Learn what machines can't: human connection liberal arts music dance art history philosophy
Home › Classes & tools

Online classes, tools & apps

Screens aren't the enemy — they're a good way to start. Take the class, then go find real people to play, paint, dance and argue with.

Online classes for adults & teens

The Great Courses

University-style lecture courses in history, philosophy, religion, literature, music and art. Available by subscription or individual purchase.

Visit site →

MasterClass

Polished video classes from well-known artists, musicians, writers and thinkers.

Visit site →

Domestika

Hands-on creative courses — illustration, watercolor, ceramics, lettering, photography.

Visit site →

Skillshare

Membership with thousands of short creative classes.

Visit site →

Coursera

University courses in philosophy, history, music and writing; many can be audited free.

Visit site →

Music & dance apps

Fender Play

Guitar, bass and ukulele lessons for beginners.

Visit site →

Yousician

Listens while you play or sing and gives feedback.

Visit site →

flowkey

Piano lessons built around real songs.

Visit site →

STEEZY

Online dance classes from beginner up.

Visit site →

For kids

Outschool

Kids

Small-group live classes for ages 3–18 in music, art, writing, history, debate and philosophy.

Visit site →

Chrome Music Lab

KidsFree

Free music experiments in the browser.

Visit site →

Khan Academy

KidsFree

Free lessons including history and art history.

Visit site →

Free tools & libraries

Your public library (Libby)

Free

Borrow e-books and audiobooks free with a library card.

Visit site →

Google Arts & Culture

Free

Museum collections and virtual tours.

Visit site →

Smarthistory

Free

Nonprofit art history essays and videos.

Visit site →

Library of Congress

Free

Primary sources, recordings, maps and photographs.

Visit site →

MuseScore

Free

Free music notation software.

Visit site →

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Free

Free scholarly reference on philosophy.

Visit site →

Crash Course

Free

Free video courses in history, literature and philosophy.

Visit site →

Duolingo

Free

Language-learning app with a free tier.

Visit site →

Books, instruments & supplies

Bookshop.org

Online bookstore that shares profits with independent bookstores.

Browse →

Amazon

Instruments, art supplies, dance gear and books.

Browse →

Some class and shop links on this page may be affiliate links. If you buy through one, this site may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. How that works.

What about AI tools? Use them as a patient tutor: ask for an explanation, a practice plan or a quiz. Don't let them do the part that's supposed to change you — the practicing, the making, the conversation. For plain-English guides to AI, see Graylinks.com.

Questions people ask

What's the best online class platform for the liberal arts?

It depends on how you learn. The Great Courses suits people who like long lecture series; MasterClass is shorter and more inspirational; Domestika and Skillshare are hands-on and project-based; Coursera offers university courses, many free to audit. There's no single best.

Are there free alternatives to paid classes?

Yes: Khan Academy, Crash Course, Smarthistory, the Library of Congress, the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, and e-books through your public library's Libby app are all free.

Share this page: Facebook X Email a friend