Julian Onderdonk - West Chester University of Pennsylvania

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Julian Onderdonk - West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Professor: Julian Onderdonk

Department: Music

College: West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Rating # 1

Overview:

Course: MHL125
Grade Received: B-
Overall Rating: 3.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: No
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

This was my hardest class this semester. Professor Onderdonk is very passionate about teaching jazz, but he gave too many assignments to do. His online lectures were longer than our 50min class time. His tests are very hard even if you study.

Rating # 2

Overview:

Course: MHL212
Grade Received: B+
Overall Rating: 2.0
Course Difficulty: 5.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: No
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

DO NOT HIM IF YOU ARE NOT A MUSIC OR ARTS MAJOR!! I'm genuinely interested in music but his class is based in music theory and is way too serious for an elective. I had more tests and quizzes than my other courses. His test are hard and even if you study and go to office hours you won't get an A. I didn't listen when I was warned about this class

Rating # 3

Overview:

Course: MHL212
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 5.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Best professor at WCU. His enthusiasm makes the material very interesting, and the difficulty of the course forces you to know music history thoroughly. Go to his office hours for each application assignment and any ideas you're unfamiliar with before each exam. He works as hard as he expects you to work. You will get the grade that you work for.

Rating # 4

Overview:

Course: MHL212
Grade Received: B+
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

While I specifically picked one class, I had the pleasure of having Onderdonk for 2 major music history classes and his history of rock (a big recommend). He's funny, insightful, and makes you care about the subject matter. The listening tests are tough, as are the written tests, but he will make the experience an enjoyable one.

Rating # 5

Overview:

Course: MHL325
Grade Received: C+
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 5.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: No
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I heard a load of great things about him but, taking his class as an arts requirement was NOT worth it. Like yeah it's a level 300 class but not all of us in the class is a music major, even a music minor. Great guy though but don't take his 325 if you want that arts requirement. Take MTC 110 instead.

Rating # 6

Overview:

Course: MHL125
Grade Received: A+
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

The Donk is the man. Perspectives in Jazz is a great, easy 3 cred course, probably the most interesting history course you'll ever take (besides History of Rock, which he also teaches), so not just cultural context but eases you into really understanding how to hear part of music. He brings passionate energy that history courses desperately need.

Rating # 7

Overview:

Course: MHL325
Grade Received: A+
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Great professor; very thorough explanations of the topics with hilarious play-acting for effect.

Rating # 8

Overview:

Course: MHL210
Grade Received: B+
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Wonderful personality, excitability that belongs on Broadway. I humorously, mildly regret sitting in front row because of sound sensitivity problems and he's actually pretty loud, but it keeps you awake. Very understanding but adheres to grading rules tightly. Also, I learned how to read a textbook this semester. Take lots of notes in class folks.

Rating # 9

Overview:

Course: MHL210
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Difficulty is just a matter of the subject of the course, to no fault of his own. He's awesome though, and should probably be on Broadway for how much life he can give to really awful, boring material like early music and the renaissance. Completely recommend.

Rating # 10

Overview:

Course: MHL112
Grade Received: C+
Overall Rating: 4.5
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Amazing man but very difficult class.

Rating # 11

Overview:

Course: MHL420
Grade Received: A-
Overall Rating: 4.5
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Onderdonk is actually an amazing all-around human being. He's sooooo nice and great at making music history classes not the most boring classes you'll ever take. Which is not easy.

Rating # 12

Overview:

Course: MHL212
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.5
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Onderdonk's classes are by NO means easy. There is a lot of work and he expects a lot from each student. However, he is so willing to help after classduring office hours, and he is so passionate about his subject that it makes it easy to pay attentionbe interested. Lectures are NOT boring. Amazing teacher!

Rating # 13

Overview:

Course: MHL211
Grade Received: B-
Overall Rating: 4.5
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Dr. Onderdonk was one of the most helpful professors I've ever had. He was always willing to work with students on new concepts and gave plenty of extra time in office hours and review sessions. The tests were hard but definitely fair and his study guides cover everything that might be on the test. I would definitely suggest this teacher.

Rating # 14

Overview:

Course: MHL215
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Just an incredible man and professor. Best professor I have ever taken a class under. He is so thoughtful in his approach, and truly cares for his students in and out of class

Rating # 15

Overview:

Course: MHL325
Grade Received: B
Overall Rating: 3.5
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I took this class for an elective. The textbook he pulls material from for tests and quizzes. He's a good guy and the class can be fun, but it has too much music theory and I don't know that stuff. The papers we had to write were crazy hard.

Rating # 16

Overview:

Course: MHL211
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Best teacher I've had in all of college. He expects a lot out of his students and his tests cover a lot of information but he is the most active, funny, organized, and helpful teacher I've ever had. I am taking 2 of his class next semester just because I enjoy him so much. Highly recommended!

Rating # 17

Overview:

Course: MHL325
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Onderdonk is great. Comes across a bit...strange at the beginning but he loves his music and is really knowledgable. There are some things I felt he skipped over for less important things but that's just me. It's a really fun class. If you love music like me, the listening tests are easy. Chances are you'll know most of the songs anyway.

Rating # 18

Overview:

Course: MHL325
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He was so cool and his class was fairly easy. Just pay attention in class, skim the readings and listen to the assigned tracks and you should be good. He has a great sense of humor and doesn't shy away from the nitty gritty stuff.

Rating # 19

Overview:

Course: MHL352
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 3.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Some of the listening tests are difficult, but for the rest, just attend class and take notes and you should be fine. Cool teacher, if you appreciate blues or rock music...

Rating # 20

Overview:

Course: MHL325
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.5
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Absolutely loved his class, took the 121 class because I got assigned to it randomly and I liked it so much I took his rock course in the spring. Both classes were really interesting and he expects you to put effort into them, however he's an extremely helpful professor and a really funny gun. Would definitely take him again if I could.

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