Daniel Ian Smith is a very nice guy - but he gives you a lot of out-of-class work (listening to/analyzing tunes). Just make sure you do it and he'll be okay. He doesn't freak if you don't though. He loves to get into detail.

He seems to really enjoy teaching, and is very animated in his teaching style. He seems to go at such a fast pace that you either listen, or take notes, but not both. Several times I missed stuff because I was doing one or the other. Very helpful in meeting during office hours.

Awesome Harmony teacher. He's very passionate about teaching everything, and always answers all your questions. I can't imagine a better mix or being a great teacher and a freaking awesome person.

I found David's classes to be very intense. He is very passionate about what he's teaching and knows his stuff. He is a very open minded and he is also a great player. The assigned work wasn't really overwhelming.

This guy is one of the best teachers I've had. He shows passion for his subject matter and it rubs off onto you when you're learning the material. He explains jazz harmony very clearly and simply, even though this is where the material begins to get comp

great man! altho a bit difficult to understand the stuff he talks about in the class most of the time. because everything goes by really really fast. if you ask alotta questions and goto his office hour alot, you'll learn much more than you can imagine.

Nasty ****in player. Great teacher. He's easy to get along with and goes out of his way to teach what you want to learn. I got so much extracurricular stuff from him in my first semester at school that I still haven't seen elsewhere after graduating.

Very enthusiastic, it was nice to have a teacher who likes to teach! Not uptight or close minded about music. Great sax player, too.

AWESOME!!! Loved his excitement about harmony. A genius. Willing to help you with ANYTHING outside of class. Great guy.

DIS will be THE single best teacher you've had at Berklee. Not only does he make sure each individual is caught up and doing well, but forces them to think so students have no choice but to learn. His distinctive voice and charming presence draw the class in making the potential hellish hour fly by. TAKE HIM!!!

****ing awesome guy. I love this dude he teaches everything soo well. Awesome sax player, i was so upset when i heard he dosen't teach Harmony 2 anymore i'm definetly taking him for harmony 3 and 4 no doubt :D

One of the best teachers I've had anywhere for anything. He loves to teach and gets you pumped about theory. When he teaches you something, it stays taught. Go see him play if you can, he's a fantastic player too!

Dan doesn't fool around. Always insightful, organized, passionate about music, tasteful, and wise. He never forgets a face or a name, and there is no doubt that he truly cares about the progress of his students. Dan also has the rare talent of making his classes therapeutic while illuminating concepts and aesthetics in music.

Big, loud, large personality. He loves music, especially standards, and he enjoys interacting with the class. I'd recommend him to anyone.

Amazing teacher, truly passionate about music as well as the progress of students. his method of teaching made the material seem simple for me.

AMAZING ! Passionate, clear, explains things always with a link to music, doesn't stay stuck to the paper but lets us listen... if you want a harmony teacher that actually teaches MUSIC, take him...

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Dan is a great teacher! He is a saxophone player, and if you are one too it def helps you understand how chord scales work with lots of diffrent things! Dan is very nice, and will help you when needed.

Well, he is generally a good teacher. He gives a lot of work tho. Reharmonization Techniques is a very challenging course... well, he makes it challenging. But he's a good teacher. I just don't feel that he is clear. He is thorough, but somehow not clear. I can't explain it. But he's good, but hard.

Had Harmony 3 with him. He's an incredible teacher. He's clear and to the point. Make listen music in class and brings practical examples of everything!!! Most important of all: he really want to understand and answer your questions.

Awesome teacher. Most of the assignments were to analyze real pieces of music rather than just using the text book. Very helpful after class and passionate about music. My favorite teacher at berklee so far.

Excellent teacher. Truly one of the best I've ever had. Makes material interesting and really has a passion for music and teaching. Highly recommended.

Excellent teacher! Makes learning fun. Tends to move fast but if you need help he is there. Explains things in a way that is clear and to the point. I make my schedule around taking his class.

AWESOME teacher. Honestly, best music theory teacher I've ever had. It's a tough course (duh, its harmony 4), but D.Smith really knows his stuff and is willing to help you get it. Not a ton of homework. Just, great teacher!!

Dan is the nicest teacher I've ever had at Berklee. If you go to his office hours he loves to help you with things you're struggling with. His love for music comes out in lectures which are filled with passion and sometimes chaos. He can be somewhat hard to follow at times.

Smith is excellent! I initally took him because the non-Berklee grads tend to be much better teachers than the Berklee grads (sorry, but it's true). He's hands-down the best teacher there. He's funny, engaging, and he really knows his stuff. Pay attention and you'll learn a ton from this guy. Be sure to ask him about traditional Japanese music too.

Dan is the BEST harmony teacher at Berklee, hands down! He's extremely passionate about music and teaching. His goals are to make sure you understand what is happening in the music. If harmony isn't one of your best classes then take it with him. He'll open your eyes to harmony!

one of the best teachers i have ever had, hands down. i would definitely recommend him for harmony. hes so passionate about what he is teaching, and he moved really fast, but if you dont understand him, he will always go back to help you.

One of the most inspirational teachers I have had in my life. He is very enthusiastic about the material, he is willing to come in on his days off to tutor his students, and makes the time go by so fast. I took him for harmony 2-4. I found that he grades on the progress of his students rather than just the numbers.

The best teacher I've ever had!!!!! If you know what you're doing, take this cats class. If not he will blaze past you. He gives ALOT of clear instruction but he gives it very quickly.

I LOVE, I LOVE, I LOVE! He inspires and encourages. You don't have to be afraid to ask stupid questions, as long as you show that you wanna learn - he'll teach you til you understand it all. My Favorite Professor!

TAKE DAN'S CLASSES! Amazing teacher who will inspire and challenge you. Great guy whose energy is infectious. He doesn't just teach you the required material, he gives you context and history and doesn't rest until you know it backwards and forwards.

Dan is a GREAT teacher! funny, charming guy who is very clear with what he's teaching. You do better if you have some background with Harmony already, but if you don't understand he will stop and start over. Such a nice guy. Lots of homework but if you understand the material it's really not a big deal.

Basically, he's analyzing music faster than computer in the appropriate way, with a deep explanation. His harmony class is not just about harmony. In his class, Music comes first. He could be tough if you don't have musical background, however he's not mean at all. His class is stronger than espresso. MUST TAKE HIS CLASS!

One of the best classes I've taken so far. Very clear, very logical, and very to the point. When you get into the class, you get to work. And, it's one of those classes where you can get as much as you want out of it-- he is very available and open to questions, and appreciates the good ones. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

Daniel Ian Smith is one of the best teachers I have ever had. His teaching style is one of the smoothest I've ever experienced. He challenges his students to think about why music happen, instead of just the mathematical theory that others teach. Loves the overtone series, and made me love it too. Take his class if possible. He's amazing!

Best Teacher ever@Berklee. Took his Harmony 2 class. Always "inspires" students w/ his great passion to music. Tries to make all students to participate into class w/clear explanation less use of txtbk. If u hav smthng uncleared, he will keep to make it clear in a various way. It has been a pleasure of mine to study with him, really. I Respect him.

Daniel Ian Smith is a great professor to learn from. He is very concise about applying theory to it's relevant use. Always leaves room for involvement & interaction during the lessons to include opening the floor w/ a great selection of music during attendance. If you want you're money's worth w/ the knowledge you seek, look no further!

I took harmony 2 Good teacher,understands students well but goes fast,but i guess that is true for any harmony class

The most difficult and exciting class I had in the Summer Semester. He goes fast to cover everything we have to, but for those slow he's always available even out his office hours. Great man, inspiring, make you really think in a musical and out-of-the-box way even on a boring subject as harmony. Take class with him!

HE's the best!! Very active person, he goes very fast, but I like it, he does not waste your time at all! Very interesting insights.

excelent

Can't say enough good about this guy. Had him for Harmony 2 first semester and for Advanced Harmonic Concepts later on. Walked out of class every day feeling inspired. Very clear and accommodating, but covers A LOT of stuff. He'll sometimes expect a lot from you, but only because he cares. Also one of the most genuine and kind teachers at Berklee.

I had daniel as a first semester for MAT. He was great! super helpful and easy going. He had a fun sense of humor. He teaches at a fast pace but makes you feel like you can succeed in the class. Take his classes!!

Phenomenal! Favorite professor! Can't explain all the reasons here. Clear, helpful, beyond knowledgeable, passionate, kind. He's a jazz player with a background in classical and jazz studies. I could talk to him four hours about jazz. Can't say enough about him.

He is the BEST teacher I've ever seen in my entire life. He gives great importance to you, and answers all of your questions no matter when or how much you ask. If you graduate from Berklee without getting to know him, it's a shame. He's funny, knowledgable, clear, positive, always smiling, and a great performer! I swear you're going to love him!

Daniel Smith is probably the most inspirational, interesting, and passionate teacher I've ever had. He's very helpful, and will always take time to help those who need it. I feel so far ahead of those at the same level that haven't taken his classes, since you move fast and remember what you learn in his class. Highly recommend!

Daniel is an AWESOME teacher. If you do your work and ask for help you will get it. If you don't do your work, don't show up to class, don't take notes, you won't pass the class. He is a stickler for attendance and accountability. He reads thru bogus excuses - beware! He is energized and loves playing music. Why don't more professors do this?

If you want a chill class and an easy A, Dan is NOT THE MAN FOR YOU. He's the guy you want to take if you're willing to bring in a positive learning attitude and progress at the speed of sound. He moves fast. Take him if you want to move fast.

Daniel is a nice person, but if you're not already great at harmony, his class is really difficult. He moves so quickly and doesn't spend any time reviewing. But if that's how you like to learn, you will enjoy his class.

Daniel's class is very in depth, and I learn a lot from him. He is always patient and humorous on class. His grade may be tough, but you won't get a bad grade if you put your effort into his class.

I love the course and the way he teaches! He has a great sense of humor and is extremely knowledgeable. He's not always on top of things. He'll sometimes be unclear about assignments, or he'll grade assignments then forget to hand them back.

Best Teacher in Berklee Focused, Clear, Great Passion in Teaching and Music Let you think in class Answer every question patiently Accept different opinions in HR Universe although he has his own theory Fair amount of HW with a lot of suggestions Sometimes late to class or cancel office hours but never let you learn nothing if he's teaching

This was my favorite professor during my first semester, he is amazing at teaching music. He will expect you to take notes but he won't waste your time, definitely recommend him

Have taken two classes with Daniel and he's one of my very favorite teachers at Berklee. He always plays great music, moves fast, presents interesting analyses and assigns super interesting assignments that he actually grades thoroughly and will really help your writing. No textbook but plenty hand outs.

He is one of the best teachers I have ever had. I am totally taking his class again. He will make harmony fun for you and at the same time he will never make music only about theory. Sudden inspirational speeches, funny jokes and the widest smile!! He is always ready to help and will make you love harmony even if you hate it.

Daniel Smith is such an amazing teacher! He takes serious time with students projects, reviewing and playing them (not in class but you can tell by the amount of feedback) He really cares...! Very inspirational, can be a though grader but it didn't feel like it because he makes you WANT to work hard every week! Would take absolutely any class w/him

INCREDIBLE teacher. He goes really fast cause he is SO smart, which made it hard for someone who didn't thrive at HAR 1 or 2. Reminded me that music is more than a math equation: he trains your ears and challenges your mind. Really clear lectures, he's nice, caring & gave up a couple of his Saturday mornings to come and help us out before exams.

One of the most inspiring teachers I've had at Berklee. He manages to make harmony fun, how weird is that? Really seems like he cares a lot about the students in the classes, and makes sure to check if people are getting what hes saying. He starts class every time by showing us new music, which is great as well. 10/10

he is the best teacher ever... really.

incredible teacher. i look forward to that hour so much! yes it's fast paced but only because there is so much material to cover and people have a lot of catching up to do, and if you need extra help because it's too fast all you have to do is make the effort to get it from him and he will help you. he makes harmony my favorite class!

Dan is the best harmony teacher. He doesn't just make you analyze jazz tunes, but also Brazillian and some pop tunes (like Stevie Wonder). He is fast, but he'll make sure you understand everything before moving on. He makes you compose and analyze a lot. He's more like a friend to his students. Really funny and chill. Will definitely take him again

Daniel is really nice and great. He knows everything about Harmony. I have taken his classes from Harmony 3,4 and all electives what he teaches. It helps me a lot. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Dan is amazing. He makes sure class is really interactive and interesting the entire time. He's also super willing to go out of his way to meet to go over class work. The only thing is he teaches a lot based on real application, not for the tests. This is great for development but makes passing his tests hard. Funny guy though and great music

Dan is the man. Greatest harmony class I had. He takes the time of delving into your project/homework, picking up everything he can comment about.

One of the best teacher at Berklee, take him.

Dan is a great harmony teacher and Im really glad I took his class. He goes fast, but if you pay attention, youll learn a lot and do well in the class. He has a lot of interesting ideas and approaches and actually wants you to understand them. Theres also not that much homework, which is always nice. Im definitely taking him again next semester

So incredible. He doesn't use the textbook because he wants to use real-world examples. He teaches us everything by analyzing famous tunes. He always takes the theory to the music instead of it just being stuff on paper. Super nice guy and really wants to make sure you understand everything.

LOVE him! I was so lucky to have gotten him for HR 3 in my first semester. You'd have sooo much fun studying harmony. He demonstrates on the piano (really well), so you'd be able to link the concepts with your ear. He may tend to go a bit fast but that's really no biggie - just raise your hand to ask/clarify/slow him down! He's super friendly.

He's a REAL one. This class is amazing, probably my favourite class in Berklee so far. Opened my mind to the vast world of harmonic possibilities; takes theory and goes beyond to push the envelope of choices. For harmony to become so liberating (with responsibility and purpose) is such a blessing, and I thank Daniel!

AMAZING prof. Very knowledgeable and very engaging. Very kind and cares about his students. Accommodates all questions/confusion about a topic! You can tell he loves to teach this stuff. Sometimes gets lost in topics and glosses over things that come up in tests, but overall takeaway is WELL worth any minor complaints. Will take his class again!

GOAT harmony teacher. Had him for Harmony 4 which was a lot of work, but the man has the material down to a science and makes you want to learn. Awesome class and professor.

He is sooooo good..

I really enjoyed taking his class. He was really inspirational and he explained the stuff really well.

no homework and actually no explanation to test or stuff. really kind and funny man, really inspirational and gave us a lot of tunes to help us understand the concept. he works really fast. it is a really helpful class on writing music.

Daniel Ian Smith is a charismatic professor and always keeps the class entertained and engaged. You're never bored in his lectures, and he'll always answer your questions thoroughly and clearly. Highly recommend.

One of the sweetest professors I have had so far at Berklee. The lectures are engaging but also pretty fast paced, however, he will slow down and discuss something if you ask. He is a great sax player as well and seems to have had a meaningful impact on a lot of students. Not too much homework and only a few tests. Would take him again for sure.

He does his best to explain lecture so students can fully understand and he answer questions well.

Best Harmony Teacher in Berklee, Take him. I have taken his class for two years!

Prof. Smith is without a doubt the best teacher I had in my first semester at Berklee. I left every class feeling inspired. He explains concepts so clearly and in a practical way and opens your mind to new concepts. Also a hilarious guy and super nice. Awesome harmony teacher.

The best harmony professor at Berklee

Daniel is so awesome! It pains me writing this because every good review makes it so much harder to get him during registration LOL. Honestly the best harmony professor I've had at Berklee. He explains concepts in a very understandable way, and is always willing to answer questions.

Daniel is a great teacher, inspirational and dedicated, especially if he sees your interest in learning. He goes fast but as an elective course, it is expected for you to have some solid harmonic background. Daniel expects to have hungry students in the class, but will not check if you are or not. It is a great class, with lots to digest :)

Best lesson I had in Berklee, Dan is an incredible professor

Just graduated from Berklee and was thinking back on my time here. Truly I believe Daniel is the best core music teacher in the entire school. What an incredibly kind and caring human being who taught harmony amazingly. No harmony teacher ever made harmony as fun and understandable as him.

I'm taking his HR4 intensive, which is truly intense. His class will offer students more knowledge about harmony as long as they can catch up with him. I'll recommend taking his class if you are proficient in core music classes or this class can be extremely challenging.

He is the BEST harmony professor in the school. Take him if you actually love harmony. Pay full attention in class and you will be SOLID in harmony. I took harmony 3 and 4 with him my collegues always come to me when they have problems in harmony.

His 1st time teaching this course, I'm no great writer and the class was difficult. But doing all the assignments he gave it made me better I can tell. His teaching is less teaching and more guidance, sometimes you can feel sorta on your own but if you try to do what he asks you'll end up a better writer. Nice guy too.

Daniel is the most kind and humorous teacher who always brings positive energy and a whole lot of knowledge in his lectures. I always come out of class inspired because he is sincerely passionate about what he teaches, and was always the most accessible with office hours. ABSOLUTELY take him if you want to improve and learn!!

I took his HR 3 entering class, and I initially struggled to keep up, but he was very helpful in office hours. He moves at a brisk pace and can be a bit disorganized, but he is very patient if you're confused as long as you pay attention, ask for help, and try your best. I was never bored in his class, as he always keeps the class engaged.

Professor Smith's HARM4 class was challenging but rewarding. His lectures were fast-paced, so having resources like the textbook and tools like unstuck ai were essential for keeping up. Overall, a great harmony teacher who made the subject engaging.

He is extremely smart, charismatic, and passionate. This might sound strange but I found myself wishing that there was more homework because the material in H4Intensive was quite dense. Few grades. Encourages outside the box thinking w/r/t/ topics.