Raphael Atlas - Smith College, Northampton, MA

Professor: Raphael Atlas

Department: Music

College: Smith College, Northampton, MA

Rating # 1

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

Raphael is an adorable gem of a person. Take a class with him if you get the chance! He gives you class time to work on assignments so he can guide you along the way so you don't waste your time doing things wrong as well as goes over clearly and engagingly each concept with real-life examples in music(and not just classical!)

Rating # 2

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

Raphael is not only the best teacher I've ever had, but he is one of my favorite people ever. I also had him as my liberal arts advisor, and he is one of the nicest, most respectful people I have ever known. He took time out of his days to help me outside of class when he saw that I was struggling and needed it, and he wants to learn from you, too!

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: MUS110
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Hands down best professor I've ever had. I didn't do well in his class because music theory is not my strong suit, but I don't even care because it changed the way I experience music. Takes a few classes to get used to his quirks and teaching style but once you embrace it you'll never want anything else. Take any of his classes. It will be worth it

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: MUS110
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

extremely kind and warm. there's many professors i like, but raphael's one of the few whom i truly respect. his quirky enthusiasm was also infectious! though objectively, he's not the clearest lecturer, but he literally puts everything you need to know for hw/tests online, and the workload's very reasonable. he's also VERY chill about attendance.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: MUS210
• 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:

Taking Raphael's classes is one of the best decisions I have ever made. He is very knowledgable not to mention hilarious. I love music theory because of him. Take a class (or five) with him - you won't regret it!

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: MUS210
• 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:

Raphael is there for the students. He will go out of his way to make a personal connection and to help where help is needed. He wants to see his students succeed and love music! Extremely easy to talk to and work with. Highly recommended. TAKE HIS CLASSES!

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: MUS110
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He is a dedicated teacher and a kind soul.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: MUS110
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Charming, very funny, and obviously extremely knowledgeable in many subjects. I loved his class!

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: MUS110
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

There are many exceptional professors at Smith, but Raphael is certainly the best I've encountered so far. He is conscious of every student's needs and makes sure every participant in his class understands the material. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: MUS311
• 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:

Raphael is a wonderful professor (just don't call him Professor Atlas). He loves to teach his classes; everyone learns a great deal and develops necessary music skills. There is no textbook because he believes that students do not need to purchase a $100 book to learn the material--and he's right! Be prepared to print out a lot of sheet music.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: MUS210
• 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:

Love him. Even though the class wasn't structured, there was always something to learn and he was definitely always entertaining. He knows what he's talking about.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: MUS111
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He's a great guy but kind of hard to follow. I think he's really funny/nice but I am not sure I'm learning much.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: MUS210
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Rapahel puts on a show for his classes: without you knowing it, you learn a great deal. He's eccentric, personable, and brilliant. The unstructured aspect of this class is because he determines the pace of the class based upon students' needs. He is also willing to set-up appointments with those who need help or advice. Definitely, take this course

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: MUS212
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

ALL of Raphael's classes are absolutely incredible. He can write out symphonic scores from memory or play just about anything on the piano. His love for music is contagious. While it is sometimes hard to stay organized for his classes, every moment with him is enjoyable. he is always willing to help students outside of class. Incredible teacher!!

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: MUS110
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

A great professor. Ratlas knows his stuff. And loves it. It's incredibly apparent how much passion he has for music. You learn much, (provided you put in the effort as well) and have a great time learning it all. He's a marvelous professor and wonderful guy. Crazy, entertaining, and incredibly intelligent.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: MUS110
• 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:

I love Raphael. His class is not terribly structured, and that's a problem for some people, but he's very flexible and willing to respond to class and individual needs. And he's such an amazing person that taking class with him is definitely worthwhile.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: MUS110
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Brilliant, affable, approachable. An inspiration.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: MUSIC110
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Awesome teacher. Not a lot of homework, until end of semester, not many quizzes, I learned a lot though. He teaches from his mind, not a text book. You listen to music along with learning music theory. He made me want to major in music. Very understanding, and not a strict grader, very fair.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: MUS233
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

he tries too hard to be your friend, and ends up teaching nothing. he also isnt clear about assignments, and his grading is suspect too- very subjective.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: MUS110
• 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:

He's like an overgrown, hyperactive moth - never in one place for very long. Incredibly brilliant teacher - and kind, patient and funny!