Mauro Botelho - Davidson College, Davidson, NC

Professor: Mauro Botelho

Department: Music

College: Davidson College, Davidson, NC

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: MUS201
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

This is a hard theory class and sometimes he can make it more complicated than it is, but I would really recommend it for those who enjoy music and arranging. There are NO tests or quizzes; the only grades are basically homework every week, some aural exercises, and the final. YOU CAN RE-DO THE HOMEWORK TOO FOR FULL CREDIT! Office hours are key.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: MUS101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Mauro's class is based heavily on his lectures. While they can be interesting however, they do not have much to do with the homework. The class is definitely something that might not be found in every music department. Definitely give it a try if interested, it is not a gpa killer and is cool for those who both love, and dont know much of music.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: MUS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Botelho was a good teacher but his lectures were very, very dull. The textbook readings were dull too. I also didn't learn much theory beyond the basic information most musicians already know.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: MUS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Generally unpleasant to work with, and his lectures are unexciting at best. Condescending, with an inexplicable disdain for his students. Not recommended unless you really love music theory in its most banal and pretentious form.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: MUS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I thought this course was hard, but other people didn't have any trouble with it at all. Botelho was pretty neutral as a professor, but as a person he's pretty chill. I'd say take his Brazilian music class over MUS101 if you just want the fine art credit.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: MUS246
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

We were tested on two areas of knowledge--the music itself and the history of Brazil & its musicians. The former was tested through listening reviews that were incredibly hard if you don't have a solid musical background. Then the other reviews were the opposite: absurdly easy and boring. Readings were unnecessary to do & the lectures were boring.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: MUS246
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Worst, most boring music class you could take. Lectures are entirely biographies of musicians... extremely useless, even for the tests. Listening tests are HARD, others you can do well on just by memorizing the terms. Doesn't care about attendance or participation. Bad humor. Don't take it! You wont learn anythi besides the lives of random musicia

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: MUS110
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

"Berates students, picks favorites, very patronizing and disdains non-music students." Completely True. This professor is condescending and completely unclear in class and has extraordinarily high expectations. Avoid if possible.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: MUS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Very sharp.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: MUS201
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

The Music Theory Track includes 201, 202, and 303. These courses pretty much took over my life -- I wish I could have given them more time. If you do anything VISIT MAURO IN HIS OFFICE HOURS!!! This is almost as important as attending class. Having him look over your work will do wonders for not only your learning, but also for your grade!

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: MUS201
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

He's fun, if your idea of fun is having your work covered in red ink. Very tough, even critical, but very good.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: MUS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Easy if you have a musical background.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: MUS201
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Berates students, picks favorites, very patronizing and disdains non-music students.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: MUS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Unlike most students, I did not find him particularly funny. I did well in the class only because I had music experience, but I learned a pretty good bit. Would recommend to someone who knows something about music already.

Rating # 15

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

An incredible class - one of the best I've taken at Davidson. Dr. Botelho has an amazing sense of humor, and really knows his stuff. Highly recommended.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: MUS241
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

He kind of reads straight from his notes in lectures but he has powerpoint presentations every day which is very helpful. The class is very easy except for the 4 listening tests (You have to be able to recognize a bunch of weird Latin American songs). And you don't have to do the reading to get an A

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: MUS201
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Great guy - the class is tough, yes, but he's quite hilarious, and he'll certainly help you through tough spots.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: 101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Way too hard. Don't take it.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: MUS201
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Tough course for those without theory experience, even musicians. Great professor. Funny, understanding, helpful - be sure to drop by during office hours. One of my favorite classes. You'll learn a ton.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: MUS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

A lot more work than I anticipated.