David Damschroder - University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN

Professor: David Damschroder

Department: Music

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: MUS3501
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

A complete diva. Dont pull out any pencils in class or hell start yelling his head off. Really strange person to be around as well, somehow has a way of making you very uncomfortable if he gets anywhere near you. Also teaches an analysis system thats not followed by any other theory courses anywhere. Sophomore theory students, beware.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: MUS3501
• Grade Received: B-
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

He uses a system of Analysis that is not tough or accepted anywhere else, making the class obsolete if you are planning to go to grad school. In lecture we spent 4/5ths of the time going over the homework, not learning the concepts that he is testing us on. Before the first test we only did part writing, the exam was only Analysis.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: MUS350111
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Worst teacher I've ever had! His new system is just a paraphrase of the old one with a lot of inconsistencies! Each time he gives a different explanation for the same concept. All he teaches is surge, 5-6 shift.....

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: MUS3510
• 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:

Very interesting man. I enjoy having my theory 3 lectures and it wakes me up in the morning. He can be strict and is s tough grader but that's college so I was expecting it. Highly recommended!!

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: MUS350111
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Very quirky and fun, especially on smaller class days. Very strict but grading isn't too bad. Teaches theory based on Schenker, which means less work but a whole new system to learn. Teaches FAST and he demands for your respect or calls you out so pay attention. As long as you pay attention and take good notes, you're set.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: MUS3502
• 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:

After reading reviews and his syllabus I was preparing for a semester of hell. Fortunately it was quick the opposite. Yes, I spent nights lying on the floor laughing in delirium after attempting homework for over three hours, but that's just part of all music theory in my experience. Class was hilarious at times, understandable, and enjoyable.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: MUS3502
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Prof Damschroder is brilliant. Finally...a professor who distinguishes the dedicated students from the slackers, and who upholds the academia that should be the tradition of the school.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: MUS4504
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Very tough course, but since DD has taught it for 30 years he is an expert. However, don't ever dare to disagree with him or your grade will go down the tank (personal experience). At the end I learned a lot, but he grades so that very minimal students get As and lots do not pass.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: MUS5000
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I got nothing out of his class and he is mean. To be fair, I have no doubt that he is a brilliant man.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: MUS1001
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Comes across as pompous, but if you work hard, you can get an A in the class. He also made comments on a few of the girls' hair on the first day... If you are having a lot of trouble with a concept, ask a student who knows their stuff rather than him; chances are you'll get a clearer explanation.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: THEORY
• 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:

Outstanding theory teacher. It's not a hard class if you put in the effort, and you get to learn from a man who is extremely passionate and knowledgable about the subject.

Rating # 12

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

This guy definitely knows his music. He talks about the "Tonal Highway. Big whoop! It is true that what he taught and what his TA's taught differed at times but I preferred the TA's. During my time in the music program, I saw him make three students cry within a four month period. I've also seen him give "A students" the day off. Very rude man.

Rating # 13

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

Dr. Damschroder is a brilliant researcher, having written several books. Wow...what a concept...going to college and studying a book!! Why don't you try that instead of complaining about one of the best faculty members on campus?!

Rating # 14

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

This guy needs to find another job. He was cruel and was never sure what he was doing. I thiink he would be better as just a researcher.

Rating # 15

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

I'm not surprised to see that other students have given Damschroder abysmal ratings; he comes across as a mean, fussy tyrant. On the other hand, he is extremely well organized, enthusiastic about theory, helpful when respectfully approached and crystal-clear in his instruction. I learned a tremendous amount from him and remain grateful.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: UNDERGRTHEORY
• 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:

I had Dr. Damschroeder for the prof/overseer of my undergrad theory sequence, and I only wish I had known what I know now after grad school. I learned so little from this sequence, largely because of the inconsistency between what the prof taught and what the TAs were told; the same question asked three times would receive three different answers.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: MUSICTHEORY
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

In all my years of school, from pre- and up, this is the worst teacher I've ever had, both in clarity and in care of students. He himself states that the goal of theory and ear training is to "weed out" those not "chosen" for the world of music. Avoid him at all costs, but if you must take his class, form a strong study group.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: MUS1001
• 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:

No Comments

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: MUS8582
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

This guy is a musical nazi. Believes he holds the key to musical Truth and it is his job to weed out those who unworthy to be members of the club. Knows his subject (which is primarily tonal theory and Schenkerian analysis) but he is dangerous.