<p>Help a layman understand. Is it more like a lesson given in public? If it is, can you really learn something like that on stage? Or is it more for the audience to see different teaching styles?</p>
<p>Are you asking from the point of view of an observer or a participant?</p>
<p>Masterclasses vary significantly. Some are very much like a private lesson that happens to have an audience observing. In others, the teacher goes into lecture mode frequently and almost seems to abandon the participant/student. In an ideal masterclass, the teacher does genuine teaching to the needs of the student but simultaneously manages to engage the audience/observers.</p>
<p>As to your question about whether the student on stage can learn: yes, they can. Some might find themselves nervous and therefore not able to respond and learn as well as they would like. </p>
<p>Is the masterclass for the audience? Yes, again. It can be very helpful for students just to observe from the audience; no nerves interfering with the ability to hear and to learn. </p>
<p>I would recommend that you try to observe a couple of masterclasses before participating as a learner/performer in one. You will be much more at ease then when you do perform in one.</p>
<p>glassharmonica - Both.</p>
<p>violindad - Thank you.</p>
<p>Iglooo-sent you a PM. Congrats on the masterclass opportunity! :)</p>
<p>Thank you both. Just heard from my daughter after the masterclass. It went well and she enjoyed it thoroughly.</p>