At first, Jon seems like a likable and charismatic professor, this is a misconception. He is uncongenial and monotonous to interact with on a weekly basis. Jon seems to think that UCSB is the Julliard School of Music. I believe he has watched the movie Whiplash one too many times and taken on the personality of Terence Fletcher (probably his hero).

The 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.

You have to write a lot but the grading system is very clear and is an easy A. He really cares about students and put effort on commenting paper. He can be intimidating but overall he was an amazing professor and highly recommend (only) if you are into jazz.

Jazz is tough but I think anyone wanting to play the music should expect that beforehand. MUS16 was my favorite course at UCSB so far, hard not to get an A with the grading system. Beyond the grading it was incredibly informative, and transformed the way I listen to jazz now. Professor Nathan is a cool dude, who really cares about music.

Lovely jazz appreciation course. It will help you clear many misconceptions about this music. The teacher is so genuine and passionate. There are many extra credit opportunities to boost your grade.

Tough but fair. Exceptional feedback for someone who respects the course.

tough and impatient

Not an encouraging teacher.

I loved his class. He's a little tough, but he pushes you to new heights and suddenly you realize what all his fuss was about!

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I agree with the first comments...I'd add that even if you are serious about jazz, perhaps even already accomplished, he'll make your life miserable by pushing you to get even better. But that's what most of us need!

Jon is hardcore about his jazz. If you don't think you are totally into Jazz don't take his class, he will make your life misreable.