David Cottrell - James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Professor: David Cottrell

Department: Music

College: James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

He lectures the entire period, rarely using PowerPoints. This results in frustrating classes where he loosely defines items out loud while students aimlessly take notes on an outline. Bc he has nothing to reference in terms of the material he covered in class, tests present Q's not discussed. Your success, even w/ studying, is limited as a result.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Your grade is 3 tests & the final. Even if he explicitly says something won't be on the exam, write it down anyways because it probably will be. Only take this class if you're minoring in MUI. The lectures are very dry for people who aren't really interested in learning about the music industry. The guest speakers make up for dealing with Cottrell.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

The material for this class was super interesting and led to me becoming an MUI minor, but it's also very dense and overwhelming to learn in a short amount of time. Take good notes. Cottrell speaks very quickly during lecture, but he is very knowledgable about the industry and knows all of the right people to bring in to speak to the class.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

If you are a MUI major or minor and have to take this class then I guess good luck, but if you are taking this as an elective wait until you find a different one because it's not even close to an easy A. He acts like this stuff is so easy and gets annoyed when people don't understand (he will audibly 'sigh' at you).

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I wouldn't take this class. There is nothing but 4 tests in your grade, and they are based on nothing but lectures. He doesn't even use powerpoints with his lectures, so there is nothing to refer back to. He "goes over" each test in class, but gets angry when you ask questions because he goes incredibly fast. He is hard to work with.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Professor Cottrell really does know what he is talking about since he has been in and out of the music industry. He gives "lecture bones" to help you figure out what you need to write down during his lectures. Lots of guest speakers who have also been in the music scene, very enjoyable class

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Great for people interested in the subject matter. If you are looking for an easy A, you might want to turn around. He is very lecture heavy and goes quickly through the notes. The subject is very interesting and can be followed, Cottrell also brings in people who have been through the music industry and understand it.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Cottrell is the rudest professor I have ever had at JMU. I went into office hours to ask him clarifying questions about his lecture and he told me he refuses to answer questions during office hours. No textbook or readings to refer back to. Incredibly boring lecturer and incredibly rude. DO NOT TAKE.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I have no idea why there are so many good reviews for Cottrell. His lectures are him droning on and it's hard to get all the information. The tests were hard because there is so much specific material he expects you to know. I dreaded going to this lecture and you can only miss twice. This is not an easy A.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: MUI324
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Cottrell definitely knows what he is talking about, but I have never dreaded going to a class more. The tests are hard, he puts you on the spot, and make sure you don't ask any stupid questions. He makes the class a lot harder than it has to be. However, I did learn a lot (of info on analog devices, when the whole world uses digital).

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Very intelligent and pretty funny too. He can be a bit of a "knowitall" sometimes but he really knows his stuff and is super helpful when it comes to understanding the material, also goofy and fun. No textbook, 3 tests, pretty easy and straightforward.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

This guy is amazing! He really knows his stuff and he's really funny. Some people think he's mean because *GASP* he actually expects you to do what he says and not use your phone during class. But honestly he doesn't ask for too much at all. Definitely recommend him!

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Cottrell is the absolute best! Imagine a Bruce Willis look-a-like who knows the ins and outs of the music industry. If you are interested at all in MUI def. take the class. If not, it's still a great class to take.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

One of my favorite professors at JMU! He's very knowledgable on the topic, and has experience in the music industry. I recommend him to anyone thinking about taking this class!

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Cottrell is awesome. He will not sugar coat anything and expects you to be in class all the time, on time and to do your work. He will call you out for failing to do these things! He is extremely helpful with industry advice and helping you with your resume. He also dresses very well. Long live Cottrell!

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Cottrell is an interesting, funny guy. There is just 3 tests and a final for this class that are very straight forward right out of the lecture notes from class. Just go to class, pay half attention and you'll get an A. Good thing is this class is actually pretty interesting.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Makes "lecture bones" for each class so you know exactly what to take notes on and what will be on the test. Tests are pretty easy too. He makes the lectures interesting and he's really experienced in the field. EXTREMELY helpful and an awesome guy! This was one of the only classes I looked forward to.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Overall, I enjoyed Cottrell's class. He presents the content well and opens up access to a lot of experienced guest speakers. Down sides are that he can come across as arrogant, and the lecture-heavy nature of the class seems counterproductive in such a hands-on field. I would recommend taking the class with a friend, otherwise you'll be verybored.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: MUI221
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

This guy is rad! He knows his stuff and he gives you lecture guides for every single lecture, and there is no textbook. Tests come straight from lecture guides, so if you go over them a few times you'll be sitting pretty for the tests. There is little to no work for this class.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: MUI324
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

OK seriously this guy might seem a little arrogant or tough but if you have any dream of making it in the industry and you can't handle him then you're weak and need to look at a new profession. sorry but it is what it is. He's a great teacher stop being so sensitive and toughen up. pay attention, go to class, do the work. that's all it takes..