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Gary Gackstatter is one of THEE most passionate teachers I've ever had. He actually cares about the course material and can make you care even if you don't. I loved his teaching style and highly recommend ANY of his courses.

Best teacher I've had in my life. I've learned more about history, philosophy, science, everything in this class. He puts it all together so that we understand what caused the music to sound like it does. Fun, fair, helpful, passionate. Life changing.

He is a great teacher, and worth taking. his tests are easy and he makes it that way on purpose, you don't need to attend class to pass the tests, but you need to be there for the reviews. Don't piss him off though because you will be able to tell during class. ALSO DON'T COME IN LATE TO HIS CLASS.. TRUST ME

Mr. Gackstatter said the first day of class that it was his job to make us want to come to class. He DID!! I loved this class and learned a lot. Great teacher. I disagree with the other student- Mr G always was kind to us when weather made several of us late, and it happened several times. He's fun, fair, and passionate. You will love this class.

This class is so much fun. I recommend it to everyone. Gackstatter is a great teacher.

Best class I took at Meramec! All I can say is: TAKE THIS CLASS! Gackstatter is passionate and makes normally boring stuff exciting!!

I am offended by the comments by the student below. Mr G is the most passionate teacher I have ever had, is professional in every way, and I have learned more in his class than any. He is always helpful to any and all students. Whoever wrote that last review is completely wrong.

Cool Class! Cool teacher! Learned more in one semester than I have in many years. G is a passionate guy and I looked forward to class every day

I love this class so far. We've been in Prehistoric Music for the last 3 sessions and I'm learning a lot. I would like to correct the last student's remarks- He just played us some cool stuff the first 2 sessions of class. I enjoyed all of it and so did most of the class.

This class was great he could learn from some other professors though when it comes to teaching a lecture....I didn't really enjoy his style of teaching. He's a great guy though!!

I learned more in one semester than I did all through high school! Gackstatter blends culture, history, and music together and it's a lot of fun too. Highly recommend this class!

Gives answers to all tests the week before.

Great class! Gackstatter takes the time to review and you will learn a massive amount about music and history. Fun class and very enjoyable. Makes you think!

Gary is a great teacher! Show up to class and you will leave with an A. He offeres alot of extra credit. He makes class fun. He tells you what you need to know for every test. Bring your book to class.

Finally a teacher who cares more about the knowledge in your head than the words on your paper! This guy is fantastic. Best teacher I ever had. There are no tricks, nothing harder than it has to be. He just really wants you to learn and have fun. Very willing to help all the time, but guaranteed if you go to class, you won't need it.

TAKE THIS CLASS!! His classes were the reason why I went to school sometimes! I didnt feel like going to any of my other classes but I would look forward to his!! He cares about you actually remembering the info. He gives you the answers to the test! Literally! Hes a joy to be around and an all around talented man! Take this class if you can*ENJOY*

Gary is extremely kind and caring when it comes to all of his students. He inspired me to continue my love of playing my instrument, and I enjoy most of the music. He's also pretty funny, for these who haven't had a class with him, I highly recommend taking one of his classes!

Fascinating class. Passionate teacher! I took this very seriously and learned more than I've learned in any class so far.

This is the best class I've ever taken at STLCC. Passionate teacher who cares for each student. The music is great and I've learned a LOT. TAKE THIS CLASS!!!

Most helpful teacher I've had at STLCC. I want to take this class again!!

Gary is very interested in involved in music and super knowledgeable. He teaches with passion. Gives you the listening examples of tests in class. Doesn't tolerate people who come in late. Be sure to come on review days and you will be set. Very laid-back class.

I can't decide weather this class or Oral Communications was easier. Either way they are both a cake walk. Gackstatter is a good guy, a little arrogant (like most musicians), but overall nice. The class is interesting enough and it is a very easy A.

Take this class. I've learned more in the class than I ever have in any other. Great teacher! Knows his stuff, makes it fun and interesting

super cool! Came into the class with a "this is going to be boring" mentality. But once you get past the first few chapters (Baroque, Classical...) it's super interesting! His tests are TF, MC, Essay (which he gives exact essays ahead of time) and then listening portion (which you listen to day before test) just study you'll do fine!

He is absolutely wonderful. Has so much soul and loves music. I would honestly take any class he teaches.

LOVED! He can be tough on you personally, but there is no way you will get less than an A if you go to class and pay attention. I learned a lot and enjoyed it throughly.

Gary seems like a nice guy. He loves music but the class is long and boring. If you come to class and put a little effort in you will get an A. Don't come late, look at your phone, or lay on the desk because he will point you out and put you on the spot. I was very happy when this class was over.

He has very insightful lectures about the background stories of musicians. But he can't stand people's attention being on others. He WILL point YOU out if you are late, looking at your phone, talking when not asked to; Things you shouldn't be doing, but he should deduct points instead. It was frustrating that most classes he would call someone out.

Gary Gacksatter is wonderful! So funny and I love music, so that made the class even more enjoyable. He sometimes "picks on" students who stand out, but it is all in good fun. People need to be less serious and take a joke--in my class, everybody absolutely loved him. Very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject.

Hes definitely Different. But man does he have passion for what he does. G really knows his stuff. Be sure to be on time for his class, and be actively listening in class. He will point you out if you arent doing so.

Funny, caring, very interesting lectures! Learned a LOT! Mr G really bent over backwards to help me.

I have learned SO MUCH about music! G's approach is to get us to meet each piece of music like we would meet a new person. He's passionate, yet laid back enough to cause me to want to come to class to see what will happen. Didn't think I would be interested in a lot of the music, but I AM! Take the class, folks, you'll love it.

You have to take his MUS114 class! It's enjoyable, you learn so much. This is probably the most amazing class I've ever taken and I'm not even a music major!

I just finished the semester and wish I could take this class again and again. Every day was amazing. Connecting to music in ways I never thought were possible. Fun class as well, inspiring, makes you think. Very cool.

Mr. Gackstatter is a very unique man with a passionate talent for teaching music appreciation and conducting the orchestra. He is very knowledgeable and lectures on the personal and professional lives of all composers. He presents all varieties of music to his classes. I love music and would take the class again.

Gary will forever be my favorite professor. He is the most down to Earth man I have ever met and is extremely passionate about what he does. He is a very easy grader, you will rarely have any assignments. 99% of your grade is attending the class, he is trying to remove all other work for his students. As long as you show up, you will pass with A+.

The student that left the "awful" review was probably talking during the lecture or on his/her phone when repeatedly asked not to. This class is a life-changer!

This class brought together all the history, art and culture classes I had taken in high school. I learned a LOT about music, composers and history. Enjoyable class with not too much homework.

I would definitely take this class again and again! Mr G makes it interesting and fun. I learned so much about music!

The lectures are life changing

I have been exposed to music that I didn't know existed! LOTS of it! Mr G is excellent.

Best class I took at Meramec...

I would take this class over and over again. I learned so much. Best class I ever took.

Take this class!!

Awesome class, awesome teacher... one of the best at STLCC

Mr G is a very unique teacher with a passion for music. You will learn and experience a lot in this class. I highly recommend you take it!!

Great class. Great teacher....

Inspiring class, learned a LOT

Enjoyable every day.

Halfway through the semester and I've learned more in this class than I have in other. Really opens my mind to the unlimited power of music

Gary Gackstatter is truly an inspirational teacher if you listen and appreciate to what he has to say. You can tell he is very passionate about music and life in general. He doesn't lecture, he preaches.

I LOVE this class and have learned so much!!! TAKE THIS CLASS!!!!

BEST CLASS I EVER TOOK

Mr G is the best teacher I have ever had

If you love music, you will LOVE this class. I have learned more in this class than all the others combined!!

Mr. G has helped me. I have been through a lot this semester and he is always willing to help. He understands. I have never had an instructor so caring.

I am telling you the truth. Mr Gackstatter is one of the best teachers I have ever had.

If you flunk this class, it is entirely your own fault. Mr. G bend helps, encourages, and CARES!!! Since a large part of our grade is attendance, I have really learned a lot, and Mr G makes it all a enjoyable experience.

WOW! Take this class!!!

This class isn't just about Music. It's about life itself. Take it!!!

Awesome!

Mr. G really helped me get through a difficult time. There are a lot of students in all this classes, but everyone gets all the help they need. You really get a lot out of this class and hear/understand music

Music, music, music!!! Take this class!!!

We all come to music with our own set of what we like and what we don't, but this class expands not only your choices of music but also ties in culture and history like I've never experienced it. I learned so much! Take this class!

Inspiring every day. Makes you think.

I've never taken a class like this!! So much I didn't know about music! Mr G makes all the classes I've taken come together. It's cool!

Attendance is key because that is literally the majority in grading criteria for this class. You don't have to do much, just lean back and listen to music. No background knowledge needed. Couple essay assignments of reviewing the composers which are easy. I got to learn a lot and enjoyed taking it. The only setback is probably 95 dollar textbook

We had a long discussion at the first of the semester about testing and how it doesn't really work for music. You will get what you give this class, that's for sure. Show up, listen, understand, and the learning becomes your own, instead of memorizing a bunch crap for a test that you'll forget.

Mind blown every class!

A lot of what you get out of this class is what you put into it. I learned SO MUCH and have found lots of new music to listen to! This is a class I looked forward to every session!! NOT LIKE OTHER COLLEGE CLASSES!!

Great class. I didn't much about music, so this class is great. Mr G helped me a lot!

It's great to be treated like an adult in class, although there are some students in there that think they're still in high school. Gackstatter is so passionate and makes even medieval music interesting.

Gackstatter really has a passion for what he teaches. He is an amazing teacher and will go over so many things in his lectures while also providing video and musical aides. He mostly grades based on who shows up and a handful of assignments that are very short and sweet. Many take this class for an easy a, but it can be pretty inspiring to be there

Gary is a fantastic professor. If you enjoy music, you'll enjoy his class. The biggest grade is attendance, so if you skip a lot, you won't do well. Otherwise, the "essays" are super easy, and it's nice to sit back, relax, and listen to his lectures. He was also very accommodating of the switch to online due to COVID-19.

Even virtual, this class is amazing. I'm learning about music but I'm also learning about history- a first! All those tests I took in hs are now part of a big picture with music from all over the world!

Course was cool & he made it interesting. I took it online Fall 2020. There were no big tests, only 10 question quizzes at the end of each chapter (answers are in the workbook). The final project was pretty easy if you did it throughout the semester like he tells you to. Extra credit is usually simple things that are worth it. Great professor!

Inspiring every day. I have learned so much about history, music, life. Take this class!

Mr. Gackstatter is a professor you will always remember, trust me on that. I took this class thinking it was going to be another boring music class, but oh my, was I wrong. I was able to learn so much more than just music. His passion for music combined with the way he teaches makes class so much fun. I definitely recommend taking a class with him!

I think I know the student who left the previous comment. He does this all the time. He puts in no work, hardly ever shows up, then tries to get the prof to feel sorry for him. When he doesn't get his way, he puts these completely false reviews on here. I've taken several of his classes. He has never shown anger to anyone at anytime in any class.

SO FUNNY. Really nice. Don't get on his bad side though. He is really passionate about music. Pay attention and come to class, a lot of your grade is over attendance. BUY THE TEXTBOOK.

Mr G if you read this, please know that this semester of class changed my life. Even when I was sick and had problems getting to school, you really went the extra mile to help me. The way you teach is so passionate and the way you treat everyone fairly is greatly appreciated. I learned more in one semester of your class than I have in years.

I have taken Music Appreciation, Beginning Guitar, and Music Fundamentals with Mr G. He is one of the best teachers I've had in my life. He truly cares about every student.

An amazing class! I've learned more about music than I ever dreamed! Mr G cares and is passionate. The learning is up to each student. I loved doing the exploring essays! So much fun!

This class was not just about music. It was also about the cultures that created the music from prehistoric up to modern. I gained a much better understanding of history and the way art and music reflect the cultural changes thoughout. And letting us do our own investigations of the composers was great! So much fun! TAKE THIS CLASS!

Do not get behind on the final project, you start working on it basically from the first week and if you get behind its a pain to do it all during finals week. You do need his textbook but see if you can get a used copy from someone its not worth the full price. There are a few quizzes but they are easy. You wont have to do much other then show up

I took his summer class and wow! This class will blow you away! Gary is by far the most passionate musician you will ever meet. You will discover so much music and perhaps even fall in love with it. And he is not only about music, but many of the topics that he discusses are very inspirational and will make you appreciate all of humanity!

Take this class! I've learned more about music and history than in my entire high school years! Mr G is a great teacher. Starts on time, lectures are amazing! Fair to all and helps anyone who asks! Not like any course I've ever taken!!

I have never taken a class like this one! I am learning so much, not because I'm forced to, but because it's just fun and so interesting

I've learned a lot from this class, it's should be an easy A if you take the final project seriously and a few quizzes. People may think that 16 weeks seems long but sometimes due dates are closer than they appear! Always manage your time wisely!

I wish it was possible to take this class over and over!

Really great class! But if you think you can walk in late, pull up your hoodie, and go to sleep, you should find a class that meets your needs. This is not for you!

This is lecture and listening based course, so if you want a spoon fed grade, take a different class. Mr. G inspires and makes you think.

Mr G was my favorite teacher of all my years in school. I took several of his classes and his passion for creativity inspired me to look at learning in a whole new way. If you want to be on your phone during lectures, please skip this course- or maybe try finding a school that will let you major in Phone.

Mr G bent over backwards to help me through a difficult time in my life. Anyone who came to him for help, got it. His class was the one I looked forward to every week and I miss it!! I learned more about music and history in this one semester than in all my previous classes combined. Mr G, if you read this, thank you!

Take this class! Mr. G's lectures are amazing, and you'll learn more about music and history than ever before. Just be ready to engage - no phones allowed! Unstuck ai was a huge help for study prep.