Baroness Doreen Lawrence

For a more in-depth lesson, “The Power Of Your Breath” by James Nestor would be an excellent choice. This course explores the fascinating world of breath and how conscious breathing techniques can positively impact overall well-being, boost energy levels, and reduce stress. It offers practical insights and techniques that can be easily incorporated into daily life for immediate benefits.

One thing I love about the BBC Maestro Wellness category is the quality of the courses. However, when compared to its rival MasterClass, the course variety is rather limited.

Instructors

The instructors featured in the BBC Maestro wellness category are highly reputable individuals with impressive credentials and accolades, ensuring the quality and validity of the courses. Here are a few instructors along with their notable achievements:

• James Nestor: James Nestor is an acclaimed journalist and author known for his investigative work on breath and its impact on health. His research and insights into the fascinating world of breath have garnered international recognition and have been featured in prominent publications.
  
  
• Dr. Rangan Chatterjee: Dr. Rangan Chatterjee is a practicing medical doctor and bestselling author known for his expertise in holistic health and well-being. He has been at the forefront of promoting simple and effective health principles for everyday life, drawing from over 20 years of medical experience.

Our Favorites

Mo Gawdat: Mo Gawdat is a former Google executive and author who explores happiness from a scientific and practical perspective. His insights on finding joy, managing emotions, and cultivating resilience are based on extensive research and personal experience, making him a valuable resource in the field of well-being.

Baroness Doreen Lawrence: Baroness Doreen Lawrence is a prominent campaigner and advocate for social justice, resilience, and community empowerment. Her work in championing justice and social change, particularly in the aftermath of her son’s tragic murder, has inspired millions worldwide and earned her numerous accolades and honors.

BBC Maestro Film, TV, & The Stage Courses

This collection of courses is designed for individuals passionate about the world of entertainment, storytelling, and performance arts. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, writer, filmmaker, or simply a lover of the stage and screen, these courses offer valuable insights and practical knowledge.

For beginners, I recommend Edgar Wright’s Filmmaking course. Edgar Wright, known for his cult classics like “Shaun of the Dead” and “Baby Driver,” offers a comprehensive journey into the world of filmmaking. His course covers various aspects, including writing, directing, casting, and editing, making it suitable for novices who want to learn the fundamentals of filmmaking from a renowned filmmaker.

If you are simply looking for a quick learning experience, then consider checking out the “Comedy” course led by the beloved stand-up comedian Sir Billy Connolly. It offers insights into comedy timing, delivery, and finding one’s unique comedic voice.

And for a more in-depth exploration into the world of acting, Brian Cox’s “Acting” class would be an excellent choice. Cox covers various aspects, including acting techniques, character development, and the actor’s process, drawing from his wealth of experience in acclaimed films and TV shows such as “Braveheart” and “Succession.”

Course Title	Description	Instructor
Brian Cox – Acting	Renowned Scottish actor Brian Cox delves into acting techniques, character development, and the actor’s process.	Brian Cox
Sir Tim Rice – Writing And Performing Musical Theatre	Legendary British lyricist and composer Sir Tim Rice explores songwriting, storytelling, and stage performance.	Sir Tim Rice
Edgar Wright – Filmmaking	British filmmaker Edgar Wright takes you through the world of filmmaking, covering writing, directing, production, and more.	Edgar Wright
Sir Billy Connolly – Comedy	Beloved stand-up comedian Sir Billy Connolly leads a laughter-filled journey into comedy, focusing on timing and delivery.	Sir Billy Connolly

What you’ll appreciate about the courses in this category is the high quality edutainment content that you won’t find anywhere else. You get to appreciate the art behind the art we see on the big screen. So, regardless of whether you’re an aspiring artist or simply a fan, BBC Maestro’s acting and film classes will prove to be remarkably insightful. Compared to MasterClass’s film section, you will find that BBC Maestro uses primarily UK actors while MasterClass is more Hollywood.

Instructors

As expected, the instructors in this category are highly esteemed individuals, such as:

• Brian Cox – Acting: Brian Cox is a renowned Scottish actor with a distinguished career spanning over several decades. He has appeared in numerous acclaimed films and TV shows, including “Braveheart,” “Troy,” and the HBO series “Succession.” 
  
  
• Sir Tim Rice – Writing And Performing Musical Theatre: Sir Tim Rice is a legendary British lyricist and composer known for his iconic contributions to musical theater. He has collaborated on some of the most beloved musicals of all time, including “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Evita,” and “The Lion King.” Rice’s extensive knowledge and expertise in musical theater make him an invaluable instructor for aspiring writers and performers.

Our Favorites

Edgar Wright Maestro Class – Filmmaking: Edgar Wright is a British filmmaker renowned for his unique visual style and storytelling. He has directed cult classics such as “Shaun of the Dead,” “Hot Fuzz,” and “Baby Driver.” Wright’s innovative approach to filmmaking and his success in both independent and mainstream cinema make him a compelling instructor for aspiring filmmakers.

Sir Billy Connolly – Comedy: With a career spanning several decades, Connolly has cemented his place as one of the most influential comedians of his generation. His insights and expertise in the world of comedy make him an engaging and insightful instructor for aspiring comedians.

BBC Maestro Business Courses

BBC Maestro’s business courses cater to a diverse audience, including aspiring entrepreneurs, professionals seeking growth, and anyone passionate about business. For beginners, I recommend Steven Bartlett’s The 16 Steps to Start and Scale a Multi-million-Dollar Business. It provides essential insights and actionable strategies for launching and growing a business.

For a quick learning experience, check out Richard Greene’s course on Public Speaking and Communication. It focuses on mastering the art of public speaking, a crucial skill in the business world.

For a More In-depth Lesson, I recommend Paula Scher’s Graphic Design course. She delves into the world of graphic design, covering principles, typography, layout, and visual storytelling.

Course	Description	Instructor
Steven Bartlett: The 16 Steps to Start and Scale a Multi-million-Dollar Business	Renowned entrepreneur Steven Bartlett shares 16 essential steps for launching and growing a multi-million-dollar business.	Steven Bartlett
Oliver Burkeman: Time Management	Award-winning author Oliver Burkeman focuses on effective time utilization, prioritization, and overcoming common pitfalls in time management.	Oliver Burkeman
Paula Scher: Graphic Design	Legendary graphic designer Paula Scher covers principles, typography, layout, and visual storytelling in the world of graphic design.	Paula Scher
Richard Greene: Public Speaking and Communication	Communication coach Richard Greene shares techniques to master public speaking, win over any room, and enhance communication skills.	Richard Greene
Peter Jones: Toolkit for Business Success	Successful entrepreneur Peter Jones shares practical tools and insights for thriving in the competitive business landscape.	Peter Jones

What I love about BBC Maestro’s business courses is that they actually work on skills you need in everyday life. From time management to public speaking, they aim to nurture the necessary habits for success. However, compared to MasterClass, the course variety in BBC Maestro’s business section is rather limited.

Instructors

Some of the revered instructors in this category include:

• Steven Bartlett: Steven Bartlett is a renowned entrepreneur known for his expertise in digital marketing and business growth. As the founder of Social Chain, Bartlett has built a multi-million-dollar business from the ground up, making him a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs.
  
  
• Oliver Burkeman: Oliver Burkeman is an award-winning author and journalist known for his work on productivity and time management. His book, “Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals,” offers valuable insights into effective time utilization and prioritization. Similarly, Burkeman’s course on time management provides practical tips and strategies for maximizing productivity and overcoming common pitfalls.

Our Favorites

Paula Scher: Paula Scher is a legendary graphic designer and partner at Pentagram, one of the world’s most prestigious design firms. With a career spanning several decades, Scher has created iconic branding and visual identities for major companies and cultural institutions.

Richard Greene: Richard Greene is a communication coach and TEDx speaker known for his expertise in public speaking and communication. Dubbed “The Master of Charisma” by The Sunday Times, Greene has coached thousands of executives, politicians, and celebrities, helping them enhance their communication skills and stage presence.

Peter Jones: Peter Jones is a successful entrepreneur and TV personality known for his role on the UK version of “Dragon’s Den,” where he invests in and mentors aspiring entrepreneurs. With a diverse portfolio of businesses, Jones brings invaluable insights and practical tools for thriving in the competitive business landscape. His course covers essential business skills such as negotiation, finance, marketing, and leadership.

BBC Maestro Music Courses

BBC Maestro offers music courses for aspiring artists, music enthusiasts, and people curious about the creative process. They provide both valuable insights and practical skills. However, there are only two courses in this section, and they include Gary Barlow’s Songwriting course and Mark Ronson’s Music Production course. 

In his songwriting course, Gary shows you how to express your emotions and experiences through music. You will learn how to write a song from scratch. For a more in-depth experience, Mark Ronson’s course explores recording, mixing, and mastering, and learn how to create professional-quality music, whether you’re a novice or an experienced producer.

Course	Description	Instructor
Gary Barlow – Songwriting	Gary Barlow, lead singer of Take That, teaches how to express emotions and experiences through songwriting.	Gary Barlow
Mark Ronson – Music Production	Grammy-winning producer Mark Ronson covers music production techniques including recording, mixing, and mastering.	Mark Ronson

Despite only having two classes in this category, BBC Maestro’s Music courses do a good job of getting you acquainted with the fundamentals. However, for a more comprehensive experience, MasterClass would be the better choice.

Instructors

• Gary Barlow – Songwriting: Gary Barlow is renowned as the lead singer of the legendary British band Take That. He has an impressive track record of penning numerous chart-topping hits, both for himself and for other notable artists such as Delta Goodram, T-Pain, N-Dubz, Lily Allen, and Shirley Bassey. Some of his iconic songwriting credits include “Back for Good,” “Patience,” and “Rule the World.” Gary Barlow’s expertise in songwriting makes him an invaluable instructor for aspiring artists looking to express their emotions and experiences through music.
  
  
• Mark Ronson – Music Production: Mark Ronson is a Grammy-winning producer and DJ celebrated for his exceptional contributions to the music industry. He has collaborated with a multitude of artists, including Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars, and Lady Gaga, and his production credits include chart-topping hits like “Uptown Funk” and “Valerie.” 

Our Favorites

Mark Ronson: The reason Mark Ronson’s class is our favorite is due to its novelty. Mark shares insights into recording, mixing, and mastering techniques, providing invaluable knowledge for both novice and experienced producers.

BBC Maestro Art & Design Courses

BBC Maestro’s Art & Design courses cater to a diverse audience, offering valuable knowledge and inspiration for both budding artists and seasoned professionals. If you’re a beginner, consider starting with Simon Lycett’s course on Decorating with Flowers.

For a fast course, take Rankin’s An Introduction to Photography course. It offers a solid introduction to photography, covering camera basics, lighting, composition, and post-processing, providing a quick learning experience for individuals who want to dive into photography and start capturing stunning images efficiently.

Course	Brief Description	Instructor
Jonathan Yeo – Portrait Painting	Learn the art of capturing human likeness through portraiture, covering techniques, color theory, and compositional skills.	Jonathan Yeo
Simon Lycett – Decorating with Flowers	Delve into the art of floral decoration, covering flower selection, arrangement techniques, and creating stunning displays.	Simon Lycett
Rankin – An Introduction to Photography	Gain insights into photography fundamentals including camera basics, lighting, composition, and post-processing techniques.	Rankin

For a More In-depth Lesson, check out Jonathan Yeo’s Portrait Painting course.It offers a deep dive into the art of capturing human likeness through portraiture with insights into techniques, color theory, and compositional skills.

What’s not to love about the courses in this category? Again, the only complaint I have is the lack of variety.

Instructors

• Jonathan Yeo – Portrait Painting: Jonathan Yeo is globally recognized as one of the most sought-after portrait artists. His clientele includes prominent figures such as Tony Blair, Cara Delevingne, Idris Elba, Malala Yousafzai, and Kevin Spacey. Yeo’s mastery in capturing human likeness through portraiture, coupled with his expertise in techniques, color theory, and compositional skills, makes him an exceptional instructor for aspiring artists.
  
  
• Simon Lycett – Decorating with Flowers: Simon Lycett is celebrated as one of Britain’s top floral designers and the official Florist to the Royal Palaces. His expertise in floral decoration extends to working with esteemed clients and creating stunning displays for various occasions.

Our Favorites

Rankin – An Introduction to Photography: Rankin is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished British portrait and fashion photographers. His portfolio includes collaborations with renowned celebrities like Stormzy and Miley Cyrus, as well as prestigious brands such as Mercedes-AMG and Samsonite.

BBC Maestro Home & Lifestyle Courses

When you check the Home & Lifestyle section on BBC Maestro, you’ll find that it contains several courses that we have already covered in the categories above. However, pet lovers are in for a treat with this course:

Steve Mann – Dog Training

Steve Mann is a celebrity dog trainer, behaviorist and the author of the UK’s number one dog training manuals. He has trained more than 100,000 dogs all over the world! His expertise spans obedience training, canine psychology, and communication. In this course, you’ll learn how to build a strong bond with your dog through effective training. Steve explores dog behavior, communication cues, and positive reinforcement techniques.

BBC Maestro Features

The BBC Maestro learning platform comes with a number of features to enhance your learning experience. They include:

Video Lessons
BBC Maestro’s video lessons feature stunning production quality to provide an engaging learning experience. The ability to pause, rewind, and revisit specific segments ensures thorough understanding.

Course Notes
Each course on BBC Maestro comes with detailed downloadable course notes. These notes summarize key points, provide additional context, and serve as a valuable reference, reinforcing understanding. They complement video lessons by offering written insights and practical tips.

Course Reviews
Each BBC Maestro course features course reviews submitted by learners who have completed it. These reviews reflect their experiences and insights, thus allowing you to know whether a course is worthwhile.

BBC Maestro App
The BBC Maestro app provides convenience and accessibility. Learners can engage with content anytime, anywhere.