Vilde is an AWESOME TA. The class notes were straightforward in PowerPoint form. Memorization is helpful for exams. Listening examples add something special to the class. I found the information very interesting. This class is easier for those with a musical background. If you don't have a musical background, the musical terms will be hard to learn.
This is one of the best classes I've taken - even if it was to fulfill a requirement.. I would recommend this class to anyone
lectures can get really dull and repetitive at times, take the listening examples seriously for tests, listening to jazz music for homework was enjoyable though
This class in interesting and enjoyable- take it! But you'll have to study hard for tests/ the final if you want the A.
although it's an intro to music class, i'd recommend you know music if you're going to take it. i knew absolutely zero about music before coming in and struggled. the tests are usually half listening, half history; i would always ace the history part and get 50% on the listening and it would always average to a 75%, but then you add in all the little boosters he gives you and i somehow miraculously pulled a B. very nice, smart, knowledgable professor that is easy to talk to and always open to questions though. from listening to kids in my disc, etc, if you took band in HS, this class should be a gut.
Energetic about jazz, although doesn't exactly show it.
Very interesting class with great music if you are interested in jazz. If not, I can see how it can get boring.
While Mr. Deveaux leaves something to be desired in a class dedicated to Jazz music, he does a fairly good job covering all of the basics. Warning!: This is not the gut course your friends assure you it is, though for some people it has a tendency to be just that. The tests aren't easy, so you'll have to study. The music is great, but you'll still have to study. Overall ... study!. That's the best suggestion that can be given for the course. It's fun, and I'm sure you'd like it, but don't enter the course expecting an A unless you expect to work a little harder for it.
This is, generally, the gut class that isn't. There is a fair amount of useless reading/writing to do, but for the exams, you can either go to class and take meticulous notes or skip most classes and read what's on the website. It's interesting if you're vaguely interested in jazz. If you're not, I wouldn't think it's worth it, unless you really need the Non-Western Perspectives.
I took the class before it had discussions. I had no musical background, and I found the class incredibly boring. Deveaux knows his stuff, but he's also a bit crazy. Having said this, this was one of the easier classes I took at UVA. The tests were not hard if you studied. The reading was not all that necessary. If you're intersted in Jazz, this should be a no-brainer. If not, consider if you mind being bored in class (and now discussion) all week.
