Instruction in interpretation and performance of jazz music. Improvization is stressed. Audition is required.
1
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeThe lectures are pretty boring but the class itself is very easy. If you do all the work and show up to class, you're pretty much guaranteed an A. Nathan does seem to care a bit too much about jazz but at least he's passionate.
Not great, seems very set in his ways and unwilling to respect the diversity of his student's opinions. Willing to name-call his students, witnessed him calling an ensemble student of his a "tall glass of water" in front of an entire audience to her visible discomfort.
Save yourself. This guy really likes jazz
Switched to classical studies after how sour my experience w/ Nathan was. Initially seemed tough but fair, but realized he's just a milder version of Fletcher from Whiplash minus the part where the students actually get better after being yelled at. He created a hostile environment that produced the most deflated & discouraged group I've ever seen.
you have to show up and take notes. you had to do papers and go to concerts. you dont have to be super into jazz but if you do all the work youre literally guaranteed an A
Enjoyed the material so much & learned a lot! Kind of uses labor based grading which was refreshing. He gave a lot of great feedback which inspired me to improve. Wish I could take this class every quarter. Maybe I just love jazz. Besides that, it was a lot of opinion based writing. Lots of reading too, but still an easy A I feel.